No sooner is Rebellion 2014 upon us and Spunk Volcano and The Eruptions are back with a full length LP. Injection roars into life with opener “I Am Gonna Kill Myself” which reminds this reviewer of Brit Rockers “A” and their track “Bad Idea”. It’s an explosive start to the LP with some ferocious hitting from Maff. The full-on power chords, angry vocals and sharp ending make this the perfect opener-follow that! “What You See Is What You Get” is a humourous follow up containing more power and a “noodly” middle 8. The chorus is honest while that hard hitting remains.
“Platform 3” tells a story of meeting a girl at a local train station-a simple enough theme and possibly a personal situation played out in song. The tempo is lower than its 2 predecessors but it’s no less enjoyable. “Another Nail in Childhoods Coffin” returns to ferocious drumming a’la’ Maff in this little ditty about one’s childhood. A humourous yet honest story of the past. There’s a strange ending to the song-perhaps being stuck in a car on an exhaustive road trip? I just don’t get the “Robots” chant. Unless of course it’s “Road Blocks”!!
“Agree To Disagree” is a poppier number with a real DBD guitar sound present. I’m reminded of the intro to “Ready Steady Go” by Generation X. As a song it doesn’t set the world alight but certainly isn’t lost on this collection. The ending however is slightly repetitive. “I Dont Want To Have To Explain” dare I say it heads back to the power-driven Punk sound. Once again the drums are a potent feature on this song. A personal statement or reflection of life with a loved one, it’s subject matter we can all relate to.
“It’s Got Nothing To Do With Music” lyrically has nothing to do with anything! The song is fast-paced, angry and noodly. It has the great lines “I Sold My Soul For Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “I Sold My Soul To The Devil”- indeed! “Failure Is Not An Option” is the fastest number on here with its big 80’s Punk influence. Virtually inaudible lyrics and 90 mph guitars and bass don’t ruin it however-it’s a belter!
“I Can’t Stop Thinking About You” -Punk lovesong or an ode to a loved one. Heartfelt lyrics and the “woah, woah, woah’s return again. More of that big DBD influence here-it was only a matter of time! “My Girlfriend’s Best Friend’s Sister” comes to mind-or is that just too obvious? You the public decide! “She’s Too Good For Me” begins powerfully enough, yet once the vocal kicks in it slows somewhat. Another love song and ode to a friend which is becoming a recurring theme on this collection. It’s a huge sound once more and those middle 8’s are heavy!
“Oh For Fuck’s Sake” starts off with a huge bass and 80’s Rock guitar intro with some let’s say, risque vocal content. The vocal is quite simply “direct” and asks the question ‘Oh For Fuck’s Sake, What Is Goin’ On’? Definitely one for the live arena. It’s hard, fast, harsh and “in yer face” all at once! Another belter! “I Don’t Know Why” has a great intro before those “Woah’s” re-emerge! The lyrics seem to go down the personal route here and are delivered at speed. Rock ‘n’ Roll Baby’s” mid-tempo guitar-led intro ends this LP. Love, once again comes into the equation lyrically. It would appear Mr. Volcano has a lotta love to express in his lyrics, assuming they’re his?! There’s another noodly middle 8 and some “Wooh, Wooh, Wooh’s” this time around as the LP comes to a close.
I can’t help but think this is a “lost” Dirtbox Disco album in everything but name. Yet that would be too easy. Yes, the band contain four fifth’s of the DBD line-up but there’s enough material on here to suggest there’s “plenty in the tank”. This is a fine debut for fans of both bands. I just feel they may have to make themselves a tad more unique to avoid the obvious tag. Describing themselves as “Spunk Rock” who are we to argue? Long live (S)punk!
Track Listing
I Am Gonna Kill Myself
What You See Is What You Get
Platform
Another Nail In A Childhoods Coffin
Agree To Disagree
I Don’t Want To Have To Explain
It’s Got Nothing To Do With Music
Failure Is Not An Option
I Can’t Stop Thinking About You
She’s Too Good For Me
Oh For Fucks Sake
I Don’t Know Why
Rock ‘n Roll Baby
Links
https://www.facebook.com/svate
http://www.stprecords.co.uk
Review by Ross A. Ferrone
