RISKEE & THE RIDICULE BODY BAG YOUR SCENE (BOMBER RECORDS)

What do you get if you cross a hard-edged punk band, all distorted guitar and powerhouse drums, with rapid-fire lyrics from an ex-Grime rapper? Welcome to Riskee & The Ridicule, one of the biggest names kicking down doors on the punk underground. Their incredible second album, Blame Culture, helped swell their fan base both here and abroad, while their electrifying live shows have converted the uncertain, and here’s the follow-up, one which should be assured of getting the same reception. In many ways it’s a direct descendant of Blame Culture, with tracks referencing their previous material (even down to sampling themselves on For Old Times Sake, and In The Dark We Dwell feeling like a Stranger Things-type flip side to the brilliant Hipster from the last release), but it’s not a continuation of the same sound. Over the last two years the band has developed, and now return carrying a harder and, at times, darker edge. The punching-the-air anthems continue; it’s something they do as well anyone, but very few do it with as much humour, and I can’t think of another band that comes close to the level of well-crafted lyrics that this gang present. The obvious love of playing with the English language continues, with Scott’s machine-gun delivery leaving you smiling at some of the lyrics while you’re rolling in the dust kicked up as they fly past you. Lyrically, they’re happy to discuss the usual targets of media manipulation, sexual exploitation and drug abuse. They’re also keen to kick against the parts of the music industry that try to stifle originality, but also happy to praise the DIY ethos that is what defines Punk Rock, and they’re not afraid to look at themselves and laugh when they have to. As they put it themselves… “We’re like The Mob. We make hits, but no one wants to talk about it.” They will. Oh yes, it’s only a matter of time. But they will.