Yorkshire upstarts, The Puncturists, have been around in some form or other since 2022 but it has taken until now for a stable line-up to get into the studio for more than a single track.
Opening track, Pissing Me Off, is a perfect encapsulation of what The Puncturists do – melodic garage punk with post-punk harmonies. The opening chords and drumbeat leave you in doubt that they mean business. However, it is when Gail Townsend’s vocals kick in that the song reaches a level that I wasn’t expecting. Powerful yet melodic, her voice adds a nuance that a thousand Hives clones wouldn’t be capable of.
A reworking of debut single 55, takes things in a more post-punk direction allowing space for the bass work of Dale Farrow to take more prominence while addressing how Gail came to becoming a vocalist later in life. Wish I Was French continues the post-punk theme with guitarist Patrick Crawford taking over primary vocal duties.
The melodic element of the album becomes even more evident on Everybody’s on Drugs. Highlighting not only the fun illegal stuff but also the prescribed medications that people rely on for their health and sanity. With more than a nod to Pauline Murray from Penetration it features a classic punk staple of reciting the song title in increasing insistence not dissimilar to the ending of Lagwagon’s In Your Wake.
Instrumental Theme From Commit Nuisance may only last for 95 seconds but has the mark of A Forest era Cure all over it. From there Spectre brings us back to classic ’77 punk with a personal story about an abusive gaslighting man.
While It’s Untrue is not the strongest track on the album, it acts as a breather before aggression of Give Blood which couldn’t be more heart on sleeve in its message. No subtle subtext just a plea to donate. This can be done easily arranged here.
They Don’t Pay Support Bands feels like the voice of bitter experience and unfortunately one that many bands will recognise. The ’77 vibes continue with Leave Me Alone that recalls the experience of far too many women whether inside the punk scene or just walking the street.
However, it is closer, I’m Not Alright, that hints at a more expansive direction that The Puncturists may take in the future. Starting off with more than a hint of Stiff Little Fingers, it soon shifts in multiple directions. Across its 6 minutes, it moves and shifts across genres without ever feeling forced. Ending with a haunting vocal note it is no surprise that it became the title of the album as it captures the lyrical themes spread across the previous 10 tracks.
I'm Not Alright is available for download or on CD via Dead Swan Records on Bandcamp.
