Manchester Punk Festival Releases 38th Compilation
Manchester Punk Festival have released the 38th volume of their compilation series ahead of this year’s festival. Manchester Punk Festival Vol. 38 is…
Tranquilliser - Guesswork Records
From the ashes, words that ring somewhat when you think of Imperial Wax, but truth is, there wasn’t any ashes, just a band that had had its heart ripped out, from this the phoenix arose in the form of a band that plays music that not only has its own style, but also embodies what The Fall became to be, a mix of styles and genres and a sense of its own self worth. To say goodbye to a great in Mark E Smith can never be easy, but to then carry on and make music that I’m sure he would be proud of, well what more could you ask.
Heading off into this tale of many sounds, first up is the first release from the album ‘Less I Need’, a track thats brings together some alternative rock, garage and of course punk, but with a twist that gives it a whole new life. Having a production that embraces the rough edges is something that works amazingly too. ‘No Control’ is the next example on this album of just how diverse the sound of Imperial Wax is and how they delve into all the knowledge they have picked up over many years of playing in other bands.
If an album of any kind should do one thing, its to give your imagination something more than a kick up the brain cells, its job should also be to entertain, this band have an uncanny way of doing both without you even realising it, combinations of styles come thick and fast, and your pretty well given a full head fuck too. ‘Burning In The Water’ is a stand out, ‘Tranquilliser’ with its catchy opening has you at the word go, ‘Post Lobotomy’ drives along like a car crash waiting happen, and the back to basics punk banger ‘Midas Touch’ gives you just what you need. If there was one thing that lets this album down a little, it has to be the last few tracks, somehow they just don’t live up to what came before, this maybe only a personal thing, and maybe they will grow, but hey its not a reason not to go buy this piece of musical wonder.
Music of a generation or three all wrapped up in one album, what not to like here.
Out Feb 9th via the bands own label Guessworks Records
Go listen and buy HERE
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