SHOCK AND AWE - School For Scoundrels CD

Edinburgh punk band who are very much in the spirit, feel and, to a degree, sound of classic seventies Ramones, who are a total blast live in concert and for whom this 14 track, 27 minute CD serves as a good introduction to the band. In fact, "Ain't No Friend Of Mine' is a homage to the Ramones and comes over as a male answer to Helen Love, both lyrically humorous and musically serious at the same time. Several songs are founded on a bed of fuzz guitars, searing leads, garage drums and throbbing bass as the lead and harmony vocals sing out. The CD is choc full of storming two minute slices of brilliance, the only regret being that you wish the thing could have been recorded in a supercharged studio to bring out the full effect of the band. But, as it is, just turn it way up loud and you get the full effect since the sound is perfectly clear, solid and surging, but slightly on the "tinny" side. Tracks such as the awesome "Heartbreak On Princes Street" which fairly flies along at great pace, the lyrically superb "Iraq" worthy of The Ramones or The Dictators for its irreverence and razor sharp observation, the full-steam "Good Looks Don't Last Forever" and loads more, all endear themselves to you right from the start. I don't care a stuff about the band's influences which they proudly war on their sleeves - if you never saw vintage Ramones, then you have to se this band live - and this CD is essential listening for any punk fan. Superb!

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