EP REVIEW: Stay Angry – Utilitarian
Over the past few months, the rather inane cries of “keep politics out of music” seem to have grown louder and louder. Not even Tom Morello is safe! To many, such a suggestion is ridiculous. To UTILITARIAN, it’s impossible. The UK-based hardcore/extreme metal trio are a band firmly steeped in the same tradition as proudly political artists like NAPALM DEATH and DISCHARGE. The group claim that “their art and their left-wing politics are inseparable.” This couldn’t be more clear on their new EP, Stay Angry.
The record follows just six months after the band’s visceral debut, Fight War, Not Wars. Destroy Power Not People. That album was a punishing 43 minutes which sat somewhere between metal and hardcore and served as a scathing criticism of the capitalist system. Stay Angry is much the same, and it shows that the band still have plenty to say. As the band’s vocalist Jon Crowder puts it: “there’s no shortage of things to get mad about.” This time around, UTILITARIAN have set their sights on the police in particular – a response to the shocking instances of police brutality which have captured the world’s attention in recent months, and which have been ongoing for decades.
Stay Angry consists of three original tracks – all around five minutes long – and two covers. Of the originals, the opening title track is a firm highlight. After an intro sample of a news report on the recent Black Lives Matter protests, it erupts into a crushing, galloping thrash-tinged riff. The tempo soon kicks up a notch, with Crowder spewing his rage-filled lyrics over blistering hardcore. In the hands of some bands, the song’s chorus of “Stay angry, all colours all creeds. Stay angry, end police brutality” could feel like sloganeering. But in UTILITARIAN‘s case, there’s no questioning how much they mean it. The song takes a more mid-paced thrashy turn before ending on the same pummelling riff it opened with. It’s a good way to set the tone for the whole record – crushingly heavy and absolutely furious.
The first of the covers on Stay Angry is a version of Police Bastard by Birmingham crust-punks DOOM. It’s an obvious choice for UTILITARIAN, as is their later take on the DEAD KENNEDYS’ Police Truck. In both cases, they keep things pretty straightforward in terms of structure, but they make the songs their own by adding a significant metallic touch. Crowder‘s much higher, more tortured screams also set both covers apart from the originals.
It’s fair to say that listeners may take some time to get used to Crowder‘s vocals on Stay Angry. Much like on Fight War… they are consistently abrasive and pained – to the point that they almost border on shrieks. That said, they’re definitely a good fit for UTILITARIAN. Unlike many vocalists in this kind of music, at no point is Crowder difficult to understand. Instead, listeners can make out his every biting lyric, clearly and fiercely driving home the band’s message.
The other original tracks on Stay Angry are both good too. Anarchy (Justice Without Order) is another thrashy rager. It features guest appearances from BOLT THROWER drummer Andy Whale, and DE PROFUNDIS guitarist Paul Nazarkardeh, the latter of whom adds some particularly impressive guitar solos. Final track ACAB (Order Without Justice) is perhaps the angriest of the bunch. On it Crowder screams “Say their fucking names!” while listing the names of individuals who have died at the hands of the police. The track closes at a breakneck pace, with Crowder repeatedly screaming a final mantra of “All cops are bastards!” It’s an intense, ferocious ending to an intense, ferocious EP that’s sure to raise some pulses at the very least.
Ultimately, Stay Angry feels less like a record and more of a call to arms to do just that. Some may disagree with the message, although it’s hard to imagine how you’d come across this if you weren’t already on side. It’s also unlikely the band will care. UTILITARIAN have something to say, and they’re saying it loud and proud. Whatever your politics, there’s no denying that that’s exactly what hardcore has always been all about.
Rating: 7/10
Stay Angry is out now via self-release.
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