Single Review: The Godfathers – I’m Not Your Slave / Wild And Free

The Godfathers are set to return with a double A side single, ‘I’m Not Your Slave‘ / ‘Wild And Free‘, that will be self released on the 17th June, it’s no coincidence that the release ties in with the band’s 35th anniversary celebrations, and marks the date when the original line-up of The Godfathers played their first gig together at London’s The Embassy Club back in 1985. Both of the new tracks on their latest release were recorded immediately prior to lockdown in the UK, although both tracks were composed late last year the defiant attitude of the two songs on offer sits perfectly with current events.

Before we head in it’s worth noting that the current incarnation of The Godfathers is a very different beast to that of thirty five years ago, lead singer & founder member Peter Coyne is now joined by guitarist Richie Simpson & drummer Billy Duncanson, both previously members of Heavy Drapes & Baby’s Got A Gun, bassist Jon Priestley, formerly of The Damned, and guitarist Wayne Vermaak. As a slightly jaded veteran of the punk scene, one who remembers the first incarnation of the The Godfathers, and their flurry of memorable albums in the mid to late 80’s, I always approach a return with an almost entirely new line up with a degree of trepidation, were my fears warranted? the short answer is no.

The stamping drum beat and gang vocals of ‘I’m Not Your Slave‘ indicates The Godfathers are back to what they do best, the track captures the attitude of ‘I Want Everything‘ and ‘Birth School Work Death‘ but without sounding like a band that are trying to recreate past glories. On the flip side you get ‘Wild And Free‘, a track that blends The Godfathers style with a raw Stooges-esque delivery. For now The Godfathers celebrations are limited to the release of new material, but they will hopefully return to the road in 2021 with a planned world tour to promote the release of the new and as yet untitled upcoming studio album. It seems The Godfathers are still making you an offer you can’t, and shouldn’t, refuse.

‘I’m Not Your Slave‘ / ‘Wild And Free‘ can be pre-ordered via The Godfathers here