An Slua

Reviews

An Slua Sure Look It LP

It’s time to face an uncomfortable truth—a lot of modern Oi! is complete and utter shite. It’s either hardcore lite made by people in big shorts, or it’s pop punk about the pub made by people in flat caps they bought off Amazon. It’s bland, overproduced, insipid bollocks. So when I get the chance to listen to something truly good, not just “genre good” but actually good, it’s a real treat. AN SLUA is that treat. The Sligo skins have released a modern classic in their debut. Joining luminaries like OI POLLOI and the OPPRESSED in being fiercely political and not being afraid to nail their (correct) colours to the mast at a time when cowards are happy to be fencesitters, they also know their way around a tune. Catchy as fuck, lyrically whip-smart, and choruses that beg to be shouted on the terraces. This is, quite simply, class. Any time you don’t bother listening to this is time wasted.

An Slua / Reckless Upstarts / Red Bricks / The Uncouth Intercontinental Oi! split LP

Intercontinental Oi!  is a comp featuring four different Oi! bands from four different countries putting forth three tracks each. The first and last bands here, RED BRICKS (Germany) and RECKLESS UPSTARTS (Canada), both sound proficient and solid with a skate punk sound that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack. They both sound poppy, bouncy, and anthemic, if not slightly forgettable. The UNCOUTH (USA) have more of a ’90s street punk sound, with a sort of sing-song, gruff vocal style that’s also just OK. Finally, there’s AN SLUA (Ireland), my favorite of the bunch. They remind me a little of early CHUBBY & THE GANG and add some cool phaser effects to their guitars here and there. All that said, none of this is really for me, to be honest. It’s all very polished and reminds me of stuff you’d hear played at an early 2000s Warped Tour stop. I’m no hater, but with bands like MESS, BÉTON ARMÉ, and the CHISEL giving the modern sound of Oi! a facelift with a rougher edge, it leaves this corner of the genre sounding a little limp.

An Slua How Ya Gettin’ On​?​ EP

Irish fockin’ Oi! Enough said! This EP has everything you can ask for in an Oi! record: memorable hooks, melodic “feel-good” guitar licks, and a steady groove. What sets this band apart is their political views, particularly when it comes to veganism, which is an integral part of punk (or it should be). As someone who cares about animal rights, it’s really appealing when a band comes up with such views. Also, these four lads add a bit of post-punk influences here and there, making it even more special. Remember to eat your veggies!