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Under Heavy Manners

by Slow Faction

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1.
Under Heavy Manners They’re closing down the clubs, they’re closing down the city As they build another shopping mall They’ll keep us dumb with the muzak on As we buy stupid things we don’t need Reality show make us famous for a day Become a D-list celebrity The emptiness of our hopes and dreams Is this all we ever want to be? And we all sit at home and pray to the West To our false God, Democracy They pretend our opinions really count We pretend that we’re really free Now it’s time to turn the television on As darkness falls we won’t go out again There’s a media blackout on the voices of dissent As they lead us to another war There’s a bogey-man bearing arms from the West They deny that it’s all about oil There is a real war, but it’s not the one we think, It’s the one waged by the rich upon the poor With insatiable greed they’ve taken everything And now they’re coming back for more They’re wiring every town and they’re wiring every street So they can monitor us everywhere we go With CCTV and satellite spies We know we can never be alone MI5 are being tasked to listen in As they erode our civil liberties But what do we care if we’ve lost our rights As long as the television’s on… We’ll never take the streets again - Wake up look around we’re under heavy manner - There’s a water cannon waiting and it’s paid for by our taxes - Let’s tear it all down that’s the only solution - They call this freedom but it doesn’t apply to us!
2.
59 Minutes Past 11 Call on every God you know They've got to help us now We've ruined everything And we're coming to the end We were given all too much Everything we need But we've thrown it all away Destroyed it with our greed There's too much darkness in the world The sun will never shine anymore All we ever crave is peace All we ever see is war... It's 59 minutes past 11 now The clocks are set - we've crashed and burned till there's nothing left Now it's too late - it's too late to turn back time There's this image in my head A poster on the wall I saw it everywhere So many years ago Then we thought the danger passed We came in from the cold The walls came tumbling down Was this the Brave New World? But the killing never stops Hatred always reigns supreme There's no profit in stability It always pays to have enemies... Somebody save us from ourselves Help us find our humanity Or are we set upon this course? Is it too late for sanity? But the killing never stops Hatred always reigns supreme There's no profit in stability It always pays to have enemies....
3.
POUNDLAND SOCIETY It's time to tear down all the myths Of empires built, wars waged and won They sell false pride in history They sell you lies so you can't see They've taken everything away And point elsewhere to assign the blame They've squandered all your heritage Everything - they've sold it all - and you got nothing... Poundland Society - I see the desperation - of this divided nation - wave your flags that's all that you've got left They started with a futile war And made you play the patriot Then they came for the unions And took away your working rights They closed down all the factories Generations laid to waste They said it's worth the price you paid But as things changed you were left behind - you were left with nothing... Now in this world of demagogues They stir up hatred to unite So you rally one more time Behind your flags of ignorance I'll leave you now as you celebrate The hollowness of your victory Your aim was so wide of the mark You've handed power to the enemy - and you'll always have nothing Poundland Society - I see the desperation - of this divided nation - enjoy the independence - of your bargain bin fucked existence - you've got your sovereignty now - say hello to penury now - wave your flags that's all that you've got left
4.
