Convict Class-Generation Of Discontent album review By Mark J. A glorious Punk Classic!!!

September 28, 2024

Convict Class-Generation Of Discontent album review By Mark J. A glorious Punk Classic!!!

Apologies for the late mail on this, but this is an absolute classic and you don't wanna miss this album. Definitely one of the best Aussie punk releases in the last 15 years. The band are great blokes who make Oi/Streetpunk which is rare these days besides Marching Orders and The Clinch. The foundation is a mix of Anti-Nowhere League, Angelic Upstarts, Sham 69 and Sex Pistols. And this four-piece really owns the songs by being tight as hell with masterful playing, tuff as nails vocals and that searing guitar dominance.

Generation of Discontent is the debut album after a sensational demo way back in 2022, endless great singles and the wicked Conspiracy Theory EP earlier this year.

These 12 tracks are solid as hell and they remind me of all the classic punk and Oi! comps, the sensational ones with endless back-to-back ripping tracks. The production is very non-metal despite being at the hands of Sir Jason Fuller who makes every track sound raucous and in your face.

Convict Class is the wild, very rock (in a Cockney Rejects manner) opener that has wild riff worship that is spewed all over the release by Ben and it works perfectly. The confidence, self-deprecating dry piss-taking is all part of the charm as this band is a bunch of top blokes having fun whilst playing utter punk anthems.

We Are Not has always been a ripper tune with the brilliant line "fuck caviar, we eat pub grub!!" and many more gems contained within. The rhythm section like on every other song is resonating and solid in a Ruts/ UK Subs-like style that is rarely done so well.

A previous single Dirty Monarch utterly rips the filthy scum that is the Royal Family apart with this raging classic. The scathing lyrics for this band are as always on point and the muscular guitarwork on this gem reminds me of The Angels; gritty pub rock style that compliments Sten's punchy vocals on this track. Media is equally classic Aussie pub rock meets bluesy punk, love the momentum and groove on this killer track. These days most bands want to drop endless short EP's, but Convict Class have done things smart and proper. Look at the humourous and live set winners in Wank Sock(check the video-a pisser), Conspiracy Theory and also One True God.

Wank Sock seamlessly connects the bluesy power chords of The Sex Pistols/ Johnny Thunders etc with the filth and grot we love of Anti-Nowhere League. Conspiracy Theory is definitely an album highlight as it absolutely uses every bit of skill this sensational band has and creates dynamic mood and energy only bands like Stiff Little Fingers did at their peak. Also, love the lyrics, Convict Class really assassinate the right tossers, that's for sure. Other excellent tracks like Scammers, Psychopath, Stand My Ground and Kantoriphobia mix up the aggro, stylish groove and abrasive, but very bluesy guitar work.

My fave track is the title track, a magnificent statement about shit governments, standing up and making these bastards accountable. This song is the hugest anthem on here and I love the bile contained in the scintillating beast of a track.The band works so well together; riffs and vocals are spiky and nasty, whilst the chunky bass and drum work is explosive and never overdone. Another fave that is clever, catchy as hell One True God and clearly favours music over religion; rightfully so!!.

All in all, a perfect punk album of endless anthems, fantastic musicianship, clever lyrics be it taking the piss, abusing those in power or abusing one's self, lol.

An album for everyone and do yourself a huge favour by catching them live, and FFS buy their music and merch.

Recently announced after destroying the Poms at Rebellion this year, they are supporting the might Peter and the Test Tube Babies on their upcoming Australian tour. Catch them before they start selling out Rod Laver Arena or at least your local RSL!!. Oi!