Day Off For The Conscience,
GashI like Gash. A lot of people don't. That's fair enough, but I think that the more of this fast melodic punk rock a la Lagwagon/NUFAN that comes out of the UK the better. This album was released a while ago, but seeing as they get practically sod all coverage I thought I'd put it in the spotlight for a few minutes of your internet time. While 'A Day Off For The Conscience' covers very little innovative ground musically, I do think it's a very, very good album.
'Tale From The Locker' kicks off proceedings, with a very NOFX-based riff. This is no bad thing, because I think NOFX are good. It's not derivative as such, because the scratchy vocals manage to add a distinctive air to all the songs. It's not as polished as its US contemporaries (perhaps obviously), but this lack of sheen contributes to the dirty edge of the album, especially on 'Contract Job' where there is a very real power behind the lyrics which is underpinned by the solid drumming and chunky-sounding guitars. The aggressive riffing continues throughout, with 'Game Plan' double-edged melodies managing to be both buoyant and crushing at the same time by mixing common harmonies and a chugging guitars and bass to classy effect.
This review might have given you the idea that Gash are a one-trick machine, churning out power chord-based chorus after power chord-based chorus. This theory will be blown out of the water on a single listen of this CD, as 'Highest Low Point' bursts into life with a riff that must need about 7 fingers to play (well, in comparison to the rest of it) and this slight variation on a common theme works wonders, even if it's not particularly innnovative on its own. Also, the calm and reflective 'Before Sunrise' is a positively charged ballad replete with standard acoustic guitar transforming into a simple verse structure, but its the heartfelt lyrics that raise this above the usual emo-esque fare.
The marginalisation of Gash as just another Golf Records band doesn't do them the justice they deserve. They do comment on a number of contemporary issues (well, for a few months ago...damn those slow reviewers), and the vitriol barely contained within the seething 'What If' is a strong reminder of their potential as a socially aware band. 'A Thought For The Lost' is so Bad Religion in both lyrical content and music style that when I first heard it on a mix tape I thought it was actually Gurewitz and co. This is a compliment, because it shows that Gash are capable of dealing with important issues and presenting them in an accessible way.
Like I said before, many people dislike Gash and their music. I think that they are a very good band who have been unfairly glossed over by many in the punk community for reasons I won't go into. Whatever you think of them, there's no argument that they are talented and can write some of the most catchy harmonies and melodies to have come out of this country in bloody ages. Ace.
Ben