There’s A War Going On Out There Can’t you see, there’s a war going on out there? The whole country’s under lock-down now But you don’t really care You think it doesn’t affect you They’re cleansing the cities of the ones you’ll never meet As they evict them from their homes Social housing’s being torn down As they’re forced to the outer zones Can’t you see, there’s a war going on out there? It’s a fight for survival now But you don’t really care You think it doesn’t affect you Two million children live in poverty And they say we’re a civilised land The social contract’s been rescinded As a million queue for food banks So come on take my hand And I’ll lead you through this hell And I’ll show you everything That you deny is happening This hunger and this pain This mortal suffering I’ll show you it all So come on take my hand Can’t you see, there’s a war going on out there? They’re lying and a-cheating now But you don’t really care You think it doesn’t affect you The propaganda ministries Are working overtime To falsify the facts & figures And scare you into line Can’t you see, there’s a war going on out there? They’re dividing the whole country now But you don’t really care You think it doesn’t affect you They criticise and demonise Until your heart is filled with hate The weak, the poor, the vulnerable Are abandoned to their fate So you think you’ve got it good and you’ve got a nice life With your model kids and your Stepford wife So you’ve played the game and you’ve come so far With your house and your money and executive car You think you’re so secure as your boss loves you Because you do everything that he tells you to Everything is perfect, not a cloud in sight You’ve never had to struggle and you’ve never had to fight So what you going to do when it all comes crashing down And you’re left unprotected when the bad times come around You thought you’d lived the dream but there’s nothing left Just a mortgage in arrears and a mountain of debt And your new boss calls you in because he’s got bad news They’ve found someone younger and much cheaper than you So you see through all the lies and you finally see the truth There but for the Grace of God go you….
5.
The Definition of Madness I’ve seen the city lights – they’re shining brighter than before The money men are happy now – they live as though above the law With zero hours, enslave the poor – big business doesn’t care at all Donations to the ruling class – ensures the profits stay offshore I think we’ve seen this all before This is the definition of madness – we’re doing it all again Just doing the same thing again and again – we’re doing it all again How can we expect a different outcome – we’re doing it all again Until we curb this arrogance and greed Create a playground for the rich – as Knightsbridge swings and thinks it’s hip No questions asked of provenance – their laundered money’s welcome here Sell national assets behind closed doors as they privatise hospitals and schools Award the bids to companies which offer paid directorships The politicians’ benefit It’s just the same old story The end of history now Capital is King they say, there’ll never be another way As the guilty walk scot free They use the word austerity As their narrative to wage class war. Now it’s time to start the revolution – up against the wall And put these bastards up against the wall – up against the wall Now it’s time to start the fight for justice – up against the wall And end this madness once and for all
6.
In Your God’s Name So you hate your life You said you never had love Always being pushed from one place to another Because the one who bore you couldn’t be a proper mother So you found a home In what they said was God’s word And they taught you how to hate, quoting their bibles It all made sense, life was so simple… Now, as God’s warrior Take your vengeance out on everyone that you don’t like So now, kill the apostates These non-believers, they’re responsible for everything So now, the time has come, to do His work, send them to hell! In your God’s name - You shoot and you kill and you brutalise now - You bomb and you maim and you terrorise now - You hate, you defile, you de-humanise now When will you understand, you weren’t given life so that you could go and kill…. So you hate the world You feel so alone But a hidden voice gives you words of comfort You’re not an outside, there are so many others So now, fight your Holy Wars A life that had no meaning, is now a life of purpose And kill all infidels These ancient teachings twisted to justify inhumanity So now, the time has come, to do His work, send them to hell! So you saved the world At least in your own mind You used to be known as the friend of dictators The wind has changed, you’re the scourge of all tyrants Now, unleash the dogs of war Watch as millions die as the world explodes in sectarian violence And pray with presidents Cover up your war crimes, with your piety So now, are you satisfied, your work is done and you’re going to Hell!

