ALBUM REVIEW: Lesser Known Character - No Equal Exchange

LESSER KNOWN CHARACTER (England)
"No Equal Exchange" (Digital album)
(Independent)
Release date: May 1st 2019
Links:
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Whenever I hear the term punk rock I am usually not the most enthusiastic person in sight, but after creating this page I have found myself willing to open up more for new genres, whereas before I stuck to music I was already familiar with. But, this young lad (cough...) doesn't shy away from a challenge, so I decided to give the British punk quartet LESSER KNOWN CHARACTER a chance.

I was not given much information about the band these Bristol based gentlemen has formed together, other than that about this brand spanking new EP they just released. Their debut three track EP entitled "Calamity" was released in August 2016, and after having given it a spin I must say that too is an enjoyable piece of work.

But today's topic is the band's newborn EP "No Equal Exchange", which according to the band themselves is more technical and heavy than the debut. Here we have six songs clocking in at about a quarter of an hour in playing time, and it is amazing just how much Carl, Nick, Matt and Pete manage to present during these few minutes.

Be sure, this is not just traditional punk rock. Whereas the debut was heavy and melodic, this new effort is far more frantic in its expression, possibly influenced by the topics in their lyrics in these half a dozen songs.

"This record sees us exploring lyrical themes including how shit Brexit is, toxic masculinity, and the depressing growth in the use of hate speech online", says the band when they explain where they find inspiration to the lyrics on "No Equal Exchange", and the obvious frustration one might get from said topics should fit perfectly in this genre.

The band plays fast, and they're tight. Traditional punk rock would have more emphasis on basic chords, but LESSER KNOWN CHARACTER allow themselves to experiment more, bringing more color to their otherwise raw and unpolished expression. Lead singer Carl spits out his lyrics with an archetypical British accent, as if Johnny Rotten himself was behind the microphone, and thusly brings a genuine authenticity to the attitude their music displays.

Given the fact that I had a very limited experience with the punk genre prior to this release, I am pleased to discover that "No Equal Exchange" is a delightfully frustrated piece of work, completely devoid of compromise. Whereas "Calamity" was a bit more polished on the production side, this is dirtier and messier, and it's bloody wonderful!

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Separation Anxiety
2. Less Tightrope, More Tripwire
3. Be A Man
4.Constructive Dismissal
5. A More Pallid Palette
6. Fake News

LESSER KNOWN CHARACTER:
Carl, bass
Nick, guitar
Matt, drums
Pete, guitar