Mick Bladder's mighty punk/Oi! super-group The Scunthorpe Yobs are back with album #2, which does not mess around with a winning recipe. Also featuring members of bands such as Oil!, The Generators, The Randumbs, and Smogtown, The Scunthorpe Yobs are based in Southern California but sound like they just stepped out of the U.K. circa 1979-82. If you dig classic Oi! a la Cockney Rejects, Angelic Upstarts, and Sham 69 along with tougher first wave U.K. punk (Menace, UK Subs) and early '80s British street punk (Anti-Nowhere League, Blitz), The Scunthorpe Yobs will be right up your alley. Having already nailed this sound perfectly on 2023's We Are The Yobs, the band was going to be challenged to top itself. But I must say that Kick It 'Til It Breaks is even stronger than its predecessor, pounding out ten tracks of beer-swilling, first-pumping, teeth-kicking punk rock that mixes serious social commentary with boorish humor and a fuck-off attitude. Of course songs like "Hey Wanker," "Lager Frenzy," and "Two Finger Salute" live up to the promise of their titles. But "Council Estates," "Class War," and "Sing Through the Pain" prove that these self-proclaimed yobs are far more thoughtful and sophisticated than they let on. When it comes to old school street punk, this album checks all the boxes. These songs are powerful and aggressive yet also tuneful, anthemic, and fun to sing along with (preferably with a pint in your hand). If you didn't think music like this was still being made, well, you're wrong! Kick It 'Til It Breaks will be best enjoyed if played loud enough to piss off your neighbors, co-workers, or family members. It's available now from the iconic No Front Teeth Records!
