A pleasant request for a re-up won't be refused during December...
So if you've got that burning itch, don't hesitate!
Putting Out Fire With Gasoline
Zounds, an
anarchist peace punk band, unfortunately labelled as part of the Crass collective (Penny Rimbaud
produced their début EP, while Eve Libertine designed their sleeves) forswore
their mentors’ deliberately primitive noise punk style in favour of a much
cleaner, almost pop sound. Knowing this, it may surprise you that Zounds are unlike anything you've ever
heard before. They shared Crass’
political views, but their sound blended punk and new-wave and their lyrics
were much more subtle and haunting. They never appeared to be as angry but they
certainly were. It takes a different mindset to appreciate Zounds. Now that being said, can I honestly put The Curse of Zounds in the same
stylistic ballpark as many of the Factory
Records bands of the era?
Singer/songwriter Steve Lake's prominent basslines power
the songs in the familiar post-Joy
Division fashion, while Lawrence Wood and Nick Godwin's chunky guitar lines
skitter around in a style reminiscent of the Au Pairs and Gang of Four.
Lyrically provocative without descending into the usual cheap sloganeering,
Lake's lyrics are engaging and sometimes quite funny, while the music is sure
to appeal to any fan of British post-punk.
The cover art for The Curse Of Zounds has always
been one of my favourites. It helps to own it because you need to look at the
front side, then flip it over to the back. Simultaneously funny, smart and
relevant, and we haven't even started the album yet. The cover sets the scene for
the brilliance to come.
Why this album isn't regarded as an essential is beyond
me. If it were up to me, Zounds
would be the definitive anarcho band and The Curse Of Zounds a punk
classic. No matter who you are, whatever you listen to, The Curse Of Zounds
will speak to you in some way. It may make you cry, it may make you hate
everyone, but it will affect you. Punk doesn't get much better than this.