Oxleys Midnight Runners The Battle Vol I Review

Oxley’s Midnight Runners

The Battle, Vol I

Oi! The Boat / Randale

Review by hutch

Oxley’s Midnight Runners are an Oi! Band that have been rocking hard punk jams for a few years now. They have dropped four 7”s; We are Legion, Invasion, Combat, Conquest. All release have been splits from Oi! The Boat and Randale Records. Their sound is tough and thick guitars with a punky bounce. The Battle collects OMR’s 4 EPs into one spot. So, if you only like getting up for beer and are too comfy to lug out OMR’s four 7”s to dictate a night of flipping vinyl every 1-2 songs, this collection is for you. The members are comprised of Jesus Rodriguez from Warlords, drums on half the songs, Dave/Jeff of 90 Proof (I loved that band!), Mike Fatskin from, well, the Fatskins and Lars (of Rancid, OLF).

Oxley’s Midnight Runners’ sound is stark, a dark tension is salient through this album. The lyrics approach subjects of surveillance, war, faith, government or the fake sketch fuckers in “Combat”. These are days of violence and war. While threads of rock and roll permeate the foundation, this is crunchy guitars playing heavier riffs. A dark overtone is fluid through the tracks. “Combat” has a cool guitar ‘solo’, feeling like Blitz ‘80s sound. “Don’t Give Up the Fight” embellishes with a cool slide guitar at the end. “War Cries” and “Spear of Destiny” relish rocking solos with a bluesy feel.

But this is all icing, showing that there is strong musicianship here. The attraction is the beefy sound delivering hard Oi!. Mike’s voice is always commanding, serious as a heart attack. His unique pitch is undeniable. He grabs attention. There is lots of opportunities for an audience to sing along with catchy choruses and gang vocals. The simple but direct graphic design continues via the handsome Wynn Pettit (DDC, Fatskins)

If for some reason you have not checked out Oxley’s Midnight Runners, here is your ultimate choice. Luckily the album is named, “Volume I”, whetting our ears for more to come. Remember this is true music of the streets. This is not fun punk. This is angry movement music for angry people to vent to. I didn’t say ignorant, I say  indignant. Check “Land of Gold” as they vilify politicians and news anchors for wrongs such as Fukishima and Monsanto.

“They're the Enemy to everyone to you and me! Lies! Lies! Lies!”

“Nation of Hate”, “We Are Legion”, “Vengeance”, “Combat” stand out but each track is killer. Everyone is comprised of grit and punch. In this resurgence of Oi! And punk, Oxley’s Midnight Runners stand out. Tough, brash, and catchy.

RIYL: FatSkins, APA, Brick Assassin, DDC, Concrete Elite, Lions Law, NOi!SE

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