A plucker, a conscientious creator, a Celtic Punk artist they say - I know the script.  I have the blighter booked, I have done 3 previous reviews - I think this may give hint on my thoughts.  I am going in sober though and hold no patronising favours or willing to offer up any sycophantic shittery - honesty, good will and fairness is the only way I know, if it ain't good enough then I'll be buggered.  

We begin with 'Intro (A Moment Of Reflection)' - a slow and steady heart-bearing and an insight into what to expect.  The strings ascend and descend, there is a deep rooted transparency here, and a whole wealth of promise.  The initial clarity is noted, one hopes it continues into the depths of the discordance, and beyond.  The atmospheric foundations fill up the soundscape after much mulling over and this is a more than adequate lead into the album proper.

We begin with 'A Demon In The Dark' a real hop, skip and hump bouncer that has a lush relish to get one immediately involved.  Political kick back comes via the crystal clear babbling brook of the opening verse.  There is a solid orchestration here and it is more than obvious that a lot of thought has gone into producing the end creation.  The chorus cuts slip in and out with ease, there is a tenacity within the tone and the quick-step gallop is played out with good precision and many obvious sub-scene nuances.  If you are a devotee of this kind of dinnage you will be hopping and skipping with unbridled joy.  'Dic Penderyn' follows, a song about a Welsh labourer and coal miner who was hanged in 1831 for allegedly stabbing a soldier during the Merthyr Rising. A plucky opening, one to get your feet moving to with a skip in the saddle generated.  The tale of the example made unfolds, the red flag of the workers is stained with the blood of a leader, a leader with defiance at his core.  The winds of the orchestration blow with high relish and captivating animation, the aftermath of a miscarriage of justice is exposed, we see that once again the powers that be are corrupt.  The impetus is fluid, the pluckery infectious and again all areas are crystal clear.  Bob on folks.

'Sending The Soldiers In' is a usual snippet with an emotive start, a certain disillusioned sadness and a feeling of hopelessness in a world of desperation.  The opening verse is half naked with a sound undergallop with the chorus breezing in and adding a heightened sense of urgency and freshness.  From here we race along with all areas indicative of the general modus operandi and aim.  When the volume nob is twiddled and the emanations increased it is more than gratifying to feel a sonic soundscape that is saturated and mixed to a tee - a very polished end result is had.

Shuffling forth and 'Wasted' comes with good vigour, takes it easy and drifts forth before rising and taking us on a tidy tickle that throws a little caution to the wind (in many ways). Matters seem to abandon hope and suggest a 'fuck it and see' attitude.  We all get times like this, the key is to dust down, kick back and recharge.  The music here has a paradoxical perkiness, it has good life and texture and a sobered look.  The world spins too fast and with an off-centre kink that discombobulates the senses, this sombre yet heartwarming tune reminds us that we best hang in and keep jigging and maybe... swilling!

A threesome dealt with in rapid Fungal style.  'Collateral Damage' is not an instantaneous boomer but steadily cultivates applause and a nod of approval.  Politically aware and pootling along on perky heels.  Parts are spartan, others sonically soaked, whilst all the while we have a clean cut tune that does well to rise from a rather tired out sounding start.  The final burst of defiance is a good turnaround.  Gothic tones from pasture bleak come via a keyed approach and a desolate feel.  'As Darkness Falls' is portfolio image of monochromatic heart pouring that deals with loss, memory and a determination to keep a light alive.  A touching moment that doesn't shy away from deep-rooted hurt with the aim to try and help others make progress through many a darkened tunnel. Life is hard, sometimes cruel, why are we wasting time squabbling when we just need to reach out and help each other along.  A well-crafted and neatly judged inclusion with added depth.  'Tested On Animals' strums in with patience, feels its way and then punches hard.  The content is as suggested by the title - a good wallop against the animal abuse and the industries that make a bundle whilst disregarding many innocent creatures.  As we, as self-appointed Gods, go forth and fuck up the planet and dish out much suffering we seem quite happy to make those trying to just get by, feel some pain.  This is a bouncing song despite the subject matter. It has a good edge pressed against your throat to make you think twice.  Consider your purchases, think beyond the smash and grab and 'I want' mentality and play this even louder if the message doesn't work.  A fine song reminding me that we can all do a little more for the overall good.

