“Punk’s Not Dead” is probably the least consistently shit release by The Exploited. Whilst it is mediocre at best in terms of musical skill and execution, unlike the superior (in that department at least) follow up “Troops Of Tomorrow”, the band’s first full length release is probably them at their best.
I should note at this point that the kind sentiments expressed above do not for one second mean that this album is a good album but more an adequate album in parts. True there is the undoubted inanity and banality of tracks such as “Mucky Pup” and “Cop Cars”, the unimaginative lyrical content of “Exploited Barmy Army” and the sheer slobbering stupidity of “Sex & Violence” (although this is probably intentional and sort of works). But here too are a couple of naïve and innocent gems found in the form of “Punk’s Not Dead” and “I Believe In Anarchy”, the former of which is thought by many to be the kick up the arse that a stagnant Punk Rock needed (although I would question this) and the latter a hearkening back to the more Oi! sounding days of The Exploited in which they were a fairly good Skinhead- friendly crew of misfits that hadn’t yet discovered sanctimonious stupidity and the art of lazy adolescent criticism.
I feel it important enough to once again reinforce that I’m not saying that this isn’t a bad album, but as I said above, it is (in places) adequate- in some places even quite good. If you have the bonus CD you’re even treated to live recordings of “Daily News” (which first appeared in studio format on the first Oi! album) and “Dead Cities”, probably my favourite Exploited song for its unambitious balls- out insanity and flawless yet simplistic timing. To summarise, this is- like any album by The Exploited- fairly shit. However, it has moments of irresistible Punk Rock ingenuity- brief ones- that are unfortunately outweighed by the moronic racket I have grown accustomed to associating this undeserving outfit of Punk-Rock-Royalty with. Download the tracks you like, it isn’t worth the effort for the whole thing…
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