Youth rebellion, Patriotism, and Rock 'n' roll
Review from Ball Breakers media: Wellington Arms "2008 -2012" Demos.
Wellington Arms are the latest in a rich tradition of Skinhead bands (including The Templars) championing lo- fi music and returning Oi! to its street- level R’n’R roots. This assortment of demos is the first I’ve heard of Wellington Arms and it’s enough to convince me that they’re worth keeping an eye on. Their sound is pure, honest, erratic and fresh: A nice step ahead of the more stagnant sounds of ridiculous outfits like The Old Firm Casuals.
It’s difficult to pause to pick a stand- out track as each one is similar in its basic lyrical content and frantic execution, but there are gems to speak of nonetheless. “International Lover”- a lurid tale of love triangles perpetrated world- wide and “Valencia” offer probably the most enthralling and original material, and it’s on these tracks that the band make their mark most evident. However, “Living in America” is just as interesting and far more tangible in its socio- economic critique from a working class Skinhead perspective and effortlessly encapsulates the frustrations of trying to make a living in America. The lyrics are brilliantly accessible on this track too, this is perhaps best demonstrated in the opening lyric “I’ve got no job, I’m fucking broke, I’m sitting here like a fucking joke, I’ve got no skills, no skills none at all, unless it’s violence and alcohol”. There is something of an illiterate eloquence and charm in this band’s words.
Each track on this collection feels somewhat effortless and un-forced, organic if you will and as such there isn’t a shit song to slate, just a collection of refreshing new Oi! for any Skinheads out there to get their teeth into! Keep an eye on these lads; they’re kicking and screaming and it doesn’t sound like they’re slowing down!
Review from U.S. of oi Sweden: Wellington Arms "Living in Amerika" Demo.
Tracklist:
01. Wellington arms
02. Living in America
03. Bordoms a drag
04. It will never end
05. Got to believe
These boys are basicly the loose ends of the Chicago skinhead crew known as Brew & Honour probably more known for their fanzine by the same name then this band. I have never really carred much about zines the last couple of years since its often the same old tired interviews by the same old somewhat succesfull skinheadbands, a couple of 4 sentence reviews and a bunch of photos of the writers and their friends in the pub. Since the miracle of computers came along i think it is an unnecessary part of the scene and the few "new and hot acts" that get featured in the paperzines has probably already been featured on several bloggs and other sites when its time for the paper to get printed.
With that said no i have never read their zine but i have followed their blog for some time now and i really like both their sound and their attitude towards an otherwise to PC infested scene.
The band started in 2007 but its roots has been around since 2002 in their vocalist Erik Scott that played in a band called Violent retaliation and wrote most of these songs for that band. After that band dispatched Erik hooked up with his friend Lauren on guitar and Kevin who had just moved from Seattle on drums. After a couple of shows Laurens boyfriend Rick joined the band on bass and it eventually ended up being just Erik (voc,guit) Kev (drums) Rick (bass).
Their sound can somewhat be described as an Oi!, RnR fusion and before i go on i have to mention the great vocals done by Erik. It just suits the bands sound perfectly and adding both great drums and guiar riffs to that and im sold.
I could go on ranting all day but instead i'll just upload this demo that one of the members sent me. I believe the last song is not supposed to be on th demo but since i dont know where the hell it belongs i added it to the demo.
Someone please give this band a good record deal!!
