» Video of "I Can't Skateboard" (9.64MB, you must have the Quicktime plugin installed for it to play).
It's both a privilege and a honour to review this mini-album by ANONYMOUS TIP, whom I know not just as musicians but as friends. I've seen TIP play many a time and have always enjoyed every gig they've done! There are put simply a great bunch of guys who have captured the heart and soul of the Punk scene. They live, breath and eat PUNK!
I must first and foremost make an apology to Adrian, Sanj, Simon and Taran, for taking so damn fucking long to get my hands on this CD. Im not normally this dis-organised but its taken the best part of two years to purchase a copy of their work. I can only offer my humblest apology to you all!
For those of you who don't know who ANONYMOUS TIP are, then prepare to be enlighted! ANONYMOUS TIP are a punk band from Twickenham [a local band for local people -Ed]. The band comprise of SANJ SURATI - VOCALS; ADRIAN PATON - GUITARS, VOCALS; SIMON HAMPTON - BASS GUITAR; AND TARAN SPEAR - DRUMS. These devilishly handsome 20 somethings created a unique punk vibe right here in the heart of South West London. A legion of fans soon appeared after TIP had conquered the surrounding area, especially the boroughs of Richmond and Kingston [I'd like to mention Teddington here also - Ed]!
Greeting From Wasteland comprises of half a dozen
songs, which in total compress 18 mins worth of fast, furious, upbeat, Reggae
tinged PUNK! One of the first things you notice about their work is the way in
which the band have approached each song in a number of different styles. They
can switch effortlessly from hardcore punk to chilled-out reggae in a blink of
an eye! This is put into great effort on opening track BIG BROWN BEAR.
A
memorable track which tells the tale of losing your girl to another guy.
" I
can't bear to see you with someone, my emotions have gone wild, my emotions have
gone wild!"
Pro Spec Confession again has that punk/reggae feel to it. The frantic guitar riffs which are nailed to perfection by Adrian, are accompanied by the awesome punk drumming of Taran, added with the deep pounding bass produced by Simon give the song that frenzied dancey feel to it.
Space Fluid oozes Reggae charm - Sanj's voice echo's the great Bob Marley at his peak! The song has that irresistible pull to it which makes you want to break out the Malibu or have a can of ice-cold Lilt! Then suddenly as if Mount Etna has erupted in central Twickenham, the song explodes into crazied out punk. If you listen closely you can hear the three count by Sanj which is the signal for anarachy to reign supreme!
Blame Santa - The opening guitar riffs by Adrian suck you into the song like the USS Enterprise pulling in damaged runabout with it's tractor beam in full flow! Then with the general rule of thumb with any TIP song it descends into anarachy and it's time to MOSH!!!!! The song dynamics remind you of a Blink 182 song, which one Im not to sure but it echo's the essense of Mark Hoppus, Tom De Lounge and Travis Barker!
Lemon Juice On My Nipples - Adrian again leads on guitar for the intro of the song. Taran's punk drumming is an essential ingredient throughout the album - and it is evident no more so than here - crashing home like a tower block being demolished by an army of bulldozers! A strong connection with a certain motherly figure from a popular American cartoon institiution is clearly evident here as well.
Slap Happy Bappy - Finishes the mini album with TIP's
usually bravado. An explosion of punk music to bring the CD to a satisfying
end. A thunderous drum roll by Taran kicks starts the song:
" My
mind is starting to clear/I need some beer my dear/Cause this is what its all
about/its always easy/
Drinking with a clear mind is a useful aid, you could
therefore plan out what drinks you wish to divulge in. Drinking with a clean and
alcohol dry stomach, which has not had a drop of beer for a time is even better!
You are free to get utterly wasted! A fitting end to a collection of well
executed punk songs.
As with all reviews it always a good idea to end on a positive note. This review is no expection. Six songs which have had me personally dancing like a loony to, both drunk and sober. TIP's blend of fast punk style music, with chilled out undertones of Reggae make this a CD to behold. A little birdie told me that a second album is currently being written and this one is gonna be even better than the first. Hold onto your hats people TIP are here to stay and are set to literally blow you away!! ANONYMOUS TIP rule the roost!!!!
Track List:
We Interviewed the band at the City Hall all-dayer; Video of "I Can't Skateboard"