Part of the Known Revolution
James Garratt | Southend on Sea | 12/06/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The last review I read of this, was not a review, it was a comment, had the person gone to explain why they did not like the album, then perhaps that would have been more helpful.So what to make of 'Insurrection', it is perhaps something only for die hards of punk music to truly enjoy, but the songs do go across boundries and in a snese with this album you are not judging it on individual songs, you are judging on its whole and within the context, of course songs have to be judged, but part of that judgement is taking into account their background.Kronstadt were nevera big band, they never set the charts alight, they changed the face of the world, what they did do was become part of and evolve the Southned on Sea punk scene of England during the 1980's, an off shoot of London, Southned has always been keen to go its own way, the punk scene in fact this happeend becuase Southend had venues that were willing to give those people who wanted to play a chance. Some of the songs on the album on the face of it do fall at the first hurdle, but some especially by the close of proceedings in 1987 how a maturity and a sense of a band finally gelling, what 'The Kronstadt' lack is a really good line up, near the end it is almost right and it is these songs which are the strongest. Founder meber Steve Pegrum obviously knew what he was searching for, it was simply a case of finding it, that seems to have ben the dificult part.The album never comprimes forcing you to love or hate it, the music remains true to its punk routes with dashings of influence as the years go on. It never sells out, remaing strong on the beliefs it was built upon.In calling the songs dire is also forgetting that these are often demo recordings, which means they often capture somethign raw. When you're young and in abnd recording time and money go hand in hand.Buy the album for what it is, a slice of growing up in the 1980's, a slice of pure punk, that never quite achieved greatness in the accpeted sense, but now through the magic that is time has found that is caputred something unique, it has almost frozen time and played it back to us and the album certainly doesn't disgrace itself, the last songs on the album are by the far the strongest, if you like your punk raw and rock 'n' roll you'll obtain the most from these. The lyrics contain all the niaevety and anger of people growing up, especially in Thatcher's Britian, what you are getting here is a slice of life, from 1981 to 1987. These views and politics were common and reflect the fear of such things as nuclear war.In this sense it makes fascinating listening, favourite track? 'Stay Free', a poignant end to an interesting career.Is it worth buying? Yes, this is good solid Punk, if that is what you like then you will not be dissopointed."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1