Return Of The Angry Brigade

The Apostles
There Can Be No Spectators
(Grow Your Own Records)
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Despite the re-mastering of some fairly basic recordings of The Apostles (one of the original anarcho-punk bands, involved in running the Wapping and Centro Iberico Anarchy Centres/venues), if you are looking for pristine, hi-fi friendly fodder, or virtuoso performances, then look elsewhere.  That's not the point of anarcho-punk, named after the punk bands who rehearsed and played at Anarchy Centres.  The attitude, subject matter, and fiercely DIY ethics are what really matters here. Although anarcho-punk has fallen victim to the same box set reissue mentality as all the other punk and pop acts of the 70's and 80's (this one comes as a remastered double vinyl LP on red and black vinyl, with fold out poster cover and a 32 page compendium of 'Pigs For Slaughter' fanzine), the ferocious and indignant anger at state violence and exploitation still shines through brightly.  

The Apostles were angrier than most, advocating direct action rather than peaceful protest, and that grit shows through in the music. Vocals are shouted and frequently out of tune, timing is variable in what are probably hurried one-take recordings, drums batter and distorted guitar rasps away, all fighting to be heard in frequently muddy mixes.  If that sounds like The Apostles were not a serious band, you'd be wrong though. They were deadly serious, just not part of the musical establishment of the time, and were therefore denied the expensive studios and producers, recording contracts, and overall gloss that other, more commercially minded, punk bands enjoyed.  None of this means that the urgent performances don't burn out of the vinyl either.  The opening track, 'Pigs For Slaughter' sounds caustically better than it ever has.  Other tracks from the 25 included here show increasing depth and a ear for a tune as the double album progresses.  They have been described, somewhat accurately, as "a combination of classic rock, stoner rock, and anarcho-punk. It’s fucking weird!". What drives every track along, though, is 14 year old Chris Low's drumming, which sits at the heart of The Apostles sound. You can read more about Chris's experiences as an insanely young anarchist punk drummer for the Apostles and others in his interview with Outsideleft in May last year here. 

'There Can Be No Spectators' is without doubt a definitive document of the time.  The Anarchist Centres are long gone now. The anarcho-punk movement, although still around, is largely over. The political landscape has changed, largely for the worse. And the aims and aspirations of punk anarchy remain largely unfulfilled.  However, although it may have failed to create real change, anarcho-punk did create real impetus and change in all the individuals involved, which reverberates in them, and others, to this day.  Change comes from within. 

Now, you could buy yourself a set of Crass socks, a poorly realised coffee table book of Crass related art, deluxe box set reissues, and various T shirts, beanie hats, and framed posters. Or, you could simply invest in a copy of 'There Can Be No Spectators'.  

Guess which one will get you closer to the truth?