Is punk rock dead?
Most people would say punk rock died with Sid Vicious. Gallows, an English hard-core punk rock band, is doing their best to keep the tradition alive. Gallows is comprised of vocalist Frank Carter, vocalist/guitarist Stephen Carter, bassist Stuart Gilis-Ross, drummer Lee Barratt and guitarist/vocalist Laurent “Lags” Barnard.
They snarl, slash and scream a pretty decent argument that the propulsive, savage beat punk is known for is still alive and kicking. However, the album lacks the energy, originality and overall attitude that makes punk rock memorable. Punk music works best as an expression of frustration toward the realities of life that are ultimately beyond our control. “Grey Britain” lacks any clear message or complaint.
The main issue with the album is its lack of urgency or energy, which is quite a feat, seeing as vocalist Frank Carter screams over thrashing guitar and pounding drums for pretty much every song on the album. You would think such an expression of angst would provide some energy, but it fails to draw the listener in. It’s obvious Gallows’ first priority when composing a song is to make it loud and fast — which isn’t necessary a bad thing.
Gallows certainly has a talent for creating atmospheric music. From the first moments of “The Riverbank,” the stage is set for an oppressively dark punk-rock experience. Sadly, this is the absolute high point of the album. Six tracks in, during “Death Voices,” fatigue starts to set in pretty hard. With the exception of “The Vulture (Act 1),” it all sounds very similar.
The lack of variation is nothing compared to the lack of originality that plagues “Grey Britain.” Gallows isn’t offering anything we haven’t heard before. The relatively simple guitar and bass lines have a nice beat, but they’re not distinguishable between songs. All the instruments play fast and loud and bleed together. When you add Carter screaming over the top of all the noise, it sounds sloppy and homogenous.
“Grey Britain” doesn’t have the swagger or attitude to qualify as good punk rock. Primarily, this stems from Gallows’ failure to develop any compelling message or point. While they regularly begin to make complaints about life in the U.K., it never seems to serve any other point other than to lead into another violent, bloody image. There is no substance.
If you’re looking for a decent beat to bang your head along with, look no further than “Grey Britain.” It is, however, seriously lacking in originality and energy. “Grey Britain” is not a memorable album. It lacks the purpose or innovation of a good album. It’s perfectly acceptable music for mosh pits, but that’s about it.