Time is flying despite the world being stationary. It was only in May of this year that I was kicked in the gonads and conscience by “Fight War – not wars – Destroy Power, Not People by Utilitarian. Their mix of punk and metal and die-hard anarchist values struck a chord with me and I ended up buying the proverbial t-shirt that I wear with pride. Add to the fact that these folks walk it like they talk it and donated all profits to Big Issue Foundation meant that, in my eyes they could do little wrong.
Here we are in the Autumn and Utilitarian want to make sure that people are not losing sight of the issues that face so many of those that end up at the bottom of the pile through no fault of their own.
Stay Angry is an E.P that focusses on injustice and police brutality. All profits go to Inquest a charity that raises money and offers help to those who have lost their lives at the hands of the state.
OK that is the good works bit. I urge you to buy the EP or some merch if you believe in the causes Utilitarian support regardless of the music – but the music is why I am here.
This E.P is a short sharp angry shock comprising of 3 originals and 2 covers. Let’s deal with the latter first. Bad news first – Utilitarian cover one of my fave Dead Kennedys tracks – Police Truck, obviously spot on with reports coming out of Portland etc. Unfortunately in these ears it doesn’t work, the spite and spikiness is buried under bad production and Jon Crowders hoarse screech vocals do not suit it at all.
Covering Police Bastard by Doom makes up for it though. This crust classic is dusted off and rages with all new vim and vigour. Stirring stuff.
The three originals here stay on the theme of state (mis) control. Opener Stay Angry kicks in with recent news footage from police violence in the US. A metallic riff kicks in and it is Slayer meets Anti Cimex. Here we go! The vocals are produced a little separately in the mix which grates a little but this is a self-released punk E.P not Prog Matt you wazzock. The track is a little long for my tastes but the thrashcore keeps the blood boiling and the lyrical content leaves no doubt as to where the band stand on the BLM movement and the plight of the worlds working class.
Anarchy (Justice Without Order) is a positive rallying call for which Utilitarian have brought in a couple of pals. Bolt Throwers Andy Whale thumps the tubs whilst De Profundis/Formicarius guitarist Paul Nazarkardeh adds some beefy riffs and metallic leads. Definite thrash edge here.
ACAB – I talked in a recent review of UKHC crew Ironed Out about the recent return of that old acronym. It is a bit of a punk cliché but it certainly fits into the sentiments of this E.P. ACAB- Order Without Justice brings the debate to the UK with the names of those who have dies at the hands of the UK police are cried out one by one followed by a whacking great beatdown that would keep any two steppers or windmillers happy. The furious thrash ending is great.
Utilitarian call it how they see it. Racist police for a racist country. Whether you agree or disagree they want to make their point and do it loudly and with much gusto.
For me the songs are a little over long and the drums often sound very programmed – the difference on Anarchy is massive. However, these guys are breath of fresh air and to have released two such protest records during a pandemic lockdown is fucking great.
(6.5/10 Matt Mason)
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