T.H.U.G. - T.H.U.G. LP (Rock'N'Roll Disgrace)

Over the past few weeks, I’ve reviewed some vinyl from Rock’N‘Roll Disgrace Records and in those reviews I’ve wondered about the politics behind these skinhead Oi! albums. It seems I now have my answer, though it’s not the one I prefer.

I did some research and found this blog post, which gave me some history on T.H.U.G.‘s members. In short, vocalist Chumley and drummer Simon were in an Australian RAC band called White Lightning and apparently they have no qualms with their past associations – in fact, they cover WL’s “We Rule OK” on this album. It all makes sense now – after all, Rock’N‘Roll Discrace appear to have taken their name from a song by English RAC band, Straw Dogs.

As I’ve said previously, though, I’m here to review the music, not the politics. As much as I may completely disagree with the RAC message as a whole, I do ardently believe in freedom of speech, and I consider myself mature enough (I should be at 30+ years) to listen to such music and not be influenced by it, just as I can listen to Brainbombs, GG Allin and N.W.A. and not think rape, murder and exposing yourself to kids are actually good things to emulate.

Now, after all that, what’s the album sound like? (It’s just a stupid record review, jeez.) Well, it’s some strong Oi! with more of a hard rock bent, i.e., a strong Rose Tattoo influence among the football chants and bar chords. Believe or not, RT’s vocalist, Angry Anderson provides some vocals on “Gunnin’ 4 U,” which sincerely puts his politics into question. Honestly, RAC or not, it’s a really good album, recalling the late ’70s in both punk rock and hard rock modes. “Forever Forward” and “We Made It” have the hard, bluesy edge of Aussie hard rock (Rose Tattoo, AC/DC, et al.), probably due to Paul‘s lead guitar, whereas “One Man’s War”, “R.I.P.” (a lament for a dead friend) and “Fishy’s” are total Oi! anthems. And, you’re probably not gonna wanna hear this, but the cover of White Lightning’s “We Rule OK” is spectacular, bridging the the punk and the hard rock in a catchy innovative way.

I know that listening to a band like this may be difficult, but if your mind is strong, as mine is, you can appreciate the rock’n‘roll without buying into the bullshit. I’m not so shallow that my political ideologies will dictate the music I listen to, and I hope you’re as open-minded.