Album Review: Adulkt Life – Book Of Curses

Like a phoenix from the ashes or a resurrection of a god, well not exactly either, but Chris Rowley from the short lived but influential Huggy Bear 90’s punk band has arisen once more, after 20 plus years in the wilderness he’s back with Adulkt Life, a no less angsty version of a band, but with more considered lyrics and a huge slab of poetry too boot.

Chris has joined up with John Arthur Webb, bassist Kevin Hendrick and drummer Sonny Barrett to bring this grown up, mellowed maybe? Slick sounding punk/jazz/art to the masses of fans who await something interesting to take the edge of a these difficult times.

With songs that shout, scratch, buzz, thump and most importantly roll along cleverly wrapped in a sugar coating of eclectic styles, Sonny brings something extra to the sound that is always interesting and the bass playing of Kevin glues the  Guitar and vocals together.  

‘Country Pride’ is a song that encapsulates from the off what your’e set to expect from the entire album, songs that never sit still in genre, songs that have so much to say, so much to shout about as an adult/father with a new perspective on the happenings around them. 

‘Jnr Showtime’ & ‘Whistle Country’ both with messages that connect, child abuse and speaking up for those are unable, have all the punk rage still there in spades, both musically and vocally giving their all to the cause. 

Trawling through this album, it does become apparent that even though it might seem possible to mellow with age, actually the rage of injustice can still not be bottled up for too long, or else it might consume you.  

‘Flipper’ might be a nod to the band of the same name, ‘Chris K’ definitely show reverence to Nation Of Ulysess, both showing the effect that bands might have on your life and music.  

Another three songs full of all that is great about being unafraid to not walk the line, lead to what might be the core of the ethos behind the whole thought process behind the album, Future!  ‘Curfew’ What lies ahead, what is out there for the kids to fight for? Or will there always be a fight to be had and how does it feel as a parent to know your kids are now what you were.

An album of surprise, an album of true individuality.

Out 6th November via Whats Your Rapture?

Find the album on the bands BANDCAMP page.