Desperate Measures – Rinsed EP

Desperate Measures formed a world, and four decades, away in Christchurch, New Zealand, the original line up issued a solitary 7 inch single, the 1984 EP, before going their separate ways before they even reached the milestone of the title of their debut single. That might have been the end of the story, but after after some well received reunion shows just over a decade ago they have shifted locations to the UK and have become a fixture on the countries live circuit, and the band are now set to release their new EP, Rinsed.

After four decades it’s no surprise the band has changed, the current incarnation of the band features founder member and Vive Le Rock editor Eugene Butcher, former Glitterati and current Rich Ragany and The Digressions guitarist Gaff, Ricky McGuire (formerly of UK Subs and The Men They Couldn’t Hang) and former K-Line & Done Lying Down drummer James Sherry. Whilst the line up is almost unrecognisable, the band have stayed true to their original mission statement with their punk and garage roots proudly on display. However, with the Rinsed EP the band have evolved and now display a greater breadth of influences then ever before as Desperate Measures continue to move forward into their fifth decade

Like many recent releases Rinsed was recorded and written in lockdown, something that is reflected in the track listing, with the three brand new tracks on the first half, and the second half of the EP giving a respectful nod to their past. The first of the new tracks, Scars & Memories, certainly makes an impression as it invokes the spirit of The Lords Of The New Church and is delivered with the energy of the UK Subs in their prime. The Rich-Tual keeps faith with Desperate Measures defiant attitude and consolidates the band’s shift to a heavier rockier sound, something that is signed and sealed with the brooding Flowers At Your Door, a track that recalls the melodic side of Zodiac Mindwarp whilst keeping their gnarled punk edge intact.

After the new studio material we get two live (in the studio) recordings, a cover of Dave Berry’s 1964 track No Lip, that was famously covered by the Sex Pistols, and a new recording of Lost Angels, a track originally written by Eugene Butcher and the late Chris Sheehan (The Exponents / Babylon Zoo / The Sisters Of Mercy / The Starlings), the EP also includes the original 1988 demo of the track in tribute to the late guitarist. The Rinsed EP encapsulates the past and present of Desperate Measures and points towards a bright future for a band that have defied the odds to establish themselves on a new continent, and more importantly they have kept things fresh and inspiring rather than relying on past glories. Rinsed is Desperate Measures finest release to date, not many bands can claim that on the cusp of their fifth decade.

Rinsed is now available to pre-order on CD, Vinyl and digital formats via Bandcamp and Easy Action Records. Desperate Measures will also be accompanying The Professionals on a 13 date UK tour this October.