about

Slow Faction release their brand new mini album Under Heavy Manners on 1st October 2017. Available as both a digital download and CD Under Heavy Manners follows on from their critically acclaimed album The Brixton Tapes and previous EP, This Machine Kills Fascists

Slow Faction: Under Heavy Manners – album review
Written by Ged Babey14 September, 2017
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Album Review

Slow Faction: Under Heavy Manners (self released)
DL/CD
CD released 1 Oct 2017 (£5) DL available now
South London Punks new album of 1978 style political punk surprises old cynic Ged Babey with its great tunes and articulate lyricism.

Let me take you by the hand
and lead you through the streets of London
I’ll show you something
to make you change your mind
(Streets of London – Ralph McTell 1969)
So come on take my hand
And I’ll lead you through this hell
And I’ll show you everything
That you deny is happening
(There’s A War Going On – Slow Faction 2017)
I have a mate, who refers to another mutual mate, behind his back, as ‘Wolfie’.
It’s after the character in Citizen Smith; -an inept self-styled ‘freedom fighter’ from the 1977-80 Comedy series. You can guess the type of person he is: Into radical politics and protest, always metaphorically waving a banner…. “Power to the Peo-puuuuull!” ( Wakes a sleeping baby…) It’s not a particularly unkind jibe, we are all Left-ish humanitarians but it’s a common thing to take the mick out of the more vocal social justice warriors.
And thinking about it seriously for a second, Comedy writers & performers are probably to blame – from Wolfie Smith to Ben Elton and in the punk rock sphere ‘Alan Parker Urban Warrior and Fred Armisens Ian Rubbish. It is as if they parody and mock in order to take the ‘power’ and potential influence away from ‘radicals’ and those who at least try to ‘make a difference’…
This is tangentially relevant to Slow Faction because they are a seriously political band. Inspired musically by the Clash and the class of ’77 from whom they got their idea that music and social justice/political awareness must go together, or else there is no point to it. I am not that keen on bands like this generally speaking for two reasons; They are never gonna be as good as the Clash and they can come over as a bit dull, worthy and predictable and lapse into cliche very easily. They can be dismissed as Wolfie Smiths in punk clothing.
That said, just one play all the way through of this album (with the lyric sheet to hand) and I decide my preconceptions were wrong. This is a very good album. Words and Music. The wheel is not reinvented. No new ground is broken. But it’s good.
First song. the title track, ‘Under Heavy Manners‘ – a title itself taken from a stenciled slogan on some Clash trousers. It takes in a lot of heavy shit lyrically: – consumerism, reality TV as valium for the Masses, war, media, class war, erosion of civil liberties…
And we all sit at home and pray to the West
To our false God, Democracy
They pretend our opinions really count
We pretend that we’re really free
There’s a media blackout on the voices of dissent
As they lead us to another war …..
It’s an articulate piece of political song-writing if you accept that this kind of thing has been done many times before, albeit way back in the late Seventies and early Eighties, There are a few hints that its set NOW – the D-List Celebs and CCTV -and not then.
59 Minutes Past 11 is partly about how the profits to be made in Arms dealing and capitalism perpetuate wars… and musically it’s still halfway between the Clash debut album and Give ‘Em Enough Rope. I like the line ‘There’s a water cannon waiting and it’s paid for by our taxes’.
Track 3 out of the six on this mini-album is Poundland Society and this is the one which convinced me that Slow Faction are a bloody good band. This is the best post-Brexit punk rock state-of-the-nation song I’ve heard. They write in straight-forward language, without the use of swearing to emphasize, and with not a single word wasted. Musically strong, a great chorus and wave upon wave of powerchords and cymbal crashes. (I’d urge you to check out the lyrics to this and all the songs on the bandcamp page.)
Digressing for a moment – I was trying to work out why a band would choose to call themselves ‘Slow Faction’… and noticed they were part of the South London Punks Collective. So maybe the first part of the name is an acronym; SL must be South London… and the OW -Older Wiser? (Or maybe it’s classic punk detournement – the South London Old Wankers?) Then I thought, maybe it’s the same as the old Manchester fanzine Shy Talk: You only ‘get it’ when you say it aloud… ‘Shy Talk’ becomes Shitehawk and ‘Slow Faction’ becomes Sloth Action. Brilliant! Sloth Versus Action! Which Side Are You On Brother?!
It’s neither it transpires – the Faction is from the Red Army Faction and the word Slow, painted on a “twisty, quiet, country road in the middle of the night” had a band member “transfixed” due to some potent magic mushrooms, one hot summer night long ago!
(Back to the album…) There’s A War Going On is about gentrification, austerity, the tabloid demagogues and their scapegoating and demonising ….. and as you can see from the beginning of this review is a modern-day echo of Ralph McTells Streets of London. That said it is more ferocious in its attack on the complicit complacency of the middle classes. Musically there are a few steals from the Stiff Little Fingers, a bassline which sounds a bit Nice and Sleazy and even a very ‘Another Girl’… guitar break – but who cares, all property (and riffs) are theft!
The Definition of Madness concerns the rich, bankers and governments mutual interests and history repeating. The lines “Now it’s time to start the revolution… And put these bastards up against the wall – up against the wall” is very punk cliché indeed and recalls an old Tom Robinson Band song as well. That said, it’s still a likeable song.
The closing track though is the best. The tune is the standard issue SLF / Clash / Buzzcocks punkarama but lyrically In Your God’s Name is an original, thought-provoking song about trying to understand the background and motivation of jihadi’s. Ending with a line addressing them ” When will you understand, you weren’t given life so that you could go and kill….” There probably are others but I’ve not heard a song addressing the issue in such a reasoned way.
In the hands of a lesser band these songs might be a bit relentlessly ‘political’ and ‘depressing’ – but the music is so spot-on and tunefully perfect-punk that this is simply a great mini-album. The vibrancy of the music makes the songs defiant in the face of adversity and all the odds. Slow Faction remind me a bit of Subhumans; only less manic, more than any of the obvious Class of ’77. That said the bands lyrics are approaching the quality of Englands finest protest songwriter TV Smith.
Vocalist and guitarist John Youens told me:
Our aim is to make the best music with the best lyrics we can muster. We couldn’t get onstage and sing songs about fucking, drinking and wanking….or songs about ACAB…we want to create something of lasting value.
Well, I would say that with this album, he, (Kit Gould – drums, Umbi Liszka – bass and Lee Peterson – rhythm guitar) have done so and made the best album they possibly could have, which stands head and shoulders above similar bands in their age group on their budget, all over the UK.
Punk is a broad church encompassing a lot of conflicting attitudes and outlooks – and there is a place for serious-minded bands like Slow Faction when the bleakness of the pictures painted by the words are made livid and vivid by the music.