Another trio, 'Celtic Skies' is a 'Wuthering Heights moment, a song that gives visions of lonely blasted moors where the wind dictates and the skies roll forth and help the time to fade away into the distance and memories to build.  A look-back, a soppy song that is for a certain kind of folk.  I am taken by the tune but the soft edge leaves me a trifle cold.  A bit corned for me, I am an old sober bugger and am not keen on these waltzing fantasies - gimme good earthy reality and a chomp.  I am sure some peeps will love the lilt here and who can blame em' - silly gits.  We bound on with 'Never Again' a feisty fire-belly start, an acidic opening verse and a jabbing jauntiness laden with toxic juices.  The mix of the galloping and the trotting is perfect, the fingerpoint at the money-sodden warmongering wankbag is pertinent in these (and all days) of war, bullying and power dictates.  The impetus and general lucidity make this a stand-out and the overall fluency is choice.  

Down the back stretch, 'One More Round' is a look back at a time when we aging creatures could all drink a bit more, soak it up like sponges and get hammered before bouncing up next day and not giving a toss.  The drums roll us in, we bounce along with fresh zest and hark back to carefree realms that perhaps we should re-embrace.  Can we do it without the booze though?  Of course we can!  An invigorating number that ends with an abruptness and leaves one wanting, well you guess it - another round, another spin! 'Second Chance' is a solid gear change with a clatter-batter attack pounding forth and pushing the creative forces into testing pastures.  A thumping, humping blisterer that doesn't hang about or dilute matters with an overly long running time.  In, rattle, out - job done and it is a good un' too, albeit basic, straight forward and without flamboyance.

A boozing song for the penultimate track.  A corned aand crooning sozzled eyed soppy spill that has a tear-filled pondering played out above a military roll and emotionally kissed trickle.  'Raise Your Glass' is a maudlin moment that some half-soaked swillers will find a perverted solace in as well as those with inner grieving and a need to remember.  I am not keen on this shizzle and even though this is a neat number that hits all the bullseyes it aims for it really isn't my cup of cha.  I move on into the last hoping for a kick up the arse cacophony of greater chomp.  The bonus track is entitled 'Grey Tracksuit' and celebrates the crunching of a racist's conkers in the sea resort of Southport.  The video is online, a poser with a problem is dealt a couple of blows - one to the big head, one to the smaller head, and justice seems to be done (although is violence the answer and do we all have to sink to the basest level).  This is a steady and strong song that finalises matters and rubberstamps the stance of the plucker and the whole ethos of what transpires.  A song with chunky goodness and a concrete way to sign off - boom in the bollocks hey!

Well I hope I have summed up the CD as a whole, related my honest thoughts and got a few folk intrigued.  This is quality stuff and if you like it or not it should be held in high regard for its approach, its passion and the polished delivery.  I am looking forward to a 'live' fix, this will happen on a gig that is appropriately against 'hate' - we have to keep the flag flying and hopefully make for a better world. I think music like this is relevant and always will be and if you have ever had a housebrick in yer nuts due to idiot thinking, get this and play fuckin' loud. 

No tossing about here, I have done a recent 3 tracker by this lot and I go in again.  Half Edge Records is the label who do their stuff and help get these vibes out there, this cunt is a mere eavesdropper requested to feedback in his Fungalised style - there is no other way.

And so 'Labour Under Illusions' begins, a sonic saga with mystic manifestations of softened flavours borne from far flung areas.  A nice anti-prejudice rant, pointing the finger at those that are hate filled in all realms.  We follow the usual route that the creators cultivate – background/underground music and a simple overlay of thought.  Again, nothing is gospel, you have to make up your mind about what is being said but believe me there is a fair bit of sense spilling here.  I rate this, as I rate all the produce by this unit as 'inclusion music' - music to be included in a mix of other rackets - interlude invasions with their own relevance.

