In 1998 the Swedish hardcore band Refused released an album called The Shape of Punk to Come. Not only was it brilliant, it really was, but it was a nod to Ornette Coleman’s seminal album ‘The Shape of Jazz to Come.’ What does this have to do with SPEW’s debut release? Not much at this point. Refused were a quintet and SPEW is a one-man band.
From the opening of ‘Hate Dealer’ you know this is going to be a short, sharp affair. Musically it’s about as harsh as the title suggests. A frenetic riff explodes from the speakers. Then distorted, impassioned vocals tell us to “Sell the Hate.” With no let-up ‘Death Becomes’ follows straight away. If you weren’t looking for the music player, you’d assume it’s the same song. The next few songs are longer but more of the same. Massive riffs. Catchy vocals and an underlying feeling of resentment. This is what punk has always done. It’s offered an alternative to the hegemony. The EP ends with ‘Cog.’ Instead of fast-paced punk we are presented with something almost, dare I say, ambient. Chimes have replaced guitars. It’s also beatless. This change in tone might be down to Sink600 featuring on ‘Cog’, or it might be that SPEW also likes the sound of droney chimes. Either way it’s not important. What is important is that we’re given something reflective. It allows us time to contemplate what we’ve just experienced.
What makes Hate Dealer so impressive is how confident SPEW is. The riffs are catchy. The emotion is there, and the lyrics are so on the nose it hurts. And it’s the lyrics that really make Hate Dealer a total joy. The majority of the songs are just one liners. Hate Dealer consists of just “Sell the Hate. Buy it all.” If there was a lyric that summed up the last few years, it’s that one. ‘Death Becomes’ is just the title repeated like a demented mantra. On ‘Mr. Big Shot’ we get some verses. As with the previous songs they’re terse “Big shot won’t you tell me what you got. You think you hold the keys, But I know you’ve lost the plot.” This could be written about at least 100 people I’ve worked with over the years. They think they’re in a position of power but actually they’re as powerless to the system as the staff below them. The downside to Hate Dealer is that its far too short. This, however, make repeat listens ideal. The more you play it, the more of SPEW you hear. Buried deep below the surface noise and bile laden lyrics, SPEW has layered this with delightful melodies and rhythms. Listen out. They’re there.
If this is the shape of punk to come. I’m all for it. It’s been a long time in the making and it couldn’t come at a better time!
