Dundee’s DELINQUENTS released one of my favourite albums of 2017 in the eminently listenable About Last Night, a raucous selection of punk rock tunes.
This four track E.P. is a step progression from their debut, if anything the four tracks here are a cut above, strong musically and lyrically and a sign of greater things to come. This is the sound of David Hennessey and the band making headway, and signalling their future intent. If About Last Night was Saturday, today it is Sunday, and we know what that means…
The band announce their arrival with full throttle pedal to the metal punk riffing and an ode to drinking too much. “All I want is some anarchy” sings Hennessey, but promising to be “Sober on Sunday”. He does consider the sensible option – switching off his phone and staying in. The answer? “Will I fuck!”
“Sober on Sunday”? Only after another night out though. “Three Sheets to the Wind” follows with the promise to his Mum who says he drinks too much put on hold as this song takes us on a night out leading to a “taps aff” moment. “Why is everybody starting at me?” laments David. This memorable tune leans more towards US punk. revealing elements of a Social Distortion-like sound.
No Disguise
As well as a musical progression, lyrically listening to this E.P. often seems voyeuristic and an insight into David’s psyche and personal journey over the years since the album. “Ah, fuck off” announces the arrival of “No Disguise”. “My emotions got the better of me, I take everything personally” he goes on lamenting the fact that he no longer wants to feel like he is always sinking. The mask is coming off, that mask that so many of us put on pretending everything is OK, when its not. This is another stonking high octane song with a terrace-anthem like chorus.
That mask is well and truly off on final track “Sinners”, the punk rock guitars stripped away, leaving David with acoustic guitar opening up and baring his soul with a beautifully melancholic personal lyric. Stunning.
I was already sold, but this seals the deal. I will be arriving at Scotland Calling for doors open and heading stagewar. Oon the strength of the album and this EP, if you don’t get down early to see DELINQUENTS open the day, you need yer head read. Space, aye. Remind me to ask him what the hell that means next weekend
Go early and see them, then go to the pub when The Exploited are on later before the aftershow . Mr Hennessey has more tunes and personality in his little finger than Wattie has in his entire body.
Spot on, the Ginger Quiff! Played with them
In Dundee, last week, and heard these songs live – first class!