ALBUM REVIEW: The Crash Landings – Riot Songs (self-released)
The Crash Landings are a proudly anti-fascist DIY punk rock band from the south coast of the UK and this is their second album.
I’d only heard one song by them, Prozac Empire, from their 2016 debut All Guts No Glory, on a compilation issued by Vive Le Rock magazine that same year.
But when Seb from the band got in touch to ask if I’d be interested in reviewing this album, which came out earlier this year, I didn’t have to think twice.
It turns out TCL are right up my street, with a street-punk sound full of catchy choruses driven by heavy guitars and a bludgeoning rhythm section.
And it’s clear from just a couple of listens to Riot Songs that they have an arsenal of songs which grab you by the scruff of the neck and demand to be heard.
TCL almost called it a day after their previous singer quit to join another band, but I’m glad they didn’t, as this album is a cracker.
It’s 10 tracks of blistering punk rock, with a smidgeon of ska and even a taste of rockabilly on the instrumental The Duke Of New York. Weighing in at just short of 27 minutes, it’s all killer, no filler.
TCL are Ant (lead guitar), Ben (rhythm guitar), Seb (bass) and Higgy (drums), with all but Higgy taking a turn at singing over the course of the album.
Seb in particular has the sort of gravelly voice that I love, as he shows on Riot Song, Always Remember (imagine Motorhead in a soundclash with Argy Bargy), Come On! and the closing Sister, about the growing mental health crisis.
Ant takes the mic for the Rancid-like What Goes Round, the message of unity that is We Stand as One, drinking song Halloween and the class divide anthem Colour Of The Collar – probably the standout track.
Ben, the newest member, wrote and sings lead vox on Gold, which happily is nothing to do with Spandau Ballet, but a call and response stomper about lost friends which I’d liken to Booze & Glory.
The Crash Landings are based in Bournemouth, and have played Rebellion and Morecame Punk Fest, as well as in Sweden and Holland, and I’d love to see them venture this far north. 8/10.
FFO: Argy Bargy, Cock Sparrer, Booze & Glory
- Riot Songs and previous album All Guts No Glory are available to listen to for free on YouTube and Spotify, but that’s stingy, right?
Instead, you can buy them for £5 each from the band at their gigs or via their socials – search for @thecrashlandings_official on Insta, and TheCrashLandings on Facebook. You won’t regret it.
