By Chris Rockson

 

Track Listing :

Jimmy Does

Five Aces

Sugarcoat

Soho

Sofa Surfing UK

Green Eyes

The Girl Upstairs

12th Bar Blues

3Onage

Two Ladies

Ain't Love a Drag

Bring On The Bomb

 

Released earlier in the year, 'So Much For SoHo' catches the Loyalties at their very best....Loud, snarling and catchy too ! The album is nothing short of wonderful! These guys can write catchy, power-punk that leaves you wanting more...much more!

I saw them deliver a killer live set on their recent support slot with Duff McKagan's loaded over in Liverpool, and that is featured elsewhere in this month's mag. Ok, so just how good are they in the studio? Well, the action gets underway with the stunning 'Jimmy Does' with its Steve Jones-esque heavy thud from the twin engines of Lee and Rich, underpinned by the Kamikaze backbeat rhythm supplied by Craig and Tom, with it's 'Jimmy does, Jimmy doesn't, Jimmy should, Jimmy wouldn't....' choruses...sweet stuff indeed!

These guys know how to play too. 'Five Aces', a slap round the face with it's 'she chases five aces' breaks, is a pure delight, as is the equally smart 'Sugarcoat'...if there was any justice in this world, the Loyalties would already be massive....but I, like many, don't think it will be long!

The title track of the release is just how it should be done, aggressive opening that Thunders would have been proud of, backed up nicely with a mega-tight rhythm.......'Neon and Party Stars all point to home.....so much for SoHo'...this is as close to a perfect punk record as you can get...sheer entertainment!

The rest of the album is equally strong, but the stand out line from it is during 'Sofa Surfing UK'...'I got the smokes, I got the Jack, it's a few more hours 'til your Lady comes back, let's reminisce.....'    Oh Yeah!!!!

The Loyalties - So Much for SoHo, out now, what more can I say..? apart from.....catch 'em soon!

SoundCheck Rating :

 

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