It seems like the current movement among post-punk artists is to blend in elements of reggae to a punk rock framework. Such is Gang Of Four, who not only do this but bring in lyrics rooted in Marxist social theory. The rock/reggae fusion sounds at times like The Jam
The album dives right into things with an attack on the Maze Prison, where prisoners from the IRA were kept. This is a bold statement at the time, with the IRA killing several high-profile establishment figures in bomb attacks, coupled with prevalent pro-establishment bias in the press at the time, fresh off the back of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Well; consider the treatment of those who express support for the people of Palestine in the current political climate, but then consider that as being express support for Hamas, rather than the civilians, and you can see how bold this is as a political statement.
It’s not all politics, however. Some tracks touch on relationships; for me one of the best tracks on here is Damaged Goods, with Dave Allen killing it on bass. There’s a touch of Elvis Costello cynicism, but not as cruel, in the relationship songs. The album closer Love Like Anthrax is the least reggae, with some great feedback grind as the basis, more like noise rock. Vocalist Jon King gives a kind of spoken word commentary over the top, with Gill giving a counterpart piece in the other ear of stereo. Although this is a little like Velvet Underground, it’s also a bit like The Streets.
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