ALBUM REVIEW: 796 – Meryl Streek
Ireland is a country that is responsible for a lot of great things and one of those things seems to be great music. And most recently that music comes from MERYL STREEK on his debut album 796. This is a seriously politically charged record. The aim was for Streek to give a voice to the struggling people of Dublin with a real and honest view. It’s a kick out in very punk fashion against politics, people in general, crime and the Catholic church.
The Start opens the record with electronic beats which is what Streek is all about, with samples of news reports detailing alleged allegations against the Catholic churches not only in Ireland but all over. It’s a surprising track as it’s about such a serious issue and it is a little unexpected and it hits hard before leading into Full Of Grace which is a much faster punkier track. Streek’s vocals are heard in this one and he is full of angst and anger again at the Catholic church. He accuses them of their sins which could again be seen as shocking but it feels like Streek is just saying what a lot of people are thinking and he just has the guts to say it out loud.
Death To The Landlord is a brilliant track. It’s more of a spoken track over electro beats and punky guitar parts. It acts as a call to arms with Streek telling you to just say no to all the boring mundane everyday stuff that we do because it’s expected. He kicks out against the politicians and how the country is broken and it’s down to the people to pick up the pieces. The lyrics are so politically charged it feels a little reminiscent of bands like THE CLASH or a lot of the early punk bands.
False Apologies is up next and it’s got a really grand yet still punky feel to it. It’s about how even though the Catholic church has apologised it’s all false. Really no one is safe on this track as although not everyone hates the church it’s easily relatable to think of all the false apologies being thrown around at the moment in the current political climate. Yesterday is more personal and is more about how the issues brought up already on the album have affected Streek and how the impact has affected his personal relationships and moods. It’s good as so far, he’s shaped his view of the world at the moment, and with this one, he shapes himself and his personal response to it.
The title track employs a horn section which gives the song a funky edge and is a departure from the beats and punky sound of the album overall but it’s a welcome change all the same. However, it does come down a lot heavier toward the end of the track and goes back to more of a fast epic feel. The track focuses more on crimes against women and the female voice that makes a feature really creates a contrast which is a nice addition.
No Justice is a softer song and basically tells the story of how many young people turn to crime when they fall on hard times and how usually it really doesn’t pay off. It’s a lot more heartfelt and emotional. The album does have emotional moments throughout but this track illustrates it best really and that’s the whole underlying truth of the subject matters told throughout the album: they’re all real.
Educated Mates mixes big orchestral sections with grimy punk rock sounds and big beats and it’s all about how everything is unfair and although you might be educated or talented that doesn’t guarantee you a high-paying job or lots of money. Dad closes the album with Streek‘s signature big beats and a chugging guitar part that gives the music a driving feel. It’s a message from Streek to his father who unfortunately has passed away now but it isn’t really a sad song as he fondly looks back on all the good times and doesn’t dwell on the bad. The track ends with the words “I’ll see you again someday” and from there it plays itself out to a fitting end.
This is such a politically charged, angsty album and it is great. It’s a huge kick out and nobody is safe, especially not the Catholic church and the government. It perfectly employs a 70s style punk message and sound yet it deals with today’s problems and issues. All at once, Streek seems vulnerable but angry and he’s not afraid to say what a lot of people are thinking. The album is mostly just spoken word and there’s really not much singing but that feels a lot more powerful and goes better with the music so it’s not like it’s a problem but more of a solution. The bottom line is this album is incredible.
Rating 8/10
796 is set for release on November 4th via Venn Records.
Like MERYL STREEK on Facebook.