Formed in 2021, Vicious Bishop are a punk, ska punk, and punky reggae power trio, based in the Lancaster / Morecambe area and feature drummer Dave Nuttall (ex-Toy Dolls), bassist Adz Woods, and vocalist/guitarist Rich Davenport (ex-Radio Stars). They release their debut album `Raining Guillotines` this month which touches on themes including mental health, sorrow and trying to survive the rough stuff with your sense of humour intact.
`Lifeline` leads us in and it’s a fairly anthemic number that expresses the sense of having come through the other side of various mental health issues and recognizing those who were there when you needed them most. There’s a brief but excellent guitar solo towards the end of the number. Andy Ellison joins in on the introspective `Take It As A Win` a joyful reminiscence on adolescent times on life on the road.
Title track `Raining Guillotines` is a rhythmic musing of survival with excellent guitar work throughout. There`s some wonderfully manic drums at times on `Shooting Myself In The Foot` a mostly reggae dub ska offering that does race off at times into a punkier vibe. Another number that touches on personal psychological well-being.
Ruts DC`s Leigh Heggarty pops up on the foot tapping reggae infused `Drown In The Sound` which again reflects on emotional health and how to cope when it gets tough. For me, `Seconds Out` was one of those numbers that will have you punching the air and shouting along as it evolves.
`I’m A Tiswas Kid (Trapped In A Swap Shop World)` is one of those songs for those of us more mature listeners who remember and miss this anarchic children’s show. A delightfully nostalgic contemplation on more innocent times. There’s pounding drums, a throbbing bass line and guitar hues throughout the rockier `Lit Up` a number that is a heartbreaking but respectful eulogy to a partner or close friend who has passed on.
There’s a similar sentiment of loss on `Wired To The Sky` which veers from a slow burn reggae vibe to a punkier texture and back as this thoughtful reflection progresses leaving you with something to think about. The final offering is `Welcome To Whatever’s Left` where we have a slow burn anthem to survival or endurance.
‘Raining Guillotines’ is an album that deserves a few listens to fully comprehend it`s substantial topical range that addresses difficult subjects such as mental health and loss but with a positive message of survival and getting by. There`s plenty of intellectual nourishment here gained from life experiences but shared with humour at times and plenty of enjoyable tunes.
Rating 8.5/10
