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Sep 08, 2020 Web Exclusive By Dom Gourlay

It’s no coincidence that the triple whammy of Brexit, Boris Johnson, and Donald Trump has inspired a disenchanted legion of artists and musicians. These are artists that are channeling their anger into a positive energy—to paraphrase a certain John Lydon—while creating some of the most organic, distinctive, and ultimately brutal music unleashed this century.

Indeed, it begs the question: what exactly is punk rock in 2020? Particularly now that it’s easily accessible to buy a Ramones T-shirt in Top Shop without knowing all the words to “Now I Want to Sniff Some Glue.” It’s difficult to pinpoint when punk became a fashion accessory but the past decade has rekindled its original flame somewhat and Girls In Synthesis are a by-product of the times.

The London based trio have been building up to the release of their debut album for some time. Four years to be precise. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise—particularly to anyone that’s witnessed their raucous live show—this album isn’t for the faint hearted.

Entitled Now Here’s An Echo From Your Future because that essentially is what it is. Each of its 10 pieces packs several uppercuts to the gut and rib area respectively, leaving no holds barred at any point. Decidedly angry and rightly so, Girls In Synthesis sound like people you’d want to avoid. Mainly because one wouldn’t want to get in their way. Meaning business from the outset, spitting polemic after polemic on the guttural “Arterial Movements” before “Pressure”—which could be a late period Crass outtake—kicks against the pricks and some.

Recent single “The Images Agree” takes aim at the lies politicians tell, while “They’re Not Listening” and “Human Frailty” speak for themselves. In amongst the melee there’s some incredible musicianship, particularly on the epic “Set Up to Fail,” which fuses jazz style interludes while referencing Buzzcocks (“Boredom”) and Sex Pistols (“Anarchy In the UK”) in its make-up.

Finishing on the ferocious “Tirades of Hate and Fear,” Girls In Synthesis take dissonance to a whole new level. This isn’t River Island Rebellion. These songs are the real deal. Vive La Revolution! (www.girlsinsynthesis.co.uk)

Author rating: 8.5/10