ALBUM REVIEW: Conflict – To Live On In Hearts, Live In Holland (Mortarhate Records/Cadiz Music)
Formed in South London in 1980, Conflict have been one of the standard bearers for UK anarcho-punk for more than 45 years.
Last year saw the band, still led by original vocalist Colin Jerwood, release their first album in 20 years, This Much Remains (reviewed here), which would also turn out to be his last.
Tragically, just days after its release he died aged 63, leaving the remaining members with the difficult decision of what to do about gigs that had been booked to celebrate and play the new album.
With the blessing of Colin’s kids, they decided to fulfil all the bookings, with long-time co-vocalist Fiona Friel handling lead vocals, and turning them into ‘Tribute To Colin’ events.
A series of emotional gigs followed as Fi, Gav King (guitar/samples), Fran Fearon (bass) and Matt Howlett (drums) took Colin’s music and message to the people one last time.
Live in Holland captures one such gig, at Bibelot in Dordrecht on 26 September, with the band tearing through a set of classic Conflict songs and tracks from the new album.
It’s odd to hear Conflict without Colin’s trademark growl, but Fi more than does the songs justice as they rail against warmongers, global capitalism and animal cruelty, among Jerwood’s lifelong bugbears.
After the sample-heavy The Impossible Soul, the opening track from This Much Remains, they plough through a 45-minute set of anarcho anthems past and present, driven by that distinctive guitar sound.
Highlights include A Mother’s Milk and Masters Of The Race from the latest album, a bludgeoning Mighty And Superior from The Ungovernable Force, perhaps their most influential record, and the stonewall classic Serenade Is Dead from second album Increase The Pressure.
He might not on the stage, but the penultimate That Other Song, a spoken word piece featuring Colin’s voice, shows he’s here in spirit. It’s an emotional moment indeed, particularly when he ends “Remember me, always”.
That would have been a fitting end to a heartfelt tribute, but there’s one more song; The Collusion Exclusion, another standout track from the last album, brings things to a close. As a lasting testament to a lifetime’s work, that’ll do nicely. 8/10.
