Review Summary: Bad Production= Forgettable Album
The first thing I notice about ‘27’ is that the production is horrible. I’m so sorry to start the review in such a blunt, negative way, worded inadequately with no sense of ostentatiousness ( I just used the word ostentatiousness to aim to try and rescue the simplicity of my critique), but we can’t get away from the fact that the opening number, well written pop punk anthemic singalong ‘Angel’ is ruined by the fact the guitar solo is barely audible. I bet that if you said to your nan ‘that guitar solo was good’ she would say ‘what solo?!’ it is that low in the mix. Monkey’s vocals also get the same treatment, he needs to be way more prominent, the main driver of the band.
Instead, the sound and texture of his voice is lost, losing a lot of potential power this album could have achieved. I am no expert in mixing and producing, nor do I pretend to be, but it is really noticeable that the balance isn’t the way it should be. I even checked with my ipod in the car and spotify to check it wasn’t just my cd player and I had the same result on every hearing.
Parking the poor production situation for the time being, The Adicts have clearly found a formula that works for them, and they stick to what they know best: Well written 4 chord punk songs, employing palm muted guitar effects when necessary and choruses that consist of just the title of the song, usually chanted repeatedly 4 or 8 times. There is nothing wrong with simplicity, I believe that many of the best songs spanning a wide range of genres are ones that keep things simple.
You only need to hear these songs once or twice to know them well enough to sing along. Think of The Ramones being raised in England with a keen interest in football chants and on the way to the gig, happening to stop at the fancy dress shop to honour Stanley Kubrick for their performance. That is The Adicts.
Talking of football, ‘Football Fairy Story’ is a particular highlight on the album, here The Adicts flirt with a faster, hardcore influenced tempo that is still tuneful and inoffensive enough for non-hardcore fans to enjoy. Monkey’s comic book inspired lyrics conjure up every boys dream to become a professional footballer and somehow manages to fill you with nostalgia of being a kid with having dreams of starring in the premier league.
‘G.I.R.L’ and ‘What Am I To Do’ are also 2 other songs on the album that stood out to me as being particular highlights. The Adicts weren’t afraid to experiment with the former, they had many ideas, not just verse chorus verse, we had pre verse, pre chorus, introductions and a key change as well as backing vocals that reminded me of ‘Jock O Rama’ by The Dead Kennedys. What am I do to was a heavier hitting blast that was very ‘Rebellion punk’.
I’m really confused because ‘Rockers in Rags’ sounds like it was produced properly and doesn’t sound like any of the other songs on the album. Why is this?! This is genuinely one of life’s mysteries… If every song was produced and mixed like ‘Rockers in Rags’ this album could’ve been an 8 and a half out of 10. It was hard hitting and reminded me of the UK Subs (which can only be a good thing).
When The Adicts slow things down, this is where I lose interest. I don’t think that is where their strengths lie as a band. ‘Rossini’ is just a tedious filler link to ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and don’t get me started on ‘Bog’! ‘Bog’ is a sarcastic appreciation of god that was bordering on Spinal Tap territory, for me this is punk at its worst, trying too hard to be rebellious. Its lazy and its cringey. ”Give Me More” is a bit of a late 80s Ramones rip off I’m thinking planet earth 1988 for me it doesn’t really go anywhere, it’s a bit dull and repetitive and stripped of a good guitar lead.
I can’t help but feel a little frustrated upon finishing ‘27’. It had its moments but was unfortunately overshadowed by very poor production and a few songs that didn’t really do anything for me. This was because they were too slow and didn’t go anywhere e.g. ‘Give Me More’ and ‘Bog’ as I have already mentioned. Personally I am not a huge fan of Monkey’s voice. It’s not unique enough for me to want to come back for repeated listens.
I got the impression that The Adicts are probably one of those bands that are miles better live than on CD and after a quick visit to youtube my theory was confirmed when I watched a really enjoyable set they did in 2017. They are a spectacle too good for the studio.
19 songs was way too many. If the album was produced properly and had 12/13 songs on it I would be giving it a much higher rating Go and see The Adicts live instead.
*******This review is an excerpt from my Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@burntdisc
