ALBUM REVIEW: And All Hell Broke Loose – The Loyal Cheaters

Italian-German punk band THE LOYAL CHEATERS have just put out their second album And All Hell Broke Loose. Formed in 2020, the quartet have made a name for themselves through their constant touring and gigging, the release of their debut album Long Run…All Dead! back in 2022, and sharing the stage with the likes of FLOGGING MOLLY and GIUDA. This album, in their own words, will take you on a “pleasant, turbulent journey” – a pretty apt description for their fusion of punk rock and rock ‘n’ roll.

Opening with title track and intro to the album, the first thing the listener hears is a deep voice giving some exposition that can’t help but remind you of an old western film where the protagonist gives their monologue before the final showdown. It’s a stark contrast for when the band move onto Madhouse, which kicks off with a loud, energetic punk rock rhythm before the vocals come in and just ooze confidence and attitude. Combine all of that with a catchy hook and a rock ‘n’ roll melody, you’ll have nothing else to ask for.

As mentioned, THE LOYAL CHEATERS love to show off their version of punk ‘n’ roll, from songs with anthemic harmonies and pure energy, such as Can’t Go Out and Sugar Lover Boy, where you can easily picture an eager crowd jumping around and shouting back the lyrics, all the way to songs that just flat out make you feel happy and give you that boost in confidence, as is particularly the case for recent single Crazee You Say.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a punk album without some songs that make you ready to rebel and cause anarchy. A highlight of that – and a standout track overall – is Baby Boomer, which is, as the name suggests, a criticism of that generation and their world views. The lyrics call out how there are so many important problems and issues that we need to face, yet because it doesn’t affect them directly, they simply don’t care. It’s what would happen if you were to take the political lyrics heard in GREEN DAY’s American Idiot but placed them in an album from their Dookie era.

Outside of this are songs that, while maybe not fully memorable, are pure fun and leave you with a sense of happiness. And All Hell Broke Lose is an album to make you smile when you’re feeling down. Whether you need a shot of energy and happiness to get you through your regular routine or go off and cause some chaos is up to you.

Rating: 7/10

And All Hell Broke Loose is out now via Go Down Records.

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