The Get-Outs - Get the Message

The UK is issuing another musical edition of The Clash, this time from Bristol and they are The Get-Outs.

Could it be? Could the British punk scene be resurfacing from the days of Doc Martins, Manic Panic, and an overwhelming disregard for one’s own personal safety in the pit? Well whether you like it or not, the UK is issuing another musical edition of The Clash, this time from Bristol and they are The Get-Outs. Their collection of hyperactive punk music in Get the Message is high energy harkening back to the days of The Clash, The Undertones, The Who, The Kinks, and the like (get THE pattern?).

This thirteen-track album from this three-man band is clearly and exclusively punk rock (perhaps bordering on hair metal?). While punk music is essentially a stick-it-to-the-man culture, it may be a tad overdone. Yeah, you’ve been wronged. Yeah, you’re misunderstood. Yeah, you’re most definitely pissed off. And, damnit, you’re going to do something about it— you’re going to sing! It sounds silly when put in that context, however the mood and energy of this album says just that.

The ripping guitar (oh sorry, I mean axe) and nonstop drums are certainly something to smash up an expensive hotel room to (or at least bob your head to). There’s definite rhythm and the boys manage to punk it up without sacrificing too much melody. The vocals are a bit of a rip of Joey Ramone and… um… every punk band from the 80s. But I suppose that’s the standard formula for screaming your heart out, and who am I to nit pick on what works?

There’s nothing all that distinctive on the album, but for punk lovers it’s something to look into. Most all the tracks sound the same, so it’s good for a continuous mood of music. The integrity to punk is refreshing from the mainstream scene considering that The Get-Outs have written all the songs on Get the Message. And you know what? It’s just as good, if not better than what any record exec or some behind-the-scenes songwriter can whip up.

(Avebury Records)