Thanks to Rock’N‘Roll Disgrace Records for turning me on to the best of English skinhead music. It may not be politically correct, but it’s damn good rock’n‘roll, right-wing politics or not.
Atypical to the ’70s glam rock/AC/DC stylings of Superyob and T.H.U.G. that R’N‘R Disgrace released in the past, London Diehards are more what you’d expect from a skinhead oi punk band. The songs are solid, catchy and melodic, with tough British vocals and football chant choruses. Lead guitarist Ciaran even sports some flashy solos. The lyrical content deals mostly with real life. “City Streets” is about living in a tough neighborhood where you have to watch your back when walking home. “No Compromise” and “One Way of Life” are songs that focus on living life for oneself to the fullest, bollocks to whatever anyone else should think. “PC Mafia” attacks the uber-leftist fascism of the crust contingent. It’s just really good punk rock from a skinhead perspective without any extreme points of view to get in the way if you’re one of the “PC Mafia” who can’t stand to hear any points of view but your own.
Rock’N‘Roll Discrace never fails to deliver on high quality music, and each release from them is another worthy addition to my collection. Word on the street is there’s a full-length London Diehards album in the works for the next release. I can’t wait.
