Album Review: The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing – Double Negative

The Victorian themed self styled anachro punks The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing are set to release their fourth album, Double Negative, on the 9th March. Much of Double Negative deals with dark and often disturbing side of the UK’s empire past, ranging from body snatching, the murder of unwanted children, the bizarre attitude and indulgence of the behaviour of royalty, the grotesque nature of some elements of popular culture and child labour, but this is subject matter also raises questions about modern society and it does make you question just how much has changed. 

The opening track Supply And Demand channels a Victorian incarnation of the Anti Nowhere League and the album continues to mine the early UK punk scene for inspiration, but Double Negative is also an album that becomes more diverse as you venture deeper into it’s dark alleyways. My personal highlight is Obscene Fucking Machine, a song about the activities of the obese and depraved Prince Bertie, but there isn’t a weak track on an album that is easily The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing‘s most overtly punk album to date, but there are also elements from the noisier end of the indie scene, as well as post punk and metal influences to be found within their sound.

The steampunk quartet are now into their tenth year and are formed from the ashes of many bands, including the much missed oufits Creaming Jesus and The Lords Of The New Church, and the band has overcome numerous obstacles, both individually and as a unit, to reach this landmark. The bands association with the Victorian era and their association with the steampunk culture remain securely in place, with even the band’s name is steeped in the folklore around Jack The Ripper, and Double Negative is an album that also contains wonderfully dark vicious humour. Whilst this is an album that would seem to lurk in the dark corners of the past, there are obvious parallels to many issues that are facing society at the moment.

Double Negative can be pre-ordered via The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing‘s official website can be found here