Tuesday, September 19, 2017


Slow Faction - Under Heavy Manners

Now more than ever, we really need bands that aspire to change the world. So why do I generally find the social justice warrior bands of the moment so off-putting? I think I got the answer from the fine writer Ged Babey - who addressed that very topic in his wonderful review of Slow Faction's new mini-album Under Heavy Manners. These sorts of bands, Babey writes, "can come over as a bit dull, worthy and predictable and lapse into cliche very easily." That's a truly bang-on assessment. I, like Babey, am so taken with London's Slow Faction precisely because they are none of those things. They approach their songwriting with intelligence, insight, and a genuine spark of musical excitement. When it comes to politically aware and socially minded punk rock, it's still The Clash and Stiff Little Fingers that set the bar for me. These were bands with very important things to say - but they were great punk rock bands first and foremost. Slow Faction has taken up their fight in the present-day, and I can't think of many current punk bands I like better. Just listen to the band's 2016 track "Woody Guthrie", and immediately you will understand the need for music to remain a vital instrument of social change.

Under Heavy Manners is exactly what I desire in political punk music: classic '77 style sounds, with lyrics relevant to the current state of the world. Of course the message is meant to be heeded, but there's nothing secondary about those massive choruses, hard-driving guitars, and well-crafted tunes. Lyrically the band takes a good, hard look at what has gone wrong with the world and the unfortunate direction in which we're headed as a human race. These songs turn their gaze upon the masses who are so caught up in consumerist comforts and obsessions with empty culture that they turn blind eyes to the waging of war for profit and the erosion of their own civil liberties. It's hard to deny that such a depiction hits the nail on the head - on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. But Slow Faction's aim is not to point fingers - it's to confront the truth and find solutions. Harrowing as they might be, songs like "59 Minutes Past 11" and "The Definition of Madness" are essentially wake-up calls. We may be doomed, or we may not be doomed. But if nothing changes, it's surely going to be the former.

At just six tracks, Under Heavy Manners is a lean and urgent affair worthy of a spot on your CD shelf next to many of the albums that inspired it. The title track- the closest thing I've heard to 1979/80 era Stiff Little Fingers in years - kicks off the album like a ball of fire. "59 Minutes Past 11" is a bona fide sound of the streets anthem a la Sham 69 or the Angelic Upstarts. The hot-burning reggae of "There's A War Going On" will do nothing to dissuade further Clash and SLF comparisons (I don't think the band will complain). "In Your God's Name", a song I fondly recall from its demo version, sounds anthemic and positively rousing in its finished form.

Can one band, on its own, change the world? Of course not. But bands can inspire people. And people, collectively, are capable of making a great difference. Under Heavy Manners is full of songs that are just bound to get you fired up. Let it be the inspiration of many who choose to resist the clampdown.



