Street Gloves

Reviews

Street Gloves 2024 Demo cassette

In a dystopian future, the human/machine connection has evolved into a pervasive yet oppressive network, where individuals are constantly connected to a vast digital framework that monitors thoughts. This integration blurs the lines between human agency and algorithmic control, and is a theme that has been prevalent throughout many of the works that inspired the inception of D-beat. STREET GLOVES push the limits of the D-beat genre with their unique brand of E-beat (as in electronic D-beat) and incorporate the feeling of a cyberpunk-esque version of DISCHARGE. Several bands have incorporated digital aspects to punk, like A.I.D.S., L.O.T.I.O.N., or SCUMPUTER, but STREET GLOVES are a full-on D-beat band (with the occasional skank). The tropes and themes of D-beat are there, especially in the lyrics, but the blatantly digital drums just provide an uncanny yet abrasive feeling. The whole premise makes a lot of sense and it is very well-put-together, and sounds especially  refreshing. If I had listened to this release earlier, it would have gone straight to my tops of 2024.

Street Gloves Street Gloves cassette

Smashing drum machine beats combine with shredding guitars and equally shredded vocals to form an E-beat sound all its own. If you’re a fan of L.O.T.I.O.N. or SCUMPUTER, then you’re going to want to hear this. Pure punk indignation channeled through decaying wires and patch cables make this eight song tape an intense but enjoyable experience. Between the bashing, you’ll catch lyrics about animal and human liberation, destruction of the state, and a strong ACAB stance. If contemporary protests had a soundtrack, it might sound a lot like STREET GLOVES, so the next time you’re fighting the fascists, maybe pop this on.