Headsticks – Self Titled

Headsticks, an English folk punk band were formed from the ashes of several local folk bands of note have appeared with the aim of: …re-emerging into the folk-punk genre in a bid to blatantly say it like it is…..[with] strong emotions,firm beliefs and a raw passion fuse together the hard hitting lyrics and anthem like melodies.

An ambitious manifesto, and one which will be put to the test with the release of their 3-track self titled debut EP. Citing influences from a range of acts such as Frank Turner, Billy Bragg, The Clash and Dead Kennedys it was difficult to determine which end of the spectrum Headsticks would lean toward. The answer, as you may expect, is somewhere in the middle.

Flatline Town is an acoustic driven ode to life in dying communities, featuring poignant lyrics coupled with melodies that you can’t help but tap your foot or sing along to. Although it is an odd feeling finding yourself singing along to lyrics such as:

‘…In the land of hope and glory, through all these years of hurt, your messiah wears a sovereign ring and a knock off Burberry shirt…’

Are You Feeling Great, Britain? Isn’t quite as successful, almost as if it is trying too hard, but nonetheless contains interesting elements, both lyrically and musically and the play on words in songs title is intriguing. Paper Flowers ends the EP with a haunting tale of the children from poor and neglected families who are sent off to war and their struggles when they return home.

With such bleak lyrical themes, you could be forgiven for thinking this is a less than enjoyable listening experience, but the musicianship of the band shines through, providing an enthusiastic and energetic platform to for the band to deliver their message.

A full length is due later this year, and this EP serves as a great introduction to a new player in the folk punk scene.