SLOW FACTION – Under Heavy Manners
Slow Faction are a ’77 era influenced punk four piece who’s This Machine Kills Fascists EP spawned a song, Woody Guthrie that graced the upper reaches of the ‘Just Some Punk Songs’ best of 2016 chart! Their new mini-album was just released on October 1st and it is a cracker!
The mini-album opens with the excellent “Clash meets The Interrupters” title track, Under Heavy Manners with its bounce along rhythm, excellent lyrics and energy to burn. On 59 Minutes Past 11 Slow Faction display a knack for a melody infused punk-rocker with a raw edge that had me thinking Stiff Little Fingers meets 999!
The band take on many subjects that plague the world today from war waged for profit to poverty. With Poundland Society an abrupt power chord and pounding drum intro makes way for some terrific lyrics lamenting the descent of our towns into empty shells creating empty lives. The band take on the Thatcher years and destruction of the unions and what it has resulted in all backed by a UK82 Anti-Pasti vibe.
The fourth track of the six on the album (most songs are lengthy) is the almost six minute, There’s A War Going On where Slow Faction slow things down to introduce us to some booming bass, soaring licks and a reggae approach. Again the lyrics pack a punch as the chorus rocks up to juxtapose with the verse. It is a Johnny Was moment and it is truly brilliant!
The penultimate track is The Definition of Madness taking on the bankers, the rich and the politicians that support them. It’s a political tour de force and rocks along with power, strength and more hooks than a heavyweight fight!
Closing with In Your God’s Name Slow Faction take on religion and religious wars. The rhythm is punchy, guitars serrated and vocals angry creating an Oi! vibe reminiscent of The Business. With a sing-along chorus, the band usher us out with fists raised, bodies sweating and ready to take on the world…this is what punk is all about!
Get to this website and plonk down a fiver now for a superb punk rock album.
Punkonline

Slow Faction- Under Heavy Manners (SR) 8/10
Old school London punk sounds with decent songs to boot.

It seems the punk scene these days has to go underground to make any sort of mark and Slow Faction are right at the forefront, putting on their own events with the South London Punk Collective and self-releasing records as good as this new one.
Veterans of the scene, Slow Faction understand that it was never about the stupid haircuts and studded jackets; they have crafted an album of songs that, while having the hallmarks of Jones and Strummer woven large throughout, have other, wider influences and a rare songwriting craft about them. John Youens on lead vocals and guitar has a voice not unlike Jon Langford of The Mekons and Waco Brothers and the band can change from searing punk to bubbling reggae in a flash. “Poundland Society” has the heart of a lion and “The Definition Of Madness” ingratiates itself into the brain on one listen. Recommended highly.

Joe Whyte (Vive Le Rock & Louder Than War)



Mick Fletcher – Just Some Punk Songs

Slow Faction are the '77 era influenced punk 4 piece who's This Machine Kills Fascists ep was so good it not only spawned a song (Woody Guthrie) that graced the upper reaches of the Just Some Punk Songs best of 2016 chart, I also bought the t shirt!

They're a band that's been getting better with every release so it's not surprising that I reacted with excitement to the news of a new ep. I remember a couple of the tracks from this release surfacing a couple of years back in demo form but now they're back fully formed on the excellent 6 track Under Heavy Manners ep. The cd is due out on the 1st October but if you head on over to Bandcamp you can find the digital version available name your price. Whilst you're there make sure you also snap up their other releases, all of them are highly recommended.... slowfaction.bandcamp.com/album/under-heavy-manners

Lining up with John Youens (guitar/vocals), Lee Peterson (rhythm guitar), Umbi Liszka (bass) and Kit Gould (drums), they've a few hometown gigs arranged and you can check out details here : www.facebook.com/slow.faction/

The ep features more of the same top quality Clash inspired tunes we've come to expect, with intelligent lyrical commentary on governments waging war for profit, zero hour contracts & offshore tax havens, the way religion is perverted to promote hatred and the subjugation of the masses

SLOW FACTION – “Under Heavy Manners” – self-released CD Album and Download. Usual websites:
I don’t think I have seen these guys before, but I really want to now! I love me old school punk and these guys are particularly good at blasting it out. The band are tight, up tempo and the lyrics are delivered with a good bit of attitude, whilst still being a little melodic. Better yet, they are tackling the sort of socio-political issues, which I feel need to be addressed. They are based in Lond0n and it looks like most of their shows are in London, so I a gonna have to try and lure them out to the wilds of Hampshire. Again, based on the quality of this release, I am going to check out some earlier material, cos I suspect I am going to really enjoy that too. Punkzine Issue 92

