Foreign Legion/The Shame
Split EP
Aggrobeat Records/Rebel Sound Music
Foreign Legion:
Foreign Legion have been representing Welsh streetpunk/Oi!
since 1984. After a few names changes, they finally settled and got to cranking
out consistent records in 2001. That is when the Major Accident split LP was
released. Then, they had a full length, again on DSS. 2007 saw the strong,
Death Valley on Durty Mick. Other great splits with Red Alert, Suburban
Lockdown, Riot Company, Paris Violence and Cervelli Stanki show their tenacity.
Well, they throw a quick two songs here (after another solid LP, Light at the End of the Tunnel, KB
records) for The Shame.
Social and political concerns are the basis for these feisty,
pissed songs. Foreign Legion are calling attention to the disarray and
dysfunctional society that plagues all cities globally. A cry for people like
us that see the issues, these tracks should incite disdain. The strong back
beat harnesses the focus. This material boasts thicker guitars and more
ferocity than Foreign Legion’s prior output. The intensity is stronger and
enticing!
RIYL: One Way System, Menace, Major Accident, Brass Tacks
The Shame:
Tough, gritty and angry Oi! here. The Shame come from Tulsa,
OK. “Cross the Line” is gruff track, pledging allegiance to defiance. This
track is fast. Tight guitar chords propel the beat forward. This will certainly
get people singing along.
“Faded Glory” is not just a drinking song, but a “let’s
drink” rally cry to lament. The tone of the song, the guitar chords, and the
pace bring a solemn feel that is in line with needing just one more shot of
whiskey to go with the pint. The chorus is catchy and morose, in a nostalgic
fashion. The feeling is perfect for an old skinhead who is reminiscing about
the days that weren’t so caught up in daily grind and respnsibilty. Get a
friend and hoist a pint.
RIYL: Wretched Ones, The Booked, Squiggy,
Record label: Aggrobeat Records (Europe) / Rebel Sound (USA)
Pressing info: 500 copies: 250 cyan blue (Europe) / 250
solid red (USA)
