London’s Fightmilk released their second album ‘Contender’ via Reckless Yes Records back in May. It followed the acclaimed punk-pop offering ‘Not With That Attitude’, could it stack up?
Images courtesy of Reckless Yes Records.
In 2020, they set tongues wagging with two astonishing singles ‘I’m Starting To Think You Don’t Even Want to go to Space’ and ‘If You Had Sister’. With Pulp’s ‘Do You Remember The First Time’ in its heart, examined those who continually make excuses for not saving the world. Witty and incisive lyrics are met with Feeder’s indie-rock immediacy on this explosive anthem! ‘If You Had Sister’ is a more sombre animal. Singer Lily Rae’s vocals ache with melancholy as toxic masculinity is explored. Lead guitarist Alex’s solo is a fine accompaniment to this troublesome anthem. The eruption of noise and fuzz exemplifies the pain and confusion of the protagonist with exemplary integrity.
To achieve classic album status, the album tracks running in tandem must also strive for greatness. ‘Banger #4’, ‘You Are Not The Universe’ and ‘Cool Cool Girl’ have said tracks. ‘Banger #4’ does exactly what it says on the tin! The guitars fizz with punk’s uniting spirit whilst Rae summons a fury to marvel at. For a generation given nothing but blamed for everything, Rae is their cultural leader. Defiant and blessed with stadium-sized punk sloganeering Frank Turner would die for:
“there’s more to life / than getting it right / you’re gonna be alright”
Their courage and belief in themselves and, furthermore, this generation, is a middle finger salute to the narrow-minded and, pick me up the downtrodden.
‘You Are Not The Universe’ is a stomping adventure to soundtrack a million coming of age stories. Ironically, they juxtapose this with a letter to a younger self to be more appreciative. Nevertheless, it remains a chest-beating, fall to the floor wild storm that demands your love. The melodic genius of Rae as she decrees “had ideas above my station / firing fury out into the dark” feels less advisory and more clarion call. Meanwhile, ‘Cool Cool Girl’, with the shimmering licks of Ash, eloquently and hilariously sarcastically, examines female bands become something they’re not:
“I’m interesting and I’m clever/ I’m always be a contender because I’m not like other girls”
It is though, in the closing stages where something truly magical occurs. Rae’s impassioned delivery showcases a raw power which, offers a blueprint to the outsiders, the underdogs, and the written-off on how to raise souls and save lives:
“I’m into wrestling / I’m clever / I’m always be bartender / because I’m not like other girls”
Among the punk anthems sits ‘Girls Don’t Want To Have Fun’. A Johnny Marr meets The Killers track to echo through eternity. Rae summons the heart of Kirsty McColl and the angelic torture of Dolores O'Riordan on the reincarnation of ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’. Beauty and sorrow collide in the orchestration and delicate guitar licks but, it’s Rae’s lyrics that provide the pin-drop moment:
“when we talk about dying it feels like a pipe dream”
Forget about Morrissey!
This album is nothing short of a triumph. It will bash your soul, break your heart and patch you up mentally, emotionally, and intellectually better than ever! In every sense a contender, especially for album of the year.