Album Review: The Briefs – Platinum Rats

The Briefs have now been around for two decades, never mellowing or slowing down other than respect of actually recording anything, their new album is their first full length in over ten years, although the band have not been idle during their hiatus, the members have been keeping the punk flame burning in outfits such as Sharp Objects, The Cute Lepers and Suspect Parts, but now things have come full circle and The Briefs are back. The re-emergence of The Briefs from hibernation was announced by the release of a new single, Kid’s Laugh At You, that was issued last year via the Burger Records and Damaged Goods transatlantic hook up that has overseen the release of their long awaited new album, Platinum Rats.

The opening track, Bad Vibrations, hits you with some vintage punk rock, there is more than a nod in their sound towards the vintage UK punk scene and you can see why they accompanied The Damned on a recent US tour, the same kind of energy and ‘don’t give a fuck’ attitude that was evident in that band’s, along with the likes of Buzzcocks and The Dickies, early recordings is present throughout Platinum Rats, each of the twelve cuts carries an undeniable and infectious manic energy, especially the hyperactive tracks Nazi Disco and I Hate The World. There is no filler present on Platinum Rats, every song is a potential single and is the equal of the one that preceded it, in short this is punk rock perfection.

Had Platinum Rats been released in the late ’70’s this would be hailed a punk classic, but what’s four decades between friends? This is classic punk rock, it’s fun, fast and catchy as hell and it’s the best release I’ve heard so far this year. If you’re one of the older generation of punks feeling jaded about the scene then Platinum Rats will restore your faith, if you’re from the current generation then it will let you know exactly what you missed out on. Platinum Rats can be pre-ordered on CD and limited edition clear vinyl in Europe via Damaged Goods here and stateside it can be pre-ordered, with the added option of cassette, via Burger Records here

The Briefs website can be found here