Riskee and The Ridicule are a tour-de-force band of politics, protest and punk that practices what they preach. Growing up in Kent, the group had always been a staple of the UK DIY scene, but their fervent attitude and unique “Grime-Punk” rallied troops of dedicated fans across the world...

Riskee and the Ridicule's third album, Body Bag Your Scene, is a punk-infused album, that on first listen appears loud and in your face. But, scratch below the surface and there's a deep message at its core. This is an album that is instantly accessible, but grows on you the more you listen to it.

Musically, the band meld their genre-spanning influences with their intent to challenge preconceptions. On the surface they may appear easy to read, when in fact Scott Picking (Vocals), Jimbo Aglony (Guitars, Vocals), Jordan Mann (Guitars, Vocals) and Matt Verrell (Drums, Vocals) are a gang of progressive punks who form a powerhouse of change. Full of fierce energy, the Kent quartet have motives resting among The Clash with relentless streams of wit, literacy and observational accuracy akin to The Smiths and a background in the UK Grime scene.

Oddly it opens with the two weakest songs, but then goes from strength to strength. One of its appeals for me was the diversity of music on offer. Over the course of the album's 12 tracks (45 min, 09 sec) there's obvious punk anthems mixed in with more laid back, deep rock songs ('For Old Times Sake') and, surprisingly, indie pop ('D.I.Y').

A good, solid album that will still be as fresh and inviting years from now.

9

Nick Smithson