THE BULLET KINGS - BRAND NEW DISGRACE/SAINTS AND SINNERS
by Fungal Punk
Being a long term UK Subs fan I was somewhat worried when I found out that The Bullet Kings were going to tackle that wonderful gem 'Saints And Sinners' from the hit and miss album 'Mad Cow Fever'. This is another one of those memorable Subs moments and the thought that the very fine Bullet Kings were bordering on a blasphemous implosion had me concerned due to the fact that I would be asked to review this double A sided snippet. But alas it is nice to be tested as a reviewer and this two track single that is to be released on green vinyl (in true UK Subs spirit) and limited to a 300 copy run certainly gave hints at a arduous assessment ahead for the Fungal pedant. Within a couple of days of receiving the disk I was already being questioned by two of the BK trio as to what I thought. Fuckin' hell talk about pressure. True to form I made the fuckers wait (one of the perks of the job) and took my time evaluating this double barrelled outburst.
So 'Brand New Disgrace', by gum I thought for a minute is was entitled 'Brand New Age'. Two Subs covers would have me reaching for the Mogodon and Holy water. The first to calm the nerves, the second to throw over these sacrilegious devils. Anyway all safe and well the track was spun over and over again and from first spin to the last I really can't find a fault. Well constructed, full of melody and all components as clear as crystal. The most amazing thing about this song is that its running time comes up at 4 minutes 49 seconds which I find totally unbelievable. I hate it when bands draw out a point that could be thrashed out in half the time but find myself in disagreement with my own opinions as this is just one long enjoyable jaunt. This factor alone signifies the strength of the song and I think the band are fully justified in this being a double header. But what happens if 'Saints And Sinners' is a pile of shite and a real insult to punks finest band? Well........
The track opens with good old Chaz uttering the telephonic statement 'It's not everyday The Bullet Kings do Saints And Sinners' which is a brilliant touch before we are led into the oh so wonderful familiar riff that I absolutely adore. Here the BK bandits stamp on their own inflection which immediately bodes well and takes away any misgivings on my part. I wonder immediately how frontman Wilfredo will cope in the main seat but you know what - the fucker pulls it off most wonderfully. The riff ploughs on and the whole track just melts into one smoothly poured pint of delicious tuneage. The backing vocals are spot on and the drums are played with a skilful zest as Big Andy (Super Subs nut extraordinaire) bangs away with what I suspect to be pure, unadulterated hard-on joy. I have followed the Subs for 30 years and thought I was fuckin' keen but this guy is fan No 1 and for such a big fellar he really has the most childlike infectious joy on his mug whenever talking about his fave outfit. A bloody big puddin' indeed but one you don't want to mess with. Carls guitar work is, as ever, exemplary (twat) and all three players should take pride in showing how a cover should be done. There are bands out there covering Subs songs and slaughtering them and, get this, being fuckin' paid for it - aagghhh! Is this the best Subs cover I have ever heard - mmmm - tough one. It is certainly the most adventurous and in truth I can't think of a better one - there is one equal to it but you had better watch this space.
So there you have it - 2 songs, 2 gems (Trivia moment: Gem - UK Subs released quite a bit on that label) and this marvellous 3-piece have my favour - well for the moment anyway. Like I said earlier this is a 300 copy run - do not miss out!