ALBUM REVIEW: Punchdrunk Saints – Punchdrunk Saints (Cadiz Music)
When Mickey Geggus quit the Cockney Rejects in late 2023, leaving brother Jeff to soldier on with a new line-up, he promised to return with a new project of his own.
Less than two years later, here we are; the guitarist is back with his new band, Punchdrunk Saints. And while the name might sound like an oi! band, nothing could be further from the truth.
The Saints owe more in style to the Rejects Mk II, who made the album The Wild Ones in 1982 with UFO’s Pete Way producing. It’s a hard rock album from top to toe, and a very enjoyable one at that.
The initial line-up included original Rejects bassist Vinny Riordan, but neither he nor original drummer Reg Downer could commit, so a new rhythm section had to be recruited.
Geggus found powerhouse drummer Chris Nedzynski and bass player Tim Atkinson (ex-Leader Of the Down), as well as an inexperienced but talented vocalist, Marc Salmon, who’s influenced by the likes of GNR, Pearl Jam and The Quireboys.
Now, Geggus’s skills as a guitarist are undoubted, but you always got the feeling in the Rejects that he was playing within himself. Here, he proves that beyond doubt he’s a player of some talent.
From the opening stomp of Holy Mother to anthemic first single I Wanna Know What It’s Like (which could be prime era Wildhearts) and the heartfelt, uplifting closer Come Home, the Punchdrunk Saints debut is a tasty slice of anthemic hard rock.
Whether they’re playing hard ‘n’ heavy anthems (Your Time Is Done) or searing, soulful ballads (I Know How To Find You) this four-piece rock hard, but with plenty of melody.
Days Of Our Lives slows things down a little but has a chorus which will sound great sang back at them live, while the chugging opening riff of Prayer For Tomorrow leads us somewhere a little darker.
Geggus is a self-confessed fan of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Nazareth, but there’s also bits of AC/DC, Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest here.
Dirty Dreams sounds like AC/DC mixed with The Sweet, and Over You – a contender for standout track – is full of vim and vigour, a great vocal and some huge riffs from Mickey, before things are brought to a close with Come Home.
Nine of the 10 tracks are originals. The odd one out is a rowdy version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Fortunate Son, which became an anthem for the anti-Vietnam War movement.
Previously covered by the likes of The Circle Jerks, Minutemen, DOA, Dropkick Murphys, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band and…er…U2, it’s in safe hands here, and I defy anyone who likes guitar-based rock not to enjoy Punchdrunk Saints. 8/10.
