Sleaford Mods - präsentiert von Rausgegangen

War in Europe, rising energy prices, inflation, an ossified political class, post-Brexit nausea and a divided country, despair, anger and alienation.
Have things ever been worse in England? That's what Sleaford Mods ask on their new record, "UK Grim," out March 10, and they give their usual stark answer. "The decay has set in," says rapper Jason Williamson. "We've all become Tories, we're all Conservative MPs now. Servants of this dreary Aldi nationalism."

In other words, Williamson and his congenial partner Andrew Fearn, on their now twelfth album, are still mad as hell at their country, its representatives* and its dismal state in general. Though largely written before the turbulence of 2022, the record eerily anticipates the tremors of a society losing its mind. Musically, the 14 watertight tracks are pure punk, stubborn electronics and twisted hip-hop. The lyrics alternate themes of shameful right-wing radicalism, corruption, the addict's nostalgic view of drugs and existential loneliness. The statements are clear and straight, the words clear, blunt and brutal. Nothing has ever been glossed over with the Sleaford Mods, but you've rarely seen them as angry as on "UK Grim". Even their own scene gets its comeuppance as Williamson rages about their uniformity, "Not another white bloke aggro band, oh yeah we're all the fucking same, let's not kid ourselves." Never backing down, that's the Nottingham duo. Every track has to ignite immediately: get in quick, clear the air in two minutes and get out again. Theme done.

If only Hydra England wouldn't grow two new heads for every one cut off. Reason enough for Sleaford Mods to keep going. The same goes for the duo's performances, which are just as minimalist and yet so energetic. In October, the two will come to us on tour.

For all the info on Sleaford Mod s' concert at TonHalle on October 28, 2023, check out HERE or the Facebook event.