The King Blues - Punk & Poetry
Out Now
It’s been a tough road for The King Blues to get to this stage. Even ignoring their tough times living on the streets selling the Big Issue, problems within the band resulted in members leaving, including key-member Fruitbag.
With his departure came bitter shots at Itch, who was branded as a dictator in his own band who was more interested in selling records than sticking to his political punk roots.
Whilst Punk & Poetry broke into the UK Top 20 last week, Itch’s lyrics are just as relevant, honest and risky as ever, discussing everything from the government cuts and protests to pornographic videos and a cheap-shot at the BNP.
It’s done brilliant, although with a bit more polish than was apparent on The King Blues’ first two records. However, it’s still angry and aggressive from beginning to end, with Itch’s unmistakable vocals and phenomenal song-writing carrying Punk & Poetry.
Hardcore fans of the band will be delighted to know that flop-single 'Holiday' didn’t make the cut for the album. Even if it was of a good enough quality, it wouldn’t have fit in with the mood of this record.
Whereas past generations had punks like The Clash, Sex Pistols and, even later, NOFX, this generation can look to The King Blues for inspiration and relatable lyrics. Songs like 'The Future’s Not What It Used To Be', 'Set The World On Fire' and 'Shooting Fascists' provide a fantastic snapshot of public opinion over the last year or two.
The latter is a reminder to the BNP and EDL that 'your granddad didn’t vote for fascists, he shot them'. It’s blunt, but that’s The King Blues’ style, and they’ve not missed a beat since their last album.
Itch shows his love for women on a few songs, somehow creating a relevant, political love song with 'I Got You', and providing an ode to women on inspiring beat-poem '5 Bottles of Shampoo'.
The album ends on an absolute high with 'Does Anybody Care About Us' and 'Everything Happens For A Reason'. The latter is one of Itch’s most honest songs, and it almost feels like an invasion as we listen to him relating the story of the birth of his baby.
Sometimes, a song or album has the occasional moment that sends a shiver down your spine, and reminds you why music is so powerful.
Punk & Poetry is full of them, and it feels like an exciting journey through our streets. Again, The King Blues cross genres effortlessly, although they’ve made it hard for themselves.
Itch will be hard-pressed to write something this poignant, relevant and moving again, but we can all look forward to him trying.
Female First Alistair McGeorge