Unfortunately, in this area, old skool punk bands are thin on the ground. Thankfully, Milton Keynes can provide the genuine article. They are called Citizen Keyne. Since I first saw them, some four years ago, I have always been impressed by both their honesty and commitment to the music they believe in. Listening to this album, it's good to report that they continue to tell it how it is. They have had line up changes during the last few years. In 2009 they comprise John Clarke (lead vocals), Darren Gardiner (backing vocals), Floyd (guitar, backing vocals), Tim Jones (bass) and Matt (drums).

Throughout this twelve song album, fast guitars allied to some destructive insane drumming that detonates, combine powerfully with searing lyrics in a frenzied attack to create an 'eardrum buzz'. They confidently sing about what they truly believe in. The snarl is real. Attitude is what "Stand proud" is all about. Plenty of it.

"Mental" contains such relevant lyrics; "We don't want to dress like you, We don't want to talk like you, We don't want to think like you, We don't want to be like you". "Mental mental, Let's go mental!". Both "Who are you" and "Way of life" are slabs of everyday living. The former is a lyrical smokescreen of debauched suburbanism, while the latter features an irresistable chorus singalong. "Door to door" is the perfect riposte to those pushy salespeople who always call at the wrong time! "No you **** I don't wanna duster!" is a firm no thankyou, before finally the patience is finally lost altogether with John indignantly singing "Stick your suitcase up your ****"! It's the perfect answer to those persons flogging their tawdry goods!

"U.S.U.K." starts with the patriotic strains of the national anthem, in a punk style of course. The lyrics are again hard hitting. Citizen Keyne are furious about the ongoing wars that we are fighting. "What did we go to war for"? "America's poor"! As innocent people die, "Rule Britannia" is given the CK treatment to close a thought provoking song. Is Britain being used?

"Stand proud" is about how everybody counts. Don't be a number, just feel good in yourself. "Political agenda" has forceful drumming leading the way. Politicians equal broken promises. "Serial killer" sees the band inject some nasty bass which adds to the rather dark and, at times, grisly theme. Once again CK are getting to grips with the violent times we live in. The intro to "Boyband" has a hint of Stooges "No fun" as it attacks the music scene of today. It's all (c)rap!

The boring football 'yobbery' wars are brought to life in "Saturdays heroes" by some exciting guitar work. "Life" is about the utter drudgery of 9-5 x 5. As Monday morning begins, Citizen Keyne bemoan the forty hour week, otherwise known as work! "Revolution" is quite a departure from their usual punk fayre. Whisper it very quietly, but this rocks! This harder edge shows the flexibility of Citizen Keyne.

At just under fifty minutes, it's a great listen. The album captured the raw and raucous element of Citizen Keyne perfectly. However, caution is required as some of the lyrics are quite strong.

Back