Pookout Records – 04 Feb 2022
Ska-punk outfit Filthy Militia kick it up a notch on second EP.
Coping Mechanism is the latest EP released by London based ska-punk outfit Filthy Militia. The five track offering is grounded primarily in the uplifting, buoyant sonic approach of punk flecked ska whilst integrating moments of Balkan and more dub oriented inflections. Lyrically the tracks tread a balance between understandably pessimistic social commentary and a more hopeful invocation of possible unity. Such a methodology of counterpoint also informs the musical structure. These are tracks that largely work the balance between excitable skank-worthy rhythms and subdued breakdowns with dexterity.
“Another Day” opens the EP, with rapid fire drums and a forthright riff. It veers on sounding much heavier before the horns come in. Here, as across the whole EP, the transitions between sections are crisp. It's a decent opener that is slickly produced. The guitar tone feels voluminous, set against sharp staccato brass. A certain Less Than Jake sensibility is apparent, albeit with a more British vocal inflection.
“Beatdown” brings a dubby sounding sub bass aesthetic to proceedings. It's an intriguing addition to a song which allows the slower tempo to pick out delayed guitar stabs and slightly haunting vocalisations. The message moves from downbeat to defiant, ending on the assertion that, “they're never gonna stop us”. Fourth track “Land of the Dead” feels as though its designed to be sung to a muddied but effusive festival crowd. The brass coupled with the jaunty riff runs through undulating tempo changes, before landing on a Gypsy-punk inspired vocal section and riotous crescendo.
Things round off with a summery ska number, “Don't You Look Back”. It has a lazy lilting quality to it; a nice follow up to the rather more frenetic previous track. With its fond recollections of the ups and downs of friendship and the sometimes tumultuous ways in which they can unfold it is an upbeat, if somewhat whimsical closing number. Coping Mechanism is a fine showcase for the bands talents, light and jubilant in parts and brooding and insistent elsewhere. With this EP the quintet have kicked things up a notch. Festival season is just around the corner; I wouldn't be surprised if their name starts to crop up on a few line ups.