'Talk And Listen' is a neat number, a touching little episode of the usual combo with a relaxed manner sending forth a good message.  Talking is a good thing, listening an equal blessing, it is funny now to see a world communicating all the time but nothing being said.  This reminds me of a breakdown, a time of dashing and self-induced solitary confinement when we shut off and just care about self.  This one, perhaps like some conversations goes on a bit and I do drift off, I am guilty as charged but I like the chilled essence, the thought process and the human touch.  

The last of the three and 'The Morning After The Night Before' is borne on exotic, sub-erotic tremulations with a  sober slant coming via the speaking serenader.  A look back on a night of mistakes and verbal drivel with the foot in the shit and the error of ones ways coming back to haunt.  The musical swing increases as emotions also ascend, embarrassment is not shied away from as we have a confessional many of us will be able to relate to.  I like this one, I rate it the best of the trio - the cool tone and content work well - job done.

Hey this is not music, not raw poetry, not really anything other than individualistic creativity being delivered in an individualistic way.  Like it you may, some may not give it credence but this stuff matters and although I can take or leave it, we must have folk dabbling outside the orthodox and throwing in their own shades to the sonic spectrum.

I think I have reviewed all of the releases by this band and having seen them 'live' too, I can honestly say I am a fan.  The T-Shirt I had was worn til it rotted on my back, I need to get another methinks and spread the word.  What I like about this lot is they play with good pace, a fine popped up clarity and with suggestions of sonica from here, there, now and then.  Here I have 13 tracks to deal with, unlucky for some, lucky for others - we shall see!

'Total Tantrum' taps in, captures a great lick and plays away from a slightly cavernous oubliette thus giving the song a subversive lo-fi appeal.  Despite this there is a sound element of pop punkery and the expected effervescing enthusiasm and all round directness and unity.  Good earthy sound with a core that is kept stripped down and gently built upon with no thought of idiot and pointless accoutrements.  This is 100% typical ZP produce - orthodox, straight forward and zippy nippy man.  'An Eye For An Eye' quickly follow, pounds in with greater gumption and as a result, gets bigger note.  The opening verse is sublime and gently encroaches into our private listening space.  Open, well-aired and exact with an ascension to the very effective 'sing-a-long' chorus that really perks up the soul.  The strings are, as expected, tight and ruddy effective, the flourishing goodness and unifying embrace of the song works a treat and as I re-spin I feel a fine song unfold and one that is surely worthy of a good work-out session to get the blood pumping along with the vibes.

'Under My Skin' has a mean groove as well as a brisk and happening impetus.  We are thrown in without apology or any chance to prepare.  Riffs, vocal statements and repeat before a brief roll, a twist and into the basic chorus we go.  A quatro-echo and we continue, into the mush of another basically orchestrated song that cutely progresses and pleases no end.  The artistry of these affairs lies in the fact that the band do what they do with polish and good effect and leave the reviewer with little to say - that is the sign of some sharp music-making methinks.  'I Miss Me' cruises in with upbeat tones, adopts the usual posture, this time with a  down-hearted viewpoint and a certain self-loathing.  A look-back to times when one felt fresher and more purer is had, a longing to be a better bod is the call and although the content has a pang, the tune itself has a ping.  A real episode of encouraging fuel to pour on your fading embers and get the flames of enthusiasm burning bright.  A quality combo and keeping the whole affair... glowing.

The next trio and a pulse, a light crisp overlay, a promise and then a crash, bang and wallop (all done in the coolest possible way). 'Power Play' carries on with lightened tones, is an easy meander without any barbs or offensive angles.  The crew are perspiration free here and not really pushing matters.  I do prefer it when the pace is upped and the riffage more obvious and rocking and although this is a tidy tune and supremely hygienic, I find it is the weakest of the pack so far and one I can take or leave.  It may be a bit to professional for me and a trifle too fluffed up.  'Bulls Eye' scuzzes in, fights for air and then after a brief pause, races on.  A slightly scurfy sound with a cold and stated verse that opens up and reveals a subtle venom via a chorus that brandishes a blade with a slightly sable edge.  The heads are down, the number is nailed with little fuss and is over and done with in the twitching of a nerve-riddled eye. 'Kir' is a 4 second snip, quicker than reading this review - the verdict - why?

