Sometimes less really is more. This three-tracker may clock in at just 12 minutes and change but within that shortened space of time The Junk goes about laying a very solid foundation. Whereas other bands might have padded a release with a few extra songs, these Brighton ska-punkers barely waste a second of musical time, the result being immediate impact.
‘Novus Ordo Seclorum’ [or New Order of the Ages, translation fans] has a real hint of Householdname Records circa 2004. Think Howards Alias and The Foamers, this is skacore with a harder edge, not pop happy just forceful and fast. The first few bars of opener “Monkey See Monkey Do” hint towards straight-up punk rock before the horn section kicks in, and “Far From Here” brings to mind Snuff. This has all the trimmings of a punk record, but The Junk doesn’t want to stop there. Not when there’s ska to be had.
One of the strongest points of this release is the rich brass section. Throwing in sax, trombone and trumpet into the mix, there’s a developed sound that is anything but tacked on. The horns are intrinsic to the record as a whole, none more so than on “Scream Your Dreams”, a track that, keeping in with the HHN theme, harks back to Adequate 7. There’s not quite the funk infusion of the now defunct Welsh outfit, but the brass is accomplished and very welcome.
By no means is this a new order for music, no. This record isn’t the most original of releases. It doesn’t really shatter that ska-punk blueprint. However, it is high quality, something that will always shine through in the ska scene. No jokes, just talent. The Junk has scrabbled together three very decent songs here, just enough to whet the appetite. A solid release from a band worth keeping an eye on.
Alex