GRADE 2
Grade 2 (Hellcat)
Currently riding the crest of a wave in the UK, with the emergence of bands like The Chisel and High Vis, the streetpunk and Oi! subgenres now find themselves front and centre on the merry-go-round of punk rock trends. Kids are busting out their Harrington jackets and Doc Marten boots and drinking cheap cider like it’s 1982 again – and with good reason, when there are bands like Grade 2 to enjoy.
Their new self-titled slab of wax has plenty of the aforementioned streetpunk element and there’s a healthy nod to Rancid in their sound, but unlike their Californian brethren, the band grew up on the Isle Of Wight and the small-town frustrations come tumbling out in their lyrics. There’s also plenty of pandemic frustration vented as the boys channel their anger into great storytelling and gorgeous melody. They are currently touring the UK’s smaller venues, perhaps for the last time – because this album demonstrates that this group are a powerhouse in their field.
words CHRIS ANDREWS
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