csbosborn.wixsite.com/reviews


Slow Faction: Under Heavy Manners Review
As the lynchpin of the SLPC, Slow Faction are stalwarts of the London DIY punk scene, organising frequent gigs and overseeing the collection of bands who participate. With these credentials in mind you would expect their latest release Under Heavy Manners to be informed by a similar ethos and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The lyrical content is wordy but thought provokingly so, with acute observations on the diminution of political engagement, the illusory nature of a ‘free’ society and the pervasive apathy that defines modern life and it’s obsession with instant gratification. The record explores the effects of untrammeled greed, rampant xenophobia and the perpetration of acts of terrorism informed by twisted interpretations of religion, so all in all a light and airy slice of easy listening then…
I jest of course; sonically the band is rooted heavily in a 77 Punk sound but isn’t afraid to dabble with a bit of ska, pub rock and just a hint of post-punk. The lyrics are either astute vignettes depicting our collective inertia, or themselves tinged with the nihilistic impetus that they display, depending on how you view them. Knowing John’s tireless optimism and enthusiasm for both the music he makes and keeping the London scene alive it seems most likely that the former is the case, though the band could be forgiven for peering into the abyss a little, given the current state of world affairs. Luckily, any such brooding is counterpoised neatly with uptempo numbers that don’t forget that while the message is paramount, if the accompanying music doesn’t sound good you won’t get too far. John’s vocals sound raw and earnest, which works as the supporting instrumentation is tight and well constructed, veering from the classic punk backing of the opening tracks to a slightly more swung reggae feel on There’s a war going on and the marginally slower rhythm of In your God’s Name.
1: Under Heavy Manners
The EP opens up with the shortest of drum rolls and a riff that segue perfectly into the lyrics, which are delivered with urgency. The vocals on this song sound harsh and just a little hoarse but they fit around the music impeccably. The songs sardonic observations are delivered over some nicely structured fretwork ‘now it’s time to turn the television on and as darkness falls we won’t go out again.’ The ubiquity of television and it’s stultifying influence is a well used trope but when the song sounds this catchy that’s no bad thing. The final 30 seconds build up into a repeated refrain of ‘we’ll never take the streets again’, bolstered with backing vocals against John’s lead response, which at the last moment suggests an air of defiance ‘ they call this freedom but it doesn’t apply to us.’ This is an excellent opener and certainly piqued my interest for the following tracks.
2: 59 minutes past 11
As the title suggests this song is a look at the human race’s general lack of humanity. It is another pessimistic vision of society and the world stage, ‘there’s too much darkness in this world the sun will never shine again’. The chorus is deceptively upbeat in sound with some almost cheery ‘wooahs’ under the main vocal, the lyrics less so ‘crash and burn til there’s nothing left’. The verses serve as a vehicle for the eternal recurrence of conflict and warfare in various guises. In the second verse there is an explicit acknowledgment that past hopes of progress have been dashed, ‘memories of the danger passed we came in from the cold the walls came tumbling down was this a brave new world?’ The emphatic answer at least within this song appears to be no. I like this line as it discards with the notion of there having been a golden age where things were really better, just a memory, or indeed constructed imagining of that feeling. Of course this could be more of a bugbear of mine than the band’s, though I think John would agree with me, but I think nostalgia, or a misremembered past are causing us a lot of issues currently. Whether this be politically or creatively, and the Punk scene can be guilty of this too, we’ve all met its self appointed ‘guardians’ who would happily bar access to anyone who ‘wasn’t there when the real stuff happened’, ‘I was gozzed on by Jonny Rotten before you were born’ and so on. Also there’s a Huxley, or possibly Shakespeare reference so it’s alright by me.
3: Poundland Society
A rage against the creation of an impossible idyll hinted at in the previous song is undoubtedly at the very core of the 3rd track. In fact it is explicitly addressed in the first verse, ‘they sell false pride in history. Poundland Society does seem an appropriate moniker for the current state of the UK. A jaunt down most high streets reveals the proliferation of budget chain shops and betting shops, neither of which is indicative of a particularly healthy state of affairs, or as this song terms it a ‘bargain bin fucked existence.’ This song manages to converge an acerbic and acidulous snapshot of Britain with a really great tune. From the opening bassline to the understated guitar part in the verse, that has just the slightest hint of a Television track, to the catchy chorus; it is a well structured piece and demonstrates how effective well thought through lyrics can be as social commentary.
