Wellington Arms are the latest in a rich tradition of Skinhead bands (including The Templars) championing lo- fi music and returning Oi! to its street- level R’n’R roots. This assortment of demos is the first I’ve heard of Wellington Arms and it’s enough to convince me that they’re worth keeping an eye on. Their sound is pure, honest, erratic and fresh: A nice step ahead of the more stagnant sounds of ridiculous outfits like The Old Firm Casuals.
It’s difficult to pause to pick a stand- out track as each one is similar in its basic lyrical content and frantic execution, but there are gems to speak of nonetheless. “International Lover”- a lurid tale of love triangles perpetrated world- wide and “Valencia” offer probably the most enthralling and original material, and it’s on these tracks that the band make their mark most evident. However, “Living in America” is just as interesting and far more tangible in its socio- economic critique from a working class Skinhead perspective and effortlessly encapsulates the frustrations of trying to make a living in America. The lyrics are brilliantly accessible on this track too, this is perhaps best demonstrated in the opening lyric “I’ve got no job, I’m fucking broke, I’m sitting here like a fucking joke, I’ve got no skills, no skills none at all, unless it’s violence and alcohol”. There is something of an illiterate eloquence and charm in this band’s words.
Each track on this collection feels somewhat effortless and un-forced, organic if you will and as such there isn’t a shit song to slate, just a collection of refreshing new Oi! for any Skinheads out there to get their teeth into! Keep an eye on these lads; they’re kicking and screaming and it doesn’t sound like they’re slowing down!
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