ALBUM REVIEW: Buzzcocks – Attitude Adjustment (Cherry Red Records)
Attitude Adjustment is Buzzcocks‘ 11th studio album and their second since founding frontman Pete Shelley’s death in 2018 (The first, 2022’s Sonics In The Soul, is reviewed here).
Many believe the band should have ended with their co-founder’s death, but long-serving guitarist Steve Diggle decided otherwise.
In his defence, bassist Chris Remington and drummer Danny Farrant had both been members for a decade or more before Shelley’s untimely demise, so are well versed in what being a Buzzcock is all about.
No, they don’t sound like the band who made classics like Everybody’s Happy Nowadays, Promises and Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve). But it’s not 1979, and Diggle’s 70 years old, not 20.
Of course they miss Shelley’s songwriting nouse – who wouldn’t? – his distinctive voice and his lightness of touch. This version of Buzzcocks go a bit harder and a bit heavier, but are still worth listening to.
Diggle describes Attitude Adjustment as “punk rock with a Motown vibe”, and it’s certainly got plenty of soul. Opener and lead single Queen Of The Scene, about the effect reality TV shows have on contestants’ lives, is far and away the best song among the 14 on offer, full of vim and vigour.
Other highlights include Poetic Machine Gun, Tear Of A Golden Girl and Just A Dream I Followed, which are all worthy additions to Buzzcocks’ canon of work.
But was there really any need to split the psychedelic One Of The Universe into two songs, and the least said about the repetitive Break That Ball And Chain the better.
Although it’s the old songs fans want to hear live – which might explain mixed reviews – by releasing new music Buzzcocks are showing they’re not just a heritage act, but a functioning creative unit.
Their songs are still full of their trademark hooks, and it’s good Buzzcocks are here to celebrate their 50th anniversary, and still making new music.
I’m not convinced it can be classed as punk any more – it lacks the anger and energy generally associated with the genre – but as an album of well-crafted guitar pop, Attitude Adjustment can hold its head up high. 7/10.
