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NOT SINCE THE ACCIDENNT - SINKHOLES
Over the years I have heard pretty much every topic under the sun covered in a song. At least I thought I had! Molluscs are not normally a subject that you would expect a punk band to write about, but then again NOT SINCE THE ACCIDENT are not an ordinary punk band. Back with their second long player SINKHOLES, they kick off proceedings with a tribute to the world's oldest living creature, 507 year old Ming the Mollusc (I kid you not) on opener "Shelly's Dead". After being discovered on the Icelandic ocean bed in 2006, scientist managed to accidently kill it before becoming aware of how ancient it actually was. Not that this seems to cut much ice with the boys in the band who brand them "merciless bastards!" in the lyrics. Following on from John Doe Part 1 on their debut release "Paved With Gold" is..."John Doe Part 2". A fast, heavy paced number it relays the real life mystery of homeless man found dead, but with no identification. Sadly, even with a seemingly unique tattoo, no one had ever came forward to make a positive ID. He, like too many others, remains one of the countless John Doe's that die unnoticed daily around the world. "Charriere" is a long time favourites in the bands live repertoire. However, to date it has only ever been recorded as a demo, so they've decided to give it a proper run through with a harder edge. Gone is the reggae guitar, although in fairness there remains an element of skank in the number's outro, via the drums and bass of Lewis and Iain. The infuriatingly catchy verse clearly shows why this number always goes down a storm at any gig they play.
They return again to ecological concerns with "Cold Waves" which will shortly have a video to promote it starring Jesse Mosher the rock'n'roll performance artist. "Silly Billy" is another older number re-recorded. It was originally released to show support with the Southbank Undercroft skaters, BMX riders and graffiti artists, who were facing the prospect of having the area redeveloped into shops and restaurants. The track gains its name from the unlikely fact that man-of-the-people Billy Bragg spoke out in favour of the area's destruction. The band, it's fair to say, were not best pleased!
The title track "Sinkholes" again confirms that normal topics don't come into the bands lyrical vocabulary as it deals equally with bad weather and dementia. Punk has, to some degree, been placed in a musical ghetto due to the 'drink and fight' stereotype of certain Oi! bands. But Not Since The Accident are confident enough to cover a diversity of issues in an effort to prove that not all punk bands live up to the Neanderthal stereotype. "Cake", with guitarist Steve's Alternative Ulster style opening, is more melodic and extols the virtues of sometimes just appreciating what you've got, whilst "Stoke the Fire" (another older number) starts slow placed, before exploding into a headlong rush into power rock. However, war is a subject that has been covered by many punk bands in the past, notably Crass and Discharge. "Time Machines" again highlights the pointless sacrifice of human life, be it in the name of politics, religion or nationalism. With vocals by singer Rhys (who produces the majority of the band's lyrics) that, at times, are reminiscent of Blaggers ITA, this track would sit nicely in a compilation of songs by the aforementioned bands.
To round off proceedings are "Slacktide" and "Newhope". The latter is a very personal song that touches on the sad passing of a band members immediate family. Certainly not a dirge, but a powerful song of celebration to the dearly departed. Final track "Roll Credits" breaks new ground for the band being a tub thumping, uplifting and joyous instrumental. The band have come a long way in a short time. From touring with the likes of GBH, UK Subs and The Members and a tour of East Coast USA, they also had to overcome the injury sustained to their lead singer. However, throughout all this they, they remained focused on playing top notch gigs and producing quality releases, such as this one. The diversity of subject matter and professionalism of delivery can only enhance their progression as a band and, along the way, garner them even more supporters. Bones
https://teambeardrecords.bandcamp.com/album/not-since-the-accident-sink-holes https://www.facebook.com/notsincetheaccident?fref=ts
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