'Stop It Now' races along with a wraparound pivot of rhythm that the song uses to propel itself forward.  A real fizzing energy burst this, with splendid impetus and from the pounding commencement we have a gushing, rushing, pushing thrust of liveliness that the band do so well.  Hop on board, come for a cruise along the highway - an unstoppable explosion of combustion that is a delight.  'Never Say Die' jumps straight in, drives a mean groove and slaps away with fervour.  A no-nonsense verse and into the chorus we go - without hitch and as smooth as butter.  A very resounding skip has me captivated and tapping the lower extremities.  The youthful exuberance and breezy lusty lilt hold up the gratifying fluency and this one glides by and leads us into the thermally warming and quite comforting nugget known as 'Frontline'.  This one is built on tasty ingredients and nutritious noise fundamentals and just goes about its business in a well-balanced and winning way.  All contributors are, as usual, given good airspace and a fair chomp on the tuneful cherry whilst making for a very agreeable musical moment.  Safe man, safe and very secure!

3 to go, 'Devils Twin' chops in and ends on a very strong note.  In between we get the usual Zoo Party cruising with the guitars utterly harmonic and watertight and the vocal work as clean cut and embracing as per.  Straight forward Zoo Party noise - what can I add?  The band do this stuff without hardly thinking and this one slips into the pack with little fuss.  For me, 'Up To You' is the highlight of the closing hat-trick and perhaps, the best song of the lot.  I love the spunky opening lick, the chug steady verse, the sanguine injecting style and the liquidity of the very reclined routine.  I think the band should do a few skanky numbers on the back of this, I reckon they would do it well but in the meantime, this is a sugar-sweet visitor that is welcome in my aural home any day of the year.  Ramp up the volume, get a big slice of self-confidence, devour and go forth assured.  Massive.  The closure comes with the rather sedate 'Busy Making Difference' - a slow cruise that leaves no bruise and just floats its way to destination 'finale'.  A creamy, dreamy opening, a rather unhurried push and a switch back to a slow assurance that all will be well.  No stresses or strains here, I would have preferred a good walloping blow out to finish but hey, this is a curio that eases us out after yet another fine release from a band that are in their own zone.

Aye lad, Zoo Party never fail to invigorate, and they do what they do with accomplished aplomb.  Nah then, Fungal is pleased once more but the screws are turned and this bugger wants the crew to test their own mettle.  How about a 5 tracker next time with something really different in the mix - a 100mph pop rattler, a ska blend and something that really lays on the riffage in obvious and old-school style.  We gotta push folks and as a fan, it is my duty to keep squeezing the chaps to keep themselves entertained and of course, myself. 

2 lovely folk, came, dabbled, played a few Fungal gigs in their embryonic stages, and then duly departed the DIY scene.  I am still in touch with these poppets of perversity and am overdue a meet-up.  In the meantime I have been requested to review a CD they almost overlooked - ooh the silly sods.  With the usual mystery, sable sinisterism and electro slice of the macabre the duo do, delight and leave me wanting another 'live' fix.  Alas an 'in the flesh' show will not be, but we can still dream.

Click, clack, shuffle attack and then the cream-dream opening synthoid automation comes.  'I Love Halloween' is built on a subtly punchy bassline as well as the interstellar keyed pulsations and the tiptoe rhythm of the tympanics.  The lead lass stays within the cavernous shadows, echoes out her verbals, each statement frosted through and dripping with icicles of gothic intrigue.  A celebration of the time of year when ghoulies dance, witches take to the air and all manner of creepy-crawlies take centre-stage.  There is an absorption in the event, an involvement in the dark side with the players beyond hope.  I think this is a really captivating and uplifting tickle and will enthuse anyone to admire their cobwebs and feel liberated as the spiders legs dangle.

