Alcopop Records
Francesca Baker
Some things, despite the Boring Police, should not be confined to the pre-adult years. Paddling at the beach. Mini milks. Getting excited about Christmas. And pesky punk pop that conjures visions of a teenage summer full of hormones and heartaches, sand dunes and stubby beers, girls and guitars, short trousers and long holidays. Attika State are proper grown ups, and so as well as a realisation that music is FUN, talent, zeal and a wide rangeof influences mix together to form something of an exciting album. Thus this punk vigour is combined with grunge melodies and some sublime traversing of the bass (particularly on We Share Enemies) and some stellar drum work, to ensure that they are raised above the rest of the alternative mainstream. It’s not all big riffs: ‘5 Strings, No Win’ opens with beautiful vocals from Rudy, over plinky keyboards. Catchy hooks reel you in, but it’s the overall experience, executed with enthusiasm that sustains the album. Knowing world weary lyrics over world embracing tunes, Attika State know that their role is to provide the soundtrack for a party, one that is ongoing, and doesn’t end when you leave school.