4: There’s a war going on
This song has a ska feel to it, a slightly swung rhythm to the vocals and a beat that accentuates the offbeat for the verse. This then gives way to a more demonstrably punk chorus that brings the tempo back up as the vocals become more emphatic. Lyrically this is a song about the apathy and lassitude, arguably wilful ignorance, of the well to do with regards to those less well off. Of course songs of this nature have been the bread and butter for political punk bands, or indeed political songwriters for time immemorial, so it can be difficult to keep such sentiments fresh. However that is not to say that they are not still entirely relevant, as demonstrated recently by the various tragedies that have taken place on home soil due in large part to disregard of people’s welfare. Grenfell tower being the most obvious example of such callous attitudes. This song is certainly attuned to such events, ‘the weak the poor the vulnerable are abandoned to their fate.’ The song is also excoriating of the slightly better off who’s indifference is displayed as tantamount to complicity. ‘Can’t you see there’s a war going on out there? They’re a-lying and a cheating now but you don’t really care.’ Another good effort then, and the slight change in tempo from the preceding tracks works well.
5: The definition of Madness
Next up is a song that again examines the impoverishing effects of austerity and the public’s seemingly masochistic enduring support of it. ‘How can we expect a different outcome we’re doing it all again’ Musically the riff has a Stiff Little Fingers air to it and I particularly like the change that comes in around 1:42 both sonically and because I think this verse might be the first punk song to include an ironic nod to Fukuyama. Though I’m willing to be proved wrong on this, it’s certainly the first that I’ve come across. ‘It’s just the same old story the end of history now.’ A premise which was subsequently dropped by Fukuyama when the promised neoliberal utopia of free capital wasn’t quite as forthcoming as first imagined. However this song points out we are still stuck in the mindset of such enterprise but with diminishing returns for the vast majority, ‘they live as though above the law, with zero hours, enslave the poor - big business doesn’t care at all.’
6: In Your God’s Name
Exploring the disturbing increase in the amount of terrorist attacks that have been occurring recently, this track weighs up the position of those who feel compelled to engage in such activity. The consistent refrain of In Your God’s Name allows for a multiplicity of God’s thereby not allowing for the assumption, so often readily accepted particularly by certain sections of the media, that all such attacks are undertaken by Islamists. The song is interesting in that it addresses the alienation that gives rise to such extremist beliefs. ‘Always being pushed from one place to another because the one who bore you couldn’t be a proper mother.’ It is a more nuanced observation than is often undertaken, though of course the message is vehemently opposed ‘So now are you satisfied your work is done and you’re going to hell.’ In terms of how it sounds the tempo of the verses is a little slower which allow space for the words to be delivered over a slightly sparser beat and guitar part. In Your God’s Name takes on a highly incendiary topic and whilst not offering excuses for terrorists, does seek to understand if not their motives, than at least some level of comprehension about their circumstances. This is a strong, poignant and depressingly increasingly relevant song. It also finishes as the first song started with a short drum roll, a nice touch that rounds off the EP well.
Overall Under Heavy Manners is a stellar mini album with some thought provoking lyrics, some great riffs and a consistency of execution. I didn’t feel there were any duds on here, though if push came to shove Poundland Society may be my favourite. Slow Faction aren’t afraid to wear their politicism on their sleeve but do so without becoming overly didactic. They’re also a really nice bunch and a cracking well drilled live band. It was good to have time to pore over the lyrics, as so often at a live show, even with a good PA and sound guy it’s easy to mishear or miss a few words out. The music is great but for me the standout point of this whole CD is the lyrics. Get a copy, go to a show and absolutely support the SLPC because it’s organisations like that, run for the sheer love of it that allow bands like Slow Faction to get out there and get heard.

