Californian punks Militarie Gun hinted at something special on debut full-length' Life Under The Gun', but even in our wildest dreams we couldn't expect something so good to follow.
Indeed, second albums are often tricky; double down on what made your debut so good, or push out into pastures new, emboldened by the positive response to what's gone before? In rare cases – the ones that really strike gold – the artists do both. Militarie Gun therefore find themselves in a rarefied country.
The punk songs are plentiful and irresistible. First song proper 'B A D I D EA' is a pit-friendly, sweat-soaked anthem – so good in fact, they played it twice at a recent London underplay. Fans of the group's early work no doubt love it, and with good reason. But this is as close to a rehash of past hits as Militarie Gun get. 'Throw Me Away' is an alt-rock banger, more mid-paced and considered, but no less infectious. It's pleading final line – "Please don't throw me away" – reaffirming that for all the intensity and hardcore nous, Militarie Gun are just as driven to make you think, reflect, and feel.
This all comes to a head on a quite incredible three-song run as the album careers to a thrilling finale – 'I Won't Murder Your Friend', Modest Mouse-inspired interlude 'Isaac's Song' and 'Thought You Were Waving'. To get a real sense of the turmoil vocalist Ian Shelton was going through writing the record – particularly around addiction and finding the courage to seek help – these songs absolutely hit home.
This vulnerability is apparent elsewhere, too – 'Daydream' is a delicate, feather-light ode and remarkably sensitive for a band with such an abrasive, almost hedonistic, pit-friendly sound.
Turnstile's exceptional 'NEVER ENOUGH' might have grabbed the mid-year plaudits, but it's not the only album from the hardcore world to blow open the scene. It may be heading in an entirely different direction, but 'God Save The Gun' is every bit as vital.
