The accompanying press release declared that after 40 years in the making, Speak Truth to Power, “coughs up 12 brand new songs.” The phrase captures The Samples visceral quality eloquently.
The triumphant opening track Bullets in the Streets nail-guns STTP’s agenda to the band’s collective sleeve. Unapologetically, fast, aggressive and with a genuine nod to original 1970s Punk Rock. Lest we forget the Samples were conceived out of the decade’s ennui. The lyrics, however, have slowly been distilled in left wing consciousness…
On track two the opening visceral metaphor is one which Charles Bukowski would have been proud of – “take a shit or get off the pot.” Stand and Fight is a clarion call to arms: “Left is right and right is wrong.” In the mid-70s Tynd*ll’s National Front were the fourth largest party in the country. In 2024 we still have bands singing about Nazis on our streets. Why? Mainly because we are being subjected to a far-right resurgence that has been allowed to fester. The Samples have always steadfastly, conflated lived-experience with national and world politics.
Most tracks may be fashioned out of a revolutionary zeal with the dial set to 11, however, do not overlook their musicality. There is a tunefulness which pervades the album. (I just Wanna) Dance Again is a Tiggerish tribute to enjoying the moment in the mosh pit, once again. The song bounces along on AirWair soles without a bloody care. The reflective and slower Red Wall is a street-ballad rejoicing in the return of the Labour stronghold. The electric guitar licks and the considered singing complement the track’s political message. The Samples can do sophisticated too.
It is obvious that this “coughed up” album would have received complimentary phlegm from the front-line at gigs in the late 70s. Do not try this now!
Enough is Enough is an exploration of modern life. Accusatory, defiant and angry the track is a treatise pointing a finger at the malaise of modernity. Just don’t forget to download the app to lodge your complaint. Red with Rage refuses to “doff its cap” to the class system and the on-going impact of inequality in Grating Britain.
One or two of these songs may have inspired leather jacket artwork – back when D.I.Y. creativity “woz ere.”
The inspiration for Badger’s Song is now steeped in local punk folklore. A song which celebrates the impact of a chance meeting and the untimely passing of a band originator & great friend: Sean Taylor. Respectful, kind and generous the ode to Badger is a symbol of the band’s big heart.
Puppet Master swaggers out at the end with the dog-eared collar of its leather jacket turned-up. Indeed: “Scream if you want to go faster!”
When dissecting the album’s DNA, all of the musical strands are identifiable: The Clash, Angelic Upstarts, Tom Robinson and Stiff Little Fingers are all present when The Samples are placed in a slide under the microscope.
The Samples are Sean ‘Badger’ Taylor, Paz Smith (bass & vocals), Dave Evans (guitar & vocals) and Jake Powell (drums). And I’m willing to metaphorically spit in my palm and shake hands with anyone; to assert the band have produced a tuneful Punk Rock album, for their debut, studio long player – just as they intended back in ‘83.
By: Swilgate Scuttler
Physical copies aren’t available unti Feb/Mar 25. Pre order and digital download and other goodies available
The Samples & The Tights play Malvern’s, Old Con Club this coming Saturday 14th December. This fabulous venue is easily within spitting distance of Worcester, so hopefully we will see you there!
Advance tickets available online.