South Londoner’s Blocko recently put out their new self-titled record on Boss Tuneage and the results are quite impressive. ‘Blocko‘ is my first dealings with the band and, although I’d heard plenty about the trio, I’d not actually heard anything by them. Described as a band in the same vein as Leatherface and Broccoli I wasn’t quite sure if this record would be my thing, so I was glad to discover it’s a rather enjoyable listen. Coming across like a more melodic Hot Water Music, the threesome play an impassioned melodic punk with a very distinct British sound.
Weighing in at 42 minutes, this 11-tracker was recorded in Maryland earlier this year, but that’s pretty much the only American-ism you’ll find. Each song has a real British feel, with the vocals rough and ready and the guitars solid, without the sheen of their modern day US counterparts. Tracks like ‘Opener’ and ‘Fibs’ have a real drive to them with simple, yet effective, guitar riffs. The bass riffs are reasonably inventive and the drums hit hard, so all the ingredients needed are present and correct. The vast majority of the songs work well with ‘Bloated’ and ‘Inwards’ highlights, while the crashing ‘Stuck’ sticks out too. The overall tone of the guitars doesn’t change enough for my liking, so ‘Disdain’ is a welcome change of pace, making the faster ‘Points’ all the more effective.
Having already supported Strike Anywhere and Hot Water Music at the band’s request, Blocko certainly have a reputation and it’s easy to see why on the basis of this new record. There’s enough melody to convert even the most hardened pop-punk fans, making this one of the best UK releases of the year.
www.blocko.co.uk
Boss Tuneage
Paul