Prins Carl
Bow To No One!
(Rebel Sound / Noise of Sweden)
This feisty Swedish group has been barreling through stellar releases for years now. No Mercy (2012), New Order (2011), and Wake Up EP (2015) have shown a slight adjustment to their oi fueled stomp. But, Bow to No One! shows Prins Carl returning to a rowdier version of their sound with less polish on the output. Ten tracks here hit directly to the point. Prins Carl have embarked on another furious Oi! journey for their fans.
A little melody mixed in with gruff production is the right formula for these charismatic Swedes. Catchy choruses adorn rough and tumble punk songs. These songs basically adhere to Prins Carl’s foundation of jolting Oi, but do employ a raspier delivery. The band fires out of the gate on the first track, “Teach”, a fiery joint with a relentless force. “War” follows with a dark overtone and triumphant low end rumble. The speed is quicker than the usual Oi plod, but a simmering guitar line add texture above the charging rhythms. “2015” continues this speed, reminding me of The Bloodline and Bonecrusher. “Damaged” is still fast, but a bit slower. The pent up tension is relayed by a gripping tone that engages the listener. The guitar again has a simple lead, but is enough of a tangent to add depth and variety. This is a song that sticks out from the pack.
The second half of the album is pretty much the same, which is great! “Little Puppet” is a sneering joust at “mental slaves” but is done with a lighter feel, catchy and boisterous. It is the best example of the bass playing getting a spotlight, followed by a breakdown that highlights the songwriting. We get an infectious gang chorus in “Rats” on top of a melodic bounce. “Refugee” returns that darker, menacing feel to the crisp chords and drums. “It’s What I Want” is the longest track by a minute at four minutes. While maintaining the tempo, it has a somber tone to it, sung with yearning and regret. The chunky guitars propel a point home for us older cats. The album ends with an acoustic surprise in “Submit”. Definitely getting the whiskey out for this.
The songs’ lyrics eschew the banal subject matter and generic slogans of most punk bands and delve in the troubles of society. Although we definitely get a few drinking songs. Cuz in the end we probably won’t change much in the world and that realization usually drives us to the pub. The aforementioned “War” is the repeated lament of the poor who must fight the rich man’s clashes as they make moves to fatten their pockets and legacy. “Little Puppet” goes beyond the generic as well citing specific examples of how individuals fall into apathy. But balance that with “I Only Had a Few” and we perk up again. It is a catchy and fun song which bandies the explanation we all have spewed too many times.
No Mercy employed a bigger sound in its production, with a more present bass and a cleaner sound all together. Bow to No One! Is angrier and that is reflected in the more raw production. They still harness a melody and write catchy songs. Prins Carl give us another winner.
RIYL: Gimp Fist, On The Job, Last Seen Laughing, Argy Bargy, Yellow Stitches
