One Way System

1981–1984

Cherry reD/CapTain oi! Underrated UK82 punks hold up well.

The Rebellion festival has turned Blackpool into a punk Mecca, but the genre’s history there goes back further. One Way System, from nearby Fleetwood, hit their stride in time to play the Up Yer Tower punk festival in 1982, and are considered part of that year’s UK82 subgenre. They may not have redefined punk, but they certainly interpreted it with enough passion and imagination to fill two indiecharting albums and a raft of singles with material that strikes a stirring balance between barbed wire aggression and memorable riffs and choruses. All Systems Go’s (1983) breakneck opener Ain’t No Answers sits comfortably with more measured tracks displaying hints of street punk (Jerusalem) and US hardcore (Gutter Boy). Writing On The Wall (1984) adds sharper arrangements, alongside earshearing blasts. Rarities 1981-84 compiles non-album singles (including Stab The Judge) and strong unreleased demo tracks. ■■■■■■■■■■