Amplifier
Alex Green
That "Loud And Proud," the opening track on Roger Miret And The Disasters' new album 1984 begins with a rousing round of background "hey hey hey's" is...
That "Loud And Proud," the opening track on Roger Miret And The Disasters' new album 1984 begins with a rousing round of background "hey hey hey's" is not an isolated event. The entire album, in fact, is loaded with these kinds of urging call and responses. And every one of them works.
The thirteen numbers that make up Miret and the Disasters' sophomore album (and follow-up to their 2002 self-titled debut), are punky anthems that will not only awaken, but summon the activist in even the most laconic of folks.
Whether it's the catchy Rancid-like swagger of "Lower East Side," the crunchy and nostalgic look back of the title track, or "Riot Riot Riot," which even begins with a tugging "C'mon let's go," every number here comes across as a fight song. And even though from song to song the cause may not always be clear, it doesn't really matter.
1984 references classic punk and hardcore sides, and Miret and the Disasters aren't shy about tipping their hats to their influences. Evidence of this comes on "Janie Hawk," which indirectly name checks The Sex Pistols and lifts lines from Bowie and the Ramones. Inspiring and instigating, Miret and the Disasters' urgency makes it sound like the revolution has already started and you're late in signing up.
Contact Music
David Adair
The label that brought us the last offering from the great man Joe Strummer ('Streetcore') have made every effort to fill the void of honesty, authenticity,...
The label that brought us the last offering from the great man Joe Strummer ('Streetcore') have made every effort to fill the void of honesty, authenticity, depth and heart on sleeve passion that he left. Their quest had a high degree of success when they selected to release this 13 thirteen track foray into the new wave, good old fashioned R & R and ska genres that blend together to make oi punk apparently. The perpetrator of this is the Cuban born and New York bred Roger Miret and his three sidekicks, who ooze passion and pride, as is demonstrated in the title track '1984' that collides together the Sex Pistols instrumentals and Sham 69 style vocals and chorus to devastating effect.
The characteristics of simplicity and intensity are introduced to each other and seem to get on very well, as the rasping 'Riot, Riot, Riot' and the honest and enthralling 'Lower East Side' highlight impressively. However, standout track is the ripping and cutting 'Hooligans' that swipes out at yobs and will never get played before a Millwall game. The bold and brave lyrics are sung with rhythm and aggression and hold up a mirror for inebriated aggressors to stare straight into;
"We're pissed, we're pissed, were drunk, we're drunk; Hooligans."
It has been three years since their self titled offering and in that period Roger and co have had their fingers on the pulses of modern realism, seemingly they have been channeling their anger ready to unleash in this explosively cathartic and compelling offering that reaches a climax in 'I don't Like You'. In a world where honesty is becoming an alien concept, be a Good Samaritan and welcome in a stranger with this offering.
12. Janie Hawk
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