Rum Lad – I Am Him. He Is Me

After a tough few years, Rum Lad has decided to bow out, a big loss for punk, as few have made such a genuine impact. Where others claim working-class hardship, Rum Lad lives it, offering authenticity not seen since the much missed Angelic Upstarts frontman Mensi. Despite this being his final release, I Am Him. He Is Me earns my pick for Album of 2024. It’s his strongest work yet, carefully curated from a wealth of demo tracks that showcase the depth of his talent.

Up first is “Lies“, a searing critique of government gaslighting, exposing their blatant lies while remaining oblivious to how aware people have become. This is, in my opinion, the best punk track I’ve heard in decades, possibly since 1976. Next, “Pigs in Royal Clothing” is another standout track that could stand alongside any classic punk anthem. It’s a bold rejection of the rich elite dictating our lives. This is followed by “Dirty Girty“, powerful look at the struggles of working-class communities witnessing the fading of unity and hope, and “Silly Boy” that is aimed squarely at a hate-mongering figure with a fake name, along with others like him.

“Scars” is a rallying cry to resist division and the mental toll it takes where unity is key, appropriately this is followed up by “Where Are All the Voices?“: A call for more people to speak up as strength lies in our voices, and it’s never been needed more than now. “Punks Alive” is a sharp critique of privileged artists exploiting working-class struggles for credibility, a touchy subject for Rum Lad, but he makes his point loud and clear.

“Twenty Notes” is a clever commentary on politicians treating people’s lives like casino chips whilst “Council Estate Scum” proudly owns the label, one I’ve worn all my life, too. “Death Eaters Are Among Us” is a sharp comparison of greedy politicians to Harry Potter‘s Death Eaters, if the shoe fits, wear it. On “State of a Nation” the title says it all, an honest and unflinching look at the country. Finally, “We’re OK As We Are, Thanks” is a deeply personal favorite of Richie’s, written straight from the heart. This may be the last we hear of Rum Lad under this moniker, but fear not, this songwriting powerhouse isn’t slowing down. He’s now working on a new project under the name Reema Boys.