Newport’s Bad Sam are former Cowboy Killers’ Dean Beddis singing and Dub War bassist Richard Glover on guitars and programming. They release their latest album `Trauma` which contains sardonic and cynical lyrics about dark topics like death tourism, societal peer pressure, and capitalist exploitation.
A kind of electronic beat, chugging guitar riffs and a distant skewed verbalisation lead us into `Emotional Hostage` and the album which bursts with a diatribe that may be a reminiscence of a difficult childhood shared with a bravura that John Lydon would be envious of. Social inequality and an underprivileged background are at the core of `Pedigree Poor` a rolling grinding pounding discourse against the injustice of it all.
`The Van` heads into punk / speed metal territory and relates to the horrific system of mobile execution vans which have been shockingly used in the Peoples Republic of China since 2003. A list of frustrations and irritations are screamed throughout the slightly drum and bass tinged `The Monsters Dance`.
The rhythmic `Silent Death` races along and is delightfully compellingly hypnotic whereas `Popcorn and Blood` is a more anthemic fist pumper which alludes to the perturbing practice of death tourism.
`Perpetual Consumption` is that sort of track where circle pits are formed in a live setting, a number which touches on societal peer pressure. A driving drumbeat guides us through `Turn You Off` which is a real forceful rock out.
`Salute the Media` is a thumping foot tapper and possibly a commentary on the dangers of mass media manipulation. The final cut is the wonderfully titled `Tupperware Death Party` and is a one hundred and thirty five second head rush. It alludes to death by plastic with the latter half sounding like the aftermath of an explosion.
According to their social media site, Bad Sam are “two fucks screaming and yelling, playing shit with left wing social and personal shit.” and that really sums them and `Trauma` up fairly succinctly. `Trauma` is a mix of Sleaford Mods, PIL and The Fall, off kilter punk – garage rock mixed with live drum samples with pulsating punchy catchy tunes loaded with social critique, analysis, and observation.
A must listen if you have a half hour to spare.
Rating 9/10
