If it wasn’t for a certain Garry Alexander Borland and Danny Mac’s Testifying Times Radio Show, I might never had heard The Lee Harveys. But, as it is, thanks to a recommendation from Garry, and Danny playing and interviewing them on his show, I am the proud owner of all their albums; Still Angry, Gun City and Bullet for the President.
I can now add to that their latest unmissable release Resistance is Not Terrorism. The 6 track EP comes on CD and on extended edition coloured vinyl. Side one of which is the EP with side two collating fan selected remastered highlights from previous releases.
Resistance
Resistance is a theme of album releases of late – Manic Street Preachers released Resistance is Futile last year, while IDLES released one of my favourite albums of the year in Joy as an Act of Resistance. The Lee Harveys looks set to follow in its footsteps and become a favourite for 2019.
Resistance is not Terrorism is a blistering set of tunes, the title hinting at The Lee Harveys well documented support for the oppressed people of Palestine.
Words are Weapons
Opening with the formidable Words are Weapons, Bitzy and co demonstrate their fervour for speaking their mind, taking no prisoners with their classic punk rock blast, thunderous drums underlying infectious guitar riffing. “My Words are my Weapons I use them as I see fit”. Indeed, he does.
Having just written about several bands on the New York punk underground scene, I can totally relate to track two, New York. “I wanna go to New York, I wanna get high in New York”.
Staccato machine gun guitars announce the arrival of Bloody War and The Lee Harveys stance is once again clear, “no more bloody war”. Bitzy has a distinctly rich earthy vocal, and on occasion channels the passion and ire of Kirk Brandon when he yells “and I got no place to go” ardently on One Way In.
Sonic Boom does just what is says on the tin, the searing energy and high-octane punk rock guitar blasting the listener into next week while Neon Angel is unmistakably punk but to this listener has a melodic 1950s rock’n’roll feel, for some reason in my head I’m thinking a punked-up Roy Orbison.
These six new tracks on offer here demonstrate a band going from strength to strength and losing none of their desire.
Heading for the Border
Flip the vinyl over and there is a tremendous introduction to the band for the new listener or casual fan featuring some of their most popular tracks remastered specifically for this release. Bullet for the President tracks; the very topical Border, She’s Inside, Bullet for the President, the great mantra for life that is Be What You Wanna Be and one of my personal favourite the spaghetti western-esque sounds of the Spanish Civil War influenced Horses. From Still Angry; another personal favourite in the rockabilly stylings of Babylon, Shoot the Lights Out and title track Still Angry.
Even better news is that I’ll be seeing these tracks live in Audio, Glasgow on 23rd February in a triple bill featuring the hard-gigging Fire Exit and purveyors of top 3 album of last year “Keep it Weird, Keep it Wired”, Airdrie’s almighty Reaction. Get your tickets before it sells out.
Do yourself a favour, don’t resist, get your sticky mitts on this album, long term fan or new listener I guarantee you won’t be sorry.
Get the album now from Advance Records
Need to get that to complete me Lee Harveys collection, especially after that review, Mr Quiff!
Fantastic band great write up played at a few shows with them and we have them in Glasgow on Sat 23rd February to release their tunes to the masses 😉 Reaction & Fire Exit are also on