'Free Floating Anxiety' is a song I can relate to as a long tern sufferer of cranial mither.  A somewhat cold and bleak tune that examines a state of stress that really is a fucker to control.  Head sparks, bodily weakness, a feeling on no control and a deep-rooted nebulous fear that just cannot be captured and tamed.  The slow persuasive throb and nag-nag modus operandi deals with the subject matter quite ideally and perhaps ensnares the feeling we victims are striving to escape.  A slow potboiler then creeps in and takes over (just like the ruddy condition methinks) - is this a good thing or a bad thing - cripes where's me Citalopram?

'Black And Grey' chugs away with a pestering consistency, like a flame-haired demon child tugging at the sleeves and striving for attention. From the opening strains of taut and troubled tensions things pan out in automated style with a regimented routine the band are very much smitten/accursed by.  A mental strain is uncovered, an inner suffering that shackles and suffocates.  There is something disturbing and haunting about this monochrome movement that seems to be stuck in a damning rut.  There is also something innately perverse radiating from this one that somehow enchants, mesmerises and wins applause - I just don't know what that darn X-Factor is!

And we close, 'Tortuous Misfortune' is the final escapade, a groovy light-swirl captivator that twirls to the tone, skips to the serenade and all the while dips in and out of the mysterious crannies of untrustworthiness.  The flow is electrically charged and running smooth whilst the vocals are slightly iced, from the ether beyond and always lucid.  From the initial pulses of hesitancy, through the outré tunery and the wired up weaving, to the final cable collapse, this is a good way to close a neat little synthed up package of sound.  

The Webb have been, created their embracing intricacies, fed on your feedback and duly fucked off.  A couple of fine folk, doing what they want, how they want, in purist DIY fashion.  Will there be more tricklings coming our way? I hope so but for now, enjoy this overdue release and beware the arachnids of sonic shiftiness.

A band made up of members who have done their time, and continue to do so.  Melodic and progressive this Blackpool based unit keep the flow running with another 5 tracks which I think is the best way.  EP's do the job, offer a taste and leave folk wanting more (well, if the job has been a good un').  I have an inkling what to expect here - well-produced, carefully thought out tuneage from a sub-niche that many overlook.  I dip in and play, play some more and then spill the following considerations.

'When The Story Ends' is gritty, biting and begins with twilight guitars and the odd boom from down below.  A terse flourish and the smoke-tonsil’ed opening vocals come and radiate an assured confidence and character.  The music is natural, without too much in the way of orthodox routine and radiates a certain relaxed and cultured essence.  The arrangement is of the post-punk/melodica style but trying to pin labels on bands is all very subjective and we are far better off just going with the feel.  The music is compact, the scaffolding tight and the delivery as one would expect - with weight and effectiveness.  You need a few listens to adjust methinks, but once in tune the impact and impression is all the better.

'The Spectators are Leaving' is a powerful song with encouraging hollers and a Cult'ish guitar sequence thrown in amid the regulated and rocking and rolling rhythm making.  At all times the gob at the fore adds thermal energy and a sinewy strength that enhances the overall believability of the track.  The words remind me of many a gig where people fuck off early and leave many with hopes abandoned.  In life, before the party is over, many fuckers are off out of it after using and abusing. Fuck em' - if they do nothing we carry on. My fave track is labelled here, tis a meaty affair.

Sharp suited guitars, a polished boot stomp and a gruff and growling opening gob assault.  The bass is battered, the guitars manipulated with artistry and the skins savaged with good intent as 'There's A Darkness' carves out its groove with focused fire in the belly and a straight ahead drive that exposes healthy muscularity. Space is a rare commodity as the saturation point is reached and maintained with a rising pressure taking us to the last hurrah.  A robust song that mainly thrives due to the fact it doesn't fuck about, hang about and over elaborate. 'The Natural Order Of Things' is a funny number that is a lovely change but which doesn't float my boat.  It feels as though it is not quite blended right, is caught in several minds and never really blossoms as an individual number.  It is a light and somewhat fluffed up affair with a chomping at the bit had but no real breakthrough made.  I listen in, find solace in the latter end of the track when things are a little more off the leash, but overall, nah - not for me although I do appreciate the necessity to change things up.

