The Struggle – a street-punk ‘supergroup’ made up of members of various punk and Oi! bands from the north of England – have called it a day.
But they hope to go out with a bang by helping a struggling grassroots venue, Boom, in Leeds, to survive the coronavirus pandemic.
They have released a new digital EP via Pirates Press Records, consisting of two new songs, Tension Rising and It’s Not Too Late, which you can listen to or download HERE.
Formed in 2013 by members of Gimp Fist, Crashed Out, Major Accident and Geoffrey Oi!Cott, they wanted to bring something fresh to the punk scene.
The original intention was simply to write and record a few songs,and a debut 7in, Core Tex Selector, paid tribute to the Berlin shop, label and punk rock institution of hat name.
The chemistry between the band members was so good they decided to continue writing material and started playing shows. An album, Endless, followed, and a mini-album, Banging My Head, rounded up some compilation tracks, a cover song and a couple of new tunes.
The Struggle played the legendary Rebellion Festival in Blackpool twice and made trips to France, Germany and Ireland, as well as sharing the stage with bands like Lion’s Law, Harrington Saints, Argy Bargy, Arch Rivals, Angelic Upstarts, In Evil Hour, and many more. Not bad for a side project.
Now, The Struggle feel it is right to call time at the bar, but before doing so they recorded a final batch of tunes, including the two being released as the digital EP.
Boom is a grassroots music venue unique to Leeds which primarily promotes punk, hardcore and metal. It hosts first-time-on-stage bands, as well as international artists from across the globe.
Gallows, Slowthai, Code Orange, Agnostic Front, Power Trip and Madball are among those who’ve appeared there, and it also provides the Leeds music scene with permanent rehearsal rooms and recording facilities.
It’s been likened to New York’s legendary CBGB’s, but due to Covid-19 it’s on the brink of permanent closure and needs to crowdfund to survive.
In the absence of any income and being unable to open, the venue has accrued substantial debts which will force it to close permanently. All profits from The Struggle’s swansong will go into supporting Boom and hopefully help keep the wolves at bay.
The Tension Rising/It’s Not Too Late digital EP is available from The Struggle’s Bandcamp page HERE, along with all their previous releases.
