In the ever-evolving landscape of Oi! and street punk, few figures command as much respect as Greg Huff. The Vancouver-based vocalist and guitarist, renowned for his contributions to seminal acts such as Bishops Green, Alternate Action, Subway Thugs, Glory Stompers, and The Lancasters, has long been a cornerstone of the subgenre's raw, anthemic energy. With First Attack—his latest endeavor alongside bassist Noah Heath, drummer Matt Vogler, and guitarist Robert Foster (the latter two also known from The Enforcers)—Huff returns to the fray with No Escape, a debut album that distills decades of scene expertise into a potent, unyielding statement.
Released collaboratively by North America's Longshot Music and Europe's Mendeku Diskak, No Escape arrives amid high anticipation, bolstered by early Bandcamp teasers and a string of live debuts that have already generated buzz in punk circles. Stylistically, First Attack treads familiar yet invigorating ground, echoing the melancholic edge of Alternate Action and early Bishops Green while honing in on themes of societal resistance and personal detachment.
The eight tracks form a cohesive whole, blending aggressive Oi! with catchy, sing-along choruses. Opening with "Run You Down," the record establishes a gritty foundation, its driving riffs and rhythmic punch evoking the street-level defiance that defines the genre. This momentum carries through mid-album highlights like "Another Soldier" and "Enough," where the band's seasoned musicianship shines in tightly constructed arrangements that avoid excess.
The standout, however, is undeniably "On The Other Side"—an anthem of exceptional caliber, marked by soaring hooks and a poignant undercurrent that could easily rank among the year's finest punk compositions. Tracks such as "If You Say So" and "Pull It Over Your Eyes" follow suit, offering mid-tempo reflections laced with dark lyricism, while closers "We're The Victim" and "No Escape" deliver unflinching intensity without sacrificing melody.
Drawing from a lineage that includes influences like The Templars and Slugger, No Escape positions First Attack as a vital force in contemporary Oi!/punk. For enthusiasts of melodic yet raw street anthems, this debut not only honors Huff's legacy but propels it forward. In a scene often overshadowed by nostalgia, No Escape proves that veteran talent can still forge fresh paths.
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