I think it’s safe to say that the release of ‘Change of Plan’ in May 2007 was the catalyst that sparked the rise of Random Hand from perennial toilet-scene support band to headliner status. Certainly, thanks to a lot of hard work, the Yorkshire quartet has gone a long way to staking a claim as one of the UK’s finest and best supported underground acts. So here we have album number two, ‘Inhale/Exhale’, a release that if not long overdue is certainly very welcome.
Opening track “I, Human” commences where ‘Change of Plan’ left off. It’s a bastardised skacore number that displays the bands penchant for amalgamating that summery ska sound with some heavy-as-you like guitar licks. It’s the first sign that nearly two years on and the Random Hand of old still has a firm footing in this recording. But whereas this is somewhat comforting the thing that stands out on this release is the bands willingness to progress. Throughout the 12 tracks there are smatterings of new components. Whether it’s the Hammond organ on the likes of “Devil’s Little Guinea Pig”, the film samples thrown in sporadically, the greater number of shared vocals and gang sing-alongs, or even the record-scratches on “What It Takes”, it all points towards a more-developed sound that could be described by that classic adage ‘natural progression’ but is, simply put, just better. This is no rehash, no ‘Change of Plan: Mark 2’, this is a behemoth all of its own.
There’s an obvious influence on show here that recalls the godfathers of UK ska-punk, Capdown/King Prawn, something we’ve come to expect from Random Hand, but there’s also some persuasions coming through that we might not have seen before. For one, the use of Hammond organ really illustrates a reggae feel whilst hinting at the likes of Voodoo Glow Skulls. It adds a subtle depth to the songs that give them a whole new flamboyant life and you can’t help but think this benefits the record as a whole. Also throughout the album there’s even more than a little sense of nu-metal (the band confesses this is its Limp Bizkit days showing through) which means there’s a lot of bigger riffs and some near-rapping from vocalist Robin Leitch.
Lyrically, ‘Inhale/Exhale’ is a step-up. The band tackles the punk-scene staples of being in it for the music (on “The Right Reasons”) and the plight of a penniless live band (“Roots in the Crowd”), and dabbles at political commentary (“The Eyeballs of War”, “British”). But what stands out to me is the focus on mental health issues, with several cases here looking at aspects of the mind. “I, Human” addresses the limits of mind-altering prescription medication. ”In” is a narrative of a paranoid mind, and “Anger Management” looks at using fury as a tool for creativity. It’s by no means run-of-the-mill punk-rock fodder and is conspicuous because of this fact. This really is a band with something to say, as clichĂ©d as that itself may sound.
So, the ‘difficult’ second album is in the bag, and what a bag. Those familiar with the band can expect some traditional Random Hand fare only with a few surprises, a lot harsher and a lot more sublime (quite the paradox). For those that haven’t checked out the band yet this is a perfect starting point. With an ethic that’s not afraid to mix things up, in ‘Inhale/Exhale’ Random Hand has crafted an impeccably produced top-notch record that develops on the previously set out stall and takes the band up another level. Impressive stuff you need to listen to now.
‘Inhale/Exhale’ is available now through Rebel Alliance Recordings
Alex