The Alarm Calling E.P.

‘This Is Not A Test‘ is the opening question here, what the fucking test is… well your guess is as good as mine, but life is not a rehearsal, so get going, get gone, get doing, get done. Next up is a revelation, the first time since the band formed in 1879 (lol) the word Alarm has been used in a song. ‘The Alarm Calling‘ is a another riotous call-to-arms, another in the long line of fist throwing mutha’ fucker songs that they do so well, with an immense hook. ‘Come On‘ is just that, hey ho, let’s go, a strange yet infectious bass line that keeps you hangin’, like a fifties in the 70’s but here in the today. I’m not making sense, neither is this: ‘Watching Me, Watching You, Watching Them, Watching Us is the type of title that just is wrong, yet so right. It has all the trademarks of a great Alarm song - deep groove, guitar hook and vocal hold that’s twisted by the off-kilter drum beat and rude boy guitar. ‘State Of Emergency‘, with its run to the hills drum beat and daddy cool guitar has you hooked from the minute it starts, the melody rides you right to the door, before spring-boarding you back into the norm. ‘The All Clear‘ is the heads-to-the-tails of the test; as one opened the sequence, the other closes, bookends that embrace and expire.

Best Track: ‘Watching Me, Watching You, Watching Them, Watching Us‘

Situation Under Control E.P.

‘The Checkout‘, 20 seconds of Skids influence! Straight into ‘Situation Under Control‘ which steadies the boat so as to ensure that the future is bright, I’ve seen the shades, once it kicks in again we are living in a big country! ‘Change III‘ follows on from the other two! Which means you got to be a fan to understand why ‘Change’ is such a strong and influential word in the Alarm’s world. From the beginning its followed the path being here today, and chapter three is as relevant as any of the previous. ‘Milk And Opportunity‘ has a real early Alarm feel to it; declare yourself an unsafe building, step back off the train and take some time to look around, breathe, breathe in the air. ‘Plastic Carrier Bags‘ is a departure song for this band; it’s one of those songs that allows them to turn the corner into the final straight; and allows them to let out, let go, become one and push on. And it’s one of the best songs the band has done, ever! You’ll feel the rain in the summertime at the end of the song! ‘Economic Pressure‘ has got my mind set on you, it’s a fun yet serous song that makes you smile, makes you jive, put’s a spring in your step while making you think; an unusual song, that works on so many levels. Next stop… London Calling!

*Best Track: ‘Plastic Carrier Bags‘