Alternative TV

Revolution 2 THE STORE FOR MUSIC

Bermondsey retro-joyride.

Originally released as Revolution in 2001, the ninth studio album by the band formed by Sniffin’ Glue editor Mark Perry as he was folding the epoch-making fanzine in ’77 has now been reissued as Revolution 2 with bonus tracks.

When it first appeared, its enthusiastic nod to ‘76-style Heartbreakers/Pistols-style punk seemed a surprising move from someone who had loudly abandoned such well-trodden tropes in favour of prog-jazz experimentation after ATV’s vibrant debut album The Image Has Cracked.

Joined by long-serving guitarist Tyrone Thomas, bassist Grahame Hullett and drummer John Isaac, Perry sends his Deptford Rotten holler over recycled Thunders riffs on short, sharp Good Times, Total Switch

Off and At War, and even revisits self-written 1978 Chelsea single Urban Kids, thankfully retaining his street-level lyrical flair. Five 2012 live tracks and TV2’s Life complete a period curio guaranteed to inspire sporadic pogoing in old punks. ■■■■■■■■■■