Second album from Ex- ‘Imposter Syndrome’ is my introduction to the band, and what a thumping intro it is too. If you, for a second, imagine recent offerings from The Mighty Damned, Classic Godfathers with a dash of The Skids on some of the vocal phrasing, oh, and it also made me want to go and listen to The Professionals when Jonesy was in, obviously. Well, that’s the ballpark Ex- are playing in. It’s meodic punk rock n roll with a firm grip on the history books and one on just being themselves.

The album gets underway with the menacing ‘Say Nothing Do Nothing’ as far as album openers go, this is impressive, grabbing the listener with a clean, full sound, the rhythm is tight and punchy whilst the guitars roll out the rhythm, building up to the chorus with plenty of grunt on the low end before the duelling solo which is well timed and played with loads of sympathy for th esong. The vocals are really good, and the melody is catchy. If you want the opening cut on an LP to grab first-time listeners, then ‘Say Nothing’ is bang on the money. I’m all in, and my attention is grabbed.

Worry not, folks, for the second track ‘Be Warned’ is the most Damned like offering again with a great vocal and melody, it complements the opening track but is full throttle and most enjoyable. As the tracks roll out of the speakers, the album is taking hold of my ears, and I’m thoroughly impressed. The sonic aspects of the album sound like a band who’ve been at this for years in the mould of Skids, Godfathers and even the Stranglers EX- create a very impressive sonic attack. ‘Charm Offensive’ does exactly what it says on the tin, creating an impressive Charm Offensive from the throbbing bass line to the grand vocal delivery The wall of guitars really does fill the room for a massive sound.

‘Feed The Lie’ has the band going for the jugular with a thumping riff sitting on top of a steady back beat, hitting like prime time professionals when Jonesy was in his element. The album folds away track after track effortlessly with increasingly impressive songs. It’s a real collection of blood, sweat and tears. No doubt the band are giving it everything, and I can imagine them recreating this energy effortlessly in the live arena. I particularly like ‘Own Worst Enemy’ and that clinical clean chug of the overdriven guitar sitting on top of the mix next to some impressive vocals and a great hook and melody. Ten tracks, one as impressive as the next and as strong as the previous, this is a band with their heads held high, quietly going about their busines,s knowing they have created one hell of an album and with their chests puffed out songs like ‘Strange Sky’ wouldn’t look out of place headlining big halls with swathes of people singing along at their favourite Scots.

The album is brought to a shuddering halt as ‘You Have The Right TO Remain Silent’ reads the listener the riot act and goes out swinging with a real ball of fury – raging to anyone in earshot its a fantastic was to stick their flag in the dirt and announce Ex- are here and this is what they do – they play loud Rock n Roll hard and with purpose melody and poise. Do yourself a favour and check this out, you absolutely won’t regret it. Buy It

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Author: Dom Daley