www.fungalpunknature.co.uk/FUNGALPUNK/CD%20reviews%202/Page%201.html

SLOW FACTION - UNDER HEAVY MANNERS
A new band with an old style and with both eyes on keeping things politically pertinent and musically attractive. The approach is considered, it tosses various composed flavours around the palette before gently spraying them forth in a decent mix of reliable on-the-ball punkism. The band are a 4-piece, they hail from London and have no qualms about labelling their sound as British 77 punk - personally I think it holds its own with that which has gone before and brings forth the sonic spices into the here and, more relevantly, the now.
The opening gambit to be risked against the Fungal wrath is called 'Under Heavy Manners', ah yes, a title track. A refreshing opener that is cladded and cobbled in a very real way with our street-corner observer taking all in, making note and sandpapering across his thoughts via this pulsed punching tune. The spittle-soaked vocals, the regular clatter of the bin lids and the efficient and liquidised guitars come together, are injected with a discordant discretion and blended with a very thoroughfare-feel. It is more than obvious that we are dealing here with long-term residents of the rock and roll punk and piss pit and they pass over their acoustic and cranial output with...quality. I am keen to hear more and so invest some time in track 2, namely '59 Minutes Past 11', and again I am encroached upon by some educated sonica delivered by savants on a sincerely good roll. This one is a cracking expulsion of guitars that shine, tympanics that rouse and vocals that appeal to many emotive receptors. Again we are in the real world with a natural substantial solidity to the vibrated airwaves that rock our soul. The lyrical content deals with the pig-fuck attitude of the human populace who thrive on greed, oneupmanship and ignorance. The warning signs are clear, the heads in the sand are many - fuck that falling forest, I am on my phone Jack. I am in tune with the output and the fact that this is a well-crafted piece of orchestrated alley noise sits well with my unassuming designs - nice one.
A frisky start to 'Poundland Society' comes next before the first verse tones itself down and makes a point of highlighting how society has been torn up, divided and...destroyed. The slow and promising ascension to the chorus chunk is executed under controlled and somewhat restraining hands but when the release comes it is both satisfying and on the mark, albeit in a raw and blatantly obvious way. From the cool and considered to the swiftly relieving this is a song that works because it sticks to certain basics and moves with confidence - it may sound easy, but it isn't. 'There's A War Going On' is a classy affair with a reggae pulse dictated by a wonderful wire-bending bass routine that operates with a palpitating beauty. This facet is escorted by sonically exact guitar strokes, regimented stick applications and an oral overlay that is worn, battle-scarred and knowledgeable. The move from the heavily-laden atmosphere struts to the free-gliding position of observational pertinence is sublime and the hard-biting facts are poured forth with a spittle-soaked venom that invades the opened wound and...stings...I like to face the truth. Perhaps the best song of the lot this, it is a heady sextet of sound, I am putting my jugular against the blade trying to pick the ultimate triumph but I reckon I am on the mark here.
The last 2, 'The Definition Of Madness' slips in, double thumps and away into a dazzling blast of breeze blown guitars we go. The verse comes and is gifted with lucid, wised up gobbage that helps all swing along and neatly slipstream into an uncomplicated and quite effective chorus burst that reiterates the fact that we are all caught up in a perpetual loop of insanity which will see us all end up in situation 'nowhere'. Whilst enjoying the ride with our heads screwed on backwards we can either accept or kick back and make some fuss for the fuckers in power - and you can use this tune as decent inspiration, get off yer arse! We close with 'In Your God's Name', a vicious anti-religious nut effort played with a strait-jacketed restraint just keeping things efficient, to the point and coherent. The finger points to those malcontents who, through lack of love, empathy and consideration, go forth and try their best to make things uncomfortable for the supposed 'non-believer'. The style of delivery is impermeable and of a strength that will surely stand the test of Old Father Time (the nasty bastard). Yes, a good effort to close, with all trimmings set and consistent with the theme and ,in this world of terrorism, a much needed reminder to avoid the many-mind numbing traps is had.
6 songs, no complaints. Tidy fare this, one for many listening levels and a product with many layers. I aim to check these guys out, it should be more of the same, if it is I will struggle to find a gripe - unbelievably, this pleases me no end, see I ain't the bastard critic you would have yourselves believe.

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released October 1, 2017

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Slow Faction London, UK

“Slow Faction is a 1st generation-influenced punk band with a real London 77 sound. The aim of Slow Faction is simple – to make the music they want to hear; politically-charged songs with big hooks and choruses, reminiscent of the 1st wave of British punk. Slow Faction’s live sound has been described as a cross between The Clash and The Buzzcocks.” ... more

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