One glance at the album cover and you already know exactly what kind of ride you’re in for. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse staring back at you, track titles like “No One’s Innocent,” “Hang ’Em All High,” and the gloriously unfiltered “Young Dumb and Full of Cum,” plus those doomsday church bells ringing in the intro — Brand New Age aren’t here to brighten your day. They’re here to tell the truth, whether you’re ready for it or not.
Musically, this is proper gritty street punk with a strong Oi! backbone. While they’d probably call themselves an Oi! band first and foremost — and that classic Oi! spirit is definitely alive and kicking in the choruses and attitude — they stir in plenty of raw punk rock energy that keeps things exciting. It’s the kind of sound that feels like it was forged in back alleys and football terraces: rough around the edges, loud, and full of working-class fire.
The production is deliberately raw and aggressive, bordering on chaotic at times. It makes the whole thing feel urgent and real. And then there’s the singer — the man sounds like he’s been gargling gravel and broken glass for breakfast every day for the last ten years. It’s a voice that could strip paint, but damn if it doesn’t fit this music perfectly. Every raspy shout and snarled line drips with conviction.
Standout tracks like “Hang ’Em All High” and “You Call Us Scum” hit especially hard. They’ve got that anthemic quality that makes you want to shout along after just a couple of listens, and the songwriting throughout is tight and purposeful. Brand New Age clearly know their roots, and they deliver a solid, no-nonsense record that stays true to the spirit of the genre.
For anyone who already loves the rougher, rowdier side of punk — fans of The Business, Cock Sparrer, and the like — this is exactly the kind of album that deserves to be cranked up loud. It might not replace your all-time classics, but it sits comfortably alongside them as a proper kick up the arse of a record.
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