FFWD REW

Fucked Up – The Chemistry of Common Life

Matador

Singing about anarchy has become a punk cliché — the number of bands who use it as a talking point is considerably higher than those who could actually discuss it or even define it. Fucked Up though is anything but your typical post-2000 punk band. After forming in 2002 the band released a series of critically acclaimed and largely unheard 7-inch singles many of which showcased dexterous playing and more importantly genuinely insightful allusions to politics and social justice.

The Chemistry of Common Life is one of Fucked Up’s few breaks from their habit of releasing songs two at a time. While releasing vinyl singles is consistent with their punk-rock esthetic their music has always been quite the opposite. Some of the songs are long-winded (“No Epiphany” “Royal Swan”) and some are even instrumental (“Golden Seal”). When the band is going full-tilt they’re as ferocious as any punk band in recent memory but their focus on musicianship and studio wizardry add an element not usually heard in the genre.

The lyrics throughout Chemistry are close to unintelligible — something that is almost certainly purposeful as they once released a single with scrawled unreadable liner notes. Shame though because there’s a gut feeling that this is a band with something to say and they’re obscuring their own message.

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