Welcome to Second Hand Citizens, the self-proclaimed “best worst band” who having recently supported punk legends the Vibrators are about to release their EP into the world.
As with many a punk band Second Hand Citizens have delivered some angry anti-establishment punk rock in tracks “Who Owns the World?” and “We Will Not Fall”, with the opening song having good old fashioned riffs whilst angrily questioning who indeed does own the world.
They may not be breaking down any musical barriers but “Who Owns the World?” does have its chanting chorus which live would induce a crowd sing-a-long whilst the unexpected ska breakdown will get you skanking in your own home, a winning combination for any punk act.
So after the group angst it’s onto a more personal sounding dig in “Vacunt Moron” which too sticks to the same formula of fast guitar playing and a song title that’s easy to shout at your stereo, followed by the DIY attitude of the “Un-united Kingdom” which although a little rough around the edges works in conjunction with the other tunes on the EP.
If you’ve seen these guys live then you will more than likely know the last two tracks, starting with the anthem of “We Will Not Fall”, which is almost the Citizens answer to “Warhead” by the UK Subs with its fist pumping chorus and repetitive chant that will continually ring in your ears.
The EP ends with a bit more light-hearted approach, poking fun at those groups that take themselves a little too seriously whilst tongue in cheek claiming to be excellent themselves… although as per the title of “Human Excrement” they soon remind you they don’t really mean it, but either way these five tracks are a good introduction to the band.
If you’re not already into old school punk rock then Second Hand Citizen aren’t going to win you over, but if you are then this release is definitely worth putting on repeat and as for being the best worst band – if nothing else, that’s surely something to be proud of.
http://2ndhandcitizens.bandcamp.com/album/second-hand-citizens-ep-2
