So, everyone’s favourite rank northerners have re-released their debut album, Change Of Plan, with a ton of extra tracks. Testament to how well they’ve done, considering how many bands never even get through the first pressing of their album before going to record another. They are still one of the UK’s hardest working bands, you have probably seen them live and this record smacks of a band who will continue to tour incessantly for a while yet.
The first 10 tracks that made up the original album have been reviewed on here before HERE – Paul gave it a worthy 4 out of 5 three long years ago. I would go along with much of what he says about it. Some of it is absolutely inspired (‘Play Some Ska’ and ‘Answers’).
But, I’ll confine most of this review to the bonus tracks, which originally made up an EP that predates the album. In the sleeve notes, we are pre-warned that some of the lyrics are a little suspect (but then, it’s nothing Anti-Flag don’t use on most records) and the production has all the hallmarks of a band short of money and finding their feet, but there are definitely some diamonds in the rough. I’ve got no idea at all what they are singing about in ‘Mr Bibs Wake Up’, but every self respecting Capdown fan will approve of it. Anti-racism chant ‘Morally Blind’ is just the kind of the venom I look for in my punk rock.
If you’ve got the album already, there is probably still enough to warrant buying this repress at the next show you go to. If you haven’t got it, this is pretty much essential.
Mike