The Defects – 45 Minutes

The Defects originally formed in 1978 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, they originally split up in 1984, and aside from a one off reunion in 1996 they looked set to remain part of punk’s history, that is until in 2010 when they reformed and started gaining the momentum that originally eluded them in the late seventies and early eighties. They began playing festival appearances and gained prestigious support slots, with the likes of first wave veterans The Damned and Stiff Little Fingers, which led to them recording their first album in three decades, Politicophobia, and now we have 45 minutes, their latest offering.

Opening track Cut Of The Action starts with an ominous bass line that builds into solid guitar hook overlaid with samples. The album then launches into Rock N Roll Is Dead Tonight  and the tone of album appears to be set at defiant punk rock, or so you think, 45 Minutes takes a detour mid way through via the dub heavy Southall Roots before returning with their rebellious streak even further to the fore. It ends with the lengthy reggae drenched soundscape, All The Way Down, which eases you gently out of the album. The production on the album is delightfully bass heavy, reflecting the influence of dub and reggae on their sound, every note is crystal clear and the guitars sit just ever so slightly lower in the mix giving the album a truly distinctive sound.

The Defects encompass the spirit of the original punk movement, they have made an album that in no way sounds like it was made by a band that is approaching it’s 40th anniversary. 45 minutes, actually 48 minutes in length, is nine cuts of punk rock which are bookmarked with three outstanding, and unexpected, tracks that add depth to what would have been a good album, it is these tracks that elevate it to being a great album, and their finest release so far. The Defects clearly aren’t stuck in the past, they have managed to retain their original identity, and attitude, but have moved forward since their reformation. This is a striking contemporary punk album from a band who were there when it all started.

45 Minutes can be purchased directly from The Defects here