Graveyard Island
Hellcat, 2019
8/10
A young outfit from the UK who started in 2013 by playing covers during lunch break in school, these days Grade 2 are putting out records on the Hellcat label where Tim Armstrong is handling recording and producing duties.
“Tired Of It” starts the listen with a hard hitting yet ruggedly melodic approach that punk rock was built on, as sing-alongs and a kinetic rhythm section illuminate the anthem, and “Reality Is Calling” follows with thumping bass and crisp percussion in the blistering setting.
In the middle, “Murdertown” finds a memorable place to ride in the punk’n’roll vein with an infectious chorus, while “Don’t Look Back” plows ahead full throttle with fist pumpin’, pit friendly old school punk rock flavor.
Near the end, “Dover Street” brings the trio’s Oi! influences to the surface with some fine guitar solos, and “Monsters” continues the classic punk style with strong song craft. “On The Radar” finishes the listen with attitude and style in the gang vocal friendly and raw delivery.
Though Sid Ryan, Jack Chatfield, Jacob ‘Stix’ Hull may just be in their 20s, they play like seasoned vets on this 3rd album that’s full of political themes and raging, fluid, tuneful punk rock.
Travels well with: Harrington Saints- 1000 Pounds Of Oi!; Cock Sparrer- Forever