'What's The Remedy' cuts in, cracks a sturdy whip and bounds in with a flourishing hunger and relish.  From the off this is a highly animated and ruddy rambunctious reveller with a spine as sturdy as a metallised King Kong.  A real good groover with all areas aflame, in cahoots and clobbering out a sanguine spirit lifter that showcases a band on their game.  Despite the twists and turns within the tune, the band maintain a tight grip on the orchestration whilst applying good power and high precision and, may one add, an obvious passion for the creation of a racket.  The lads know their stuff and my previous fave track as just been outdone.

Well, 5 tracks is a suitable number of songs, four are real bollock-wallopers and one leaves me a trifle cold.  Hey, no reviewer can like everything, no reviewer should offer up bullshit and we can all only be honest, hopefully fair and constructive.  This is a sound CD indeed with a couple of real zeniths that exhibit a band with great prowess and know-how and with a strain that, in a scene torn asunder, rogered and raped, with a something a little different.  'Keep at it' is my advice to the band, 'have a nosey' are my words to you the reader.  

A delve into the DIY discordance of a one man plucker, an area that I have penetrated before and I am proud to say, still managed to avoid a prison sentence.  A quartet of curios here, done with the same drive and recognisable tones which, as it transpires, is no bad thing. So let us see what this bastard from Boston has in store, I am blessed to be requested for a review and even if I hate the whole spillage am very respectful for the outpouring and the ethos behind it.

Baa, Baa, blah, blah and 'Black Sheep' enters the eavesdropping pastures where my lugs are open and I am happy to wallow in the dung.  A gentle fuzzery and an escorting twinkle tickle with an earthy undulation all make for an opening episode that immediately gets the lower trotters tapping and the bonce nodding along.  This is a gentle laid out tune with a rebellious defiance that refuses to join the grey mush and be one of the pack.  A celebration of being an outsider and being classed as a 'freak' by those mentally shackled and governed by dictates spewed forth by the fashion fucks and money-making tossers of trend.  The ovine bleat, they all follow the leader, this tune cracks on amidst the pack and is a good light shining for the oddball.  A quaint and effective start.

'Bitter Taste' is a real choice cutlet, borne from an injured heart with a life of woes it seems.  The sorrowful shuffle has a sobered and acceptant outlook with scars bared and there for one to read.  This song is played from the standpoint of an introspective bod who is beaten down, ragged and worn and looking for some form of escape.  The underlay of acoustica is a delight and the emotional content perfect for a cruise that cuts out a very defining groove and really appeals to the inner soul.  A veritable gem methinks.

'Just A Poor Boy' is a low-slung mutt that keeps its belly close to the sun-baked ground and shuffles along minding its own business.  Pure bluesy snuffling with all the essences of the scene and the DIY depths.  A combo rarely touched one would think but listen to the old vibes and all the trademark touches are there.  As we coolly travel along there be nerve twangs alongside the wallowing accents and the usual focused backdrop of well-directed sound and of course, all the while we feel switched off and very chilled.  Job done - yeah - I think so!

'Knocking On My Door' is a reactive track that seems just thrown off the cuff.  There is a bitterness within the weave but a glorious determination not to sell out to meet the needs of those who like things processed, parcelled, packaged and of obvious leanings.  Yes - if you don't play ball and your face doesn't fit it is the shit end of the stick for you but... the fuckers who claim to be winning are not, they are just diluted sell-outs playing a  game to get to a place that has no depth and really does nothing for the inner soul.  The musical flow here is a little too jerky for me and this is not my favourite tune but, the approach, the content and the attitude win genuine applause and support.  Do it, do it yourself, and never, ever dilute to get on!

I am a fan of this plucking fucking gent.  A busker that does. A busker who takes a fair share of shit.  A busker who does it his way and who, carries on regardless of the down shouters, doubters and masters of doing fuck all themselves.  4 tracks worthy of picking up and throwing into your personal playlist - or is it not polished enough for ya - bah!