Life can sometimes feel like a nightmare, but The Chisel has got your back, ready to help you push through those hard times. These British punks are here to kick the teeth in of anyone who oppresses, abuses, or stands in the way of ruining your day. The band has taken their British punk roots and infused it with even more grit, crafting an album that stands out in both sound and message. One thing that remains constant with The Chisel is their powerful, raw lyrics, and this time around, they’ve delivered some truly impactful words.
Whether it’s refusing to be swindled on "No Gimmicks", declaring independence and living life for yourself on "Living For Myself", or facing the chaos of nuclear war and corporate greed on "Tomorrow", the band tackles deep, profound themes. These songs not only speak to the struggle, but also offer a bold middle finger to anyone trying to bring you down. Their politically and socially charged lyrics are paired with fast, rippin' riffs, a deep and catchy bassline, tight, poppin' drums, and vocals that are raw and full of rage.
The band's aggressive, unfiltered energy is evident throughout the record, especially on tracks like "Nice To Meet Ya", "Fuck 'Em", and "Tomorrow". The punk style they play is energetic and exciting, with very little that feels repetitive. The Chisel isn’t afraid to take risks, adding slower but still powerful songs like "Lying Little Rat (Propaganda)" and "Those Days" into the mix. Even though these tracks dial back the tempo a bit, they still retain that classic punk vibe that keeps things fresh.
The guitars on this album hit all the right notes, sometimes sharp and tight like on "Cry Your Eyes Out", and other times playing with that stringy, gritty punk sound that’s sure to get you moshing at a live show. The bass is thick, grounding the tracks with a presence that matches the drums' energy. The way the bass and drums sync up, especially on tracks like "Nice To Meet Ya" and "Bloodsucker", is one of the highlights of this record, adding a driving force behind the aggression.
The drums, while generally powerful and aggressive, do occasionally feel a bit sloppy, as on "Cuts Like A Knife". While this isn’t a major issue, there are moments where the tightness could be improved to keep the momentum flowing. Still, when they hit their stride, the drums deliver hard-hitting, punk-infused rhythms, particularly on songs like "No Gimmicks".
Vocally, the singer sounds as raw as ever. The lyrics they deliver are full of anger, frustration, and relatability, making it easy to connect with the emotion behind every word. Whether it's the fierce self-reliance in "Living For Myself" or the defiant energy of "Fuck 'Em", the vocals bring the message home. The gang vocals and vocal switches on tracks like "Evil By Evil" and "What I See" provide the perfect variation to keep the album from feeling monotonous. These moments add a touch of diversity that complements the band’s relentless energy.
The production on the album is solid, and at times, the band adds some cool effects to enhance the experience. For instance, "What Do You Mean" takes on a distinctive 80s punk sound through the production, which adds a layer of nostalgia while keeping it fresh and exciting.
The Chisel is undoubtedly carving out their place in the punk world with this album. They’re making powerful, relatable, and angry music that speaks to anyone who's ever been down or pushed around, and I'm all in for hearing more from them in the future. This record is a testament to their raw, unpolished energy and their ability to deliver messages that matter while maintaining a fierce punk spirit.
RATING: 8/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Nice To Meet Ya
Living For Myself
Bloodsucker
Tomorrow
What Do You Mean