ALBUM REVIEW: Grade 2 – Grade 2

Isle of Wight-based trio GRADE 2 are determined to bring old-school punk to a younger generation, and with their fourth, self-titled album, their sound is more representative of them than ever. With the peak of punk now decades ago, there are still some incredible bands adapting and reviving the genre. However, it isn’t an easy task to stay loyal to the style while bringing a fresh sound, especially when punk as a genre is so dependent on both its sound and its values. Throughout their time as a band, GRADE 2 have started to gather attention, and an album that is distinctly them could push that over the edge.

Opening with Judgement Day, they certainly live up to their promise of delivering that classic punk sound; with an intense bassline and shouty vocals, the song is short but punchy, and listeners are more than drawn in. Fast Pace continues with the upbeat catchy sound, with clever, harsh lyrics and a memorable chorus. The consistent, addictive sound definitely feels like a more modern take on punk, with the same gritty energy.

Under The Streetlight really demonstrates singer Sid Ryan’s vocals, with another intense but fun song. The guitars in this work really well, switching up the pace and keeping the sound interesting. Many of the songs on this album show how well GRADE 2 write lyrics, and Midnight Ferry is one of them, drawing you into the world the band are creating. Don’t Stand Alone also does this, telling a story and bringing an honest but hopeful element to the album. The contrast of the aggressive main vocals to the backing vocals gives the track layers, overall making it pretty memorable.

GRADE 2 seem to have a habit of making their best songs frustratingly short, like Gaslight and Doing Time. The latter is an intense hard-hitting track, with unique vocals, fast-paced guitar and an addictive chorus. While the short length of the song does possibly make it hit harder, it definitely leaves you wanting more. Another good one is Parasite, with very gravelly vocals, translating anger and aggression perfectly.

While many of these tracks are immediately convincing, Streetrat Skallywag is a little less emphatic. Coming across as simultaneously cheesy and fun, it’s by no means a bad song, but the lyrics can seem a bit basic. On the other hand, Celine is one to remember. As a pure, positive love song, it’s a breath of fresh air, and it’s beautifully gentle despite its sound, with a nice guitar solo halfway through. See You Around switches up the style a little bit, bringing in a more folk-punk sound, and the guitars and bassline make it extremely unique.

While some tracks on Grade 2 are less memorable and do start to sound a bit repetitive, which to be fair is difficult to avoid, many of the others make up for it. On a simple level, punk as a genre is made up of a distinctive sound and specific values, and in the message, this doesn’t fully translate, but the band have got the sound down, while still keeping it interesting and fairly unique. On this self-titled album, GRADE 2 have definitely proven they’re worth listening to, with some songs absolutely deserving of attention.

Rating: 7/10

Grade 2 is set for release on February 17th via Hellcat Records.

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