For anybody who has followed Gimp Fist’s musical career for the last few years, you’ll know what I mean when I say the “The Place Where I Belong” seems like a mature step- back from previous efforts such as “One Tribe”. It’s got bollocks just as big but an older, wiser mind. That is not to discredit albums such as “One Tribe” or “Your Time Has Come” which were both incredible efforts featuring material that have become instant classics in the Oi! scene in the UK- it is merely to illustrate that the character of this latest offering seems more calculated, thoughtful and relevant.
It’s nice to see that in this coming- of- age like process, the band have not abandoned the popular mixture of Ska and Punk Rock that they execute so perfectly, and rather than losing their way have perfected their sound entirely. The message is still the same: These are songs by the working class and for the working class. This is no better exemplified than in “Here I Stand” which is so emotive and empathetic a look at the working mans’ existence that it could only have come from the credible roots of Gimp Fist. The Ska influence of Skinhead culture comes out very well in “Sign Of The Times” and “A Country Fit For Heroes” which have something of The Clash about them but with a ballsy, modernity kicking an old structure up the arse. There are is also a love song to the bands’ home town (“Forever My Heart And Soul”), a trademark call for unity (“Common Ground”) and the obligatory Skinhead anthem “Skinhead Not Bonehead” which settles a score every shaven head wants to!
Basically, Gimp Fist have done it again. For the third album in a row we have an awesome collection of Skinhead music that doesn’t succumb (as do bands like The Last Resort) to petty stereotypes of violence and stupidity. As long as these blokes keep making music, Oi! has integrity and vitality. Pull your braces together, put your boots on your feet and buy this album!
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