Eastfield – Eastfield
LP | CD | DL
Out Now
The perpetually bouncy conductors of positive rail punk are back with a long player. Like an advance ticket, this album is limited so get on it before it leaves the platform says Nathan Brown.
It seems like only a couple of months ago that Grow Your Own brought us the Terminus 10” by Eastfield and here we are with an album. Checking my notes it was actually last September. Those scientists are right, the universe is speeding up.
Anyway, the Midlands based punkers have once again teamed up with Inferno Class Studios to belt out reworkings of some older songs. While they have all had previous outings, on this occasion they have achieved their full potential. Blistering Ramones style riffs with a suitable back beat combine with vocal harmonies to deliver up the instantly recognisable Eastfield sound. The frenetic playing cranked up loud does that thing that The Bruddas excelled at, wherein it starts to develop additional harmonics.
Hats off to Trys behind the mixing desk. He has managed to fully capture the infectious exuberance and exhilaration that makes Eastfield such a joy in a live situation and really given them some oomph.
Now then, in addition to long timers Jessie, Trina and Bambi the drums are credited to “Left Handed Bill”. How many left handed drummers called Bill are there ? “Have Eastfield got the man at the back from Culture Shock in the band?”, I wondered. A check on their website confirms they certainly do.
Listen to Faredodging by Eastfield
Jessi’s lyrics always meander and squeeze in a wide variety of destinations. This time round, top points for not only mentioning Weymouth, my home town and terminus of the Waterloo line, but the much more obscure Osmington Mills, and the mythical rebel stronghold of Lang Shang Po. Neither of the last two have train stations.
Available in vivid blue vinyl or on CD, the 16 page booklet features brief liner notes as well as lyrics and imagery.
It’s very difficult to pick a favourite as all the songs are so catchy but it’s probably a toss up between Faredodging, Port Talbot Transport Police and Rugeley Crimestoppers. The latter, a little slower than the rest, has a wonderful collection of nods to Toots & The Maytals, The Clash, SLF and even Tears For Fears. The 12 song album finishes on a self-referential and self-deprecating high with Another Boring Eastfield Song (no, they’re not boring!).
Yet again, Grow Your Own knock the ball out of the park.
Available from Grow Your Own.
~
Words by Nathan Brown. You can read more from Nathan on his Louder Than War archive over here.
A Plea From Louder Than War
Louder Than War is run by a small but dedicated independent team, and we rely on the small amount of money we generate to keep the site running smoothly. Any money we do get is not lining the pockets of oligarchs or mad-cap billionaires dictating what our journalists are allowed to think and write, or hungry shareholders. We know times are tough, and we want to continue bringing you news on the most interesting releases, the latest gigs and anything else that tickles our fancy. We are not driven by profit, just pure enthusiasm for a scene that each and every one of us is passionate about.
To us, music and culture are eveything, without them, our very souls shrivel and die. We do not charge artists for the exposure we give them and to many, what we do is absolutely vital. Subscribing to one of our paid tiers takes just a minute, and each sign-up makes a huge impact, helping to keep the flame of independent music burning! Please click the button below to help.
John Robb – Editor in Chief
Leave a Reply