Watford ska punks (although they are far more wide ranging and eclectic than that genre suggests) the Spitfires have a new album, their third, coming out on 27th July on Hatch Records it is called ‘Year Zero’. If you like the Specials, the Ruts, Madness, the Clash, dub reggae and Paul Weller you will love this lot. They formed in 2012 and have released two previous albums; ‘Response’ in 2015 and ‘A Thousand Times’ came out the following year. I love a British band that doesn’t follow the cliché of enunciating rock music in a fake American accent and Billy Sullivan lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for the Spitfires is very British in his delivery.
The band lay down their political credentials throughout this record, opening track starts with a sweet, haunting, delicate keyboard piece from George Moorhouse and then kicks into a full on punky guitar riff and ska beat that drives the anger in the lyrics. “don’t you ever apologise for being young and speaking your mind” is definitely a mantra that today’s youth should stick to. The dub drone opening to “Something Worth Fighting For” is evocative of Big Audio Dynamite with Paul Weller on vocal duties, possibly the best song on this collection. Personally I love bands that are not afraid to make social commentary, protest and political songs and the Spitfires do all that with passion, conviction and soul.
There is an abundance of soul, passion and real emotion in the powerful ballad “By My Side” with an almost ethereal counterpoint vocal harmony provided by Emily Capell, a fresh new singer songwriter from North West London. The muzak styled organ sound on “Move On” would make Jerry Dammers proud. I can hear prime period Dexys Midnight Runners on “Sick Of Hanging Around” mainly in the brass and Kevin Rowland style vocal. Billy Sullivan’s anger at society hits its peak on the riff laden Jam-esque “The New Age”. Title track “Year Zero” is a synth driven ska noise fest that cannot fail to get you moving, although for me that title song is way too short. I have already mentioned singer Billy Sullivan and supremely talented keyboard wizard George Moorhouse, but the underlay that keeps this band together is the staggeringly brilliant rhythm section of bass man Sam Long and versatile drummer Matt Johnson. You need to buy, download or stream the album when it hits the world next month, you will not be disappointed. The band embark on a lengthy UK tour later this year and into 2019. If you haven’t seen them yet, get your damned tickets now! (dates below). I am planning on getting to the York show in February.
Fri 05 Oct – Southend, Chinnerys
Sat 06 Oct – Norwich, Arts Centre
Fri 02 Nov – Dover, Booking Hall
Sat 03 Nov – Brighton, Patterns
Fri 09 Nov – Leamington Spa, Zephyr Lounge
Sat 10 Nov – London, Islington Assembly Hall
Thu 15 Nov – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds
Fri 16 Nov – Glasgow, Broadcast
Sat 17 Nov – Edinburgh, Mash House
Fri 23 Nov – Bristol, Fiddlers
Sat 24 Nov – Exeter, Cavern
Thu 29 Nov – Newcastle, Cluny
Fri 30 Nov – Carlisle, Old Fire Station
Fri 07 Dec – Leeds, Hi Fi Club
Sat 08 Dec – Northampton, Roadmender
Fri 25 Jan – Belfast, Limelight 2
Sat 26 Jan – Dublin, Workman’s Club
Fri 08 Feb – Sheffield, Plug
Sat 09 Feb – Manchester, Gorilla
Fri 15 Feb – Hull, Fruit
Sat 16 Feb – York, Fibbers
Fri 22 Feb – Cardiff, The Globe
Sat 23 Feb – Liverpool, O2 Academy 2
With Just A Hint Of Mayhem 