Western Promise- Here Comes A Revolution
At long
last Western promise have …errr, fulfilled their promise and released the album
that’s been scratching, banging scraping and screaming deep down in their soul…a
soul soaked deep in punk rock, ska and working class Merseyside virtues. These boys have been knocking around for a
few decades and seem to escape recognition from snobby scouse muso’s who only
seem to value the arty or the melodious 60’s based Liverpool bands. All of whom
are perfectly great, but there is more to Liverpool bands than that..and
there’s a time and place to recognise that true rock n roll bands graft and
fight and rant and rage. Yes, there is still a place in this world for good
old fashioned punk ethics. Best of all
they can knock out a fucking great tune too.
Here Comes
a Revolution showcases Western Promises full repertoire ........ 16 songs to lift yer heart and rattle yer
bones.
I was
delighted to find a range of songs and styles to debunk any myth that Western
promise are a one trick Pony riding on the coat tails of The Clash.
I’ve said before that these boys wear their hearts on
their sleeves and are not scared to ram their influences down our throats with
great glee. Their love of The Clash shines throughout, from the album artwork
through to the final track where we are treated to a wonderful cover of
Straight to Hell (featuring Mick Jones…yeah, MICK fuckin JONES! , Carl Hunter
from the Farm, Chelcee Grimes and Gary Christian) the boys pay homage to their
heroes.
However it must be made clear that there is so much more to Western
Promise than punk, reggae and Ska and thankfully this album showcases what they
are all about.
For your dollar you get the raw Punky Ska of classics
like Wake up Call and the
brilliant,Strummeresque Bullet Proof
as well as the reggae infused Blood running (“only cowards and scum carry knives and guns”)
and album title track Here comes a revolution (including a superb dub version)..Chelcee Grimes superb
backing vocals adding a new authentic element to the track but we are also
treated to another side of Western Promise…Epic tracks like Setting Sun, Living The High Life, the beautiful lament that is Sad Old England, (“Sad old England, down
on her knee’s. Will the last soul leaving turn the lights out please”) feature acoustic
guitar, and piano behind moving lyrics about the sorry state of our nation and
showcase the underrated John McGlone’s vocal and song writing talents (and the
bands musical ranges). It’s astonishing to hear really.... His range goes from
pure Strummer to a softer ((but equally powerful) range on the above
tracks..dare I say it the vocal on the sweeping, legendary Charlie Wright reminds me of Holly Johnston! (and that’s not meant
as an insult!) He even does a bit of Ranking Roger style toasting on Bullet Proof . As the album goes through
it’s various styles, we also are treated to some Merseyside style hip hop on Click Click and then there is the
Powerful spoken-word rant against society that is Are you not Entertained…another rallying cry for the nation to rise
up against the Government and the Illuminati.
My favourite track is probably the simplest track in
terms of musical complexity, it’s a tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis, and is like a 3
minute classic called Send for The Killer…..kind
of rock n roll / crossed with ska! Once again Chelcee Grimes’ backing vocals
add enormously to the track especially as the song closes to a crashing crescendo
of a finale. I’m convinced this would be an instant hit in the Rancid inspired current
Punk / Ska scene in America and hope music lovers in the UK finally take note.
This is a perfect album for End Fanzine readers of an age
who were inspired by The Clash, The Specials and The Jam rather those younger
folks who were inspired by the Stone Roses, Shack and The La’s…(but even those
music lovers should give this album a listen. Honestly, its fucking ace).
I truly hope Western Promise finally get the recognition
they deserve as a result of this album release… Here comes a Revolution is the perfect xmas gift for yourself or
yer mates.. go and buy it yer mingebags..this is easily my favourite album of
2015.
Here comes a revolution is available from the following;
Pay the band directly, cut out the tax-avoiding fat cats
& pay by Paypal:
Click on http://www.paypal.me/JohnMcGlone /
DOWNLOAD: Enter: £10.00 / Please don’t click “Paying for
goods or a service” as Paypal charge us 45%! / Next / Login to your PayPal A/c
/ Paypal will add their fee of £0.54 / Send Money Now
Please allow 24hours for the download link to the 16
tracks to be emailed to you in glorious 320kbs MP3!
We will also email you the powerful artwork that adorns
the CD release
CD POSTED TO UK: Enter £12.00
In Person:
Probe Records, Retail Unit 1, The Bluecoat, School Lane,
Liverpool, Merseyside L1 3BX
0151 708 8815
Online:
