LOVE YOUR WORK

LP version. Southend stalwarts Eight Rounds Rapid release their third album Love Your Work on German label Tapete Records. Rooted in the infamous Canvey Island R'n'B tradition, Eight Rounds Rapid channel the fervor of Dr Feelgood, Wire, Gang of Four, and Public Image Limited with their gritty tales of the Essex underworld. The band's debut album (2014) gained excellent reviews from the likes of Uncut, who called it edgy, drugged-up thug punk. Mojo gave the band a 4-star review and Classic Rock said the album is a welcome blast of no-frills, bullshit-free excitement. Eight Rounds Rapid supported Wilko Johnson on two major UK tours, and have had airplay from BBC DJs Mark Radcliffe, Gary Crowley, Gideon Coe, and Steve Lamacq. Second album Objet D'Art (2017) also received critical acclaim. Mojo praised it's high octane rebelliousness and cheeky wit and guitarist Simon Johnson's trashy, thrashy guitar, a cacophonous hybrid of his dad Wilko, Johnny Thunders and early Pete Townsend. The band's songs are rooted in traditional rhythm and blues, but impulsive guitar from Simon Johnson (Wilko's son) and acerbic delivery from singer David Alexander make the act sound like John Cooper Clarke and Mark E Smith fighting in a Southend bus depot. The line-up also features Jules Cooper (bass) and Lee Watkins (drums). Recorded under the specter of a global pandemic, Love Your Work reflects feelings of confusion, angst and isolation -- all delivered with singer David Alexander's trademark sneering dry wit. The customary low life and underground subjects are still the only language they know, but this album is as much a commentary on contemporary music confronting modernity as it is a collection of musical compositions. The new album grapples with the folly of nostalgia while singles Love Don't, Tricks, and Eating ramp up the energy levels. Violent low lives and losers populate the songs as usual, but David Alexander now draws himself closer into view, with Aging Athlete, a metaphor for a musician searching for legitimacy in a dull landscape. Music as duty. Love your work. ?01. You Wait?02. Passive Aggressive?03. Love Don't?04. Letter?05. Future Estates?06. Black Tide?07. Tricks?08. Retro Band?09. Eating?10. Onesie?11. Mirror?12. Ageing Athlete