The Issues – Arancini (2022)
If The Libertines were to have a child with The Clash, the chances are it would be the UK foursome The Issues. Crazy, chaotic and seriously hyperactive, The Issues are a melding of old-school punk and indie-rock with modern-day indie-punk. Known for their blisteringly energetic shows, Joe Jenkins, Tom Ryan-McGragh, Mike Slack and Ethan Pierce have established themselves on the South West underground scene – and it doesn’t seem like they will be slowing down any time soon. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Arancini’.
Formed at the beginning of the pandemic, The Issues are rather new to the world with only one year in their pocket; but they come with a sophisticated and mature punch. Following their track ‘Morning Cigarette’, ‘Arancini’ is a dash of crazy, frenetic and aggressive insanity packed in a three-minute package. Recorded in Dawlish at Cabin Studios, the lads merge pounding drums, high-powered guitars and Jenkins’ rich vocals in ‘Arancini’.
Reminiscent of The Clash but with a softer, warmer and bolder feeling (as soft, warm and bold as punk rock can be), The Issues encapsulate the frustration, angst and hopelessness of our society. As with traditional punk, The Issues take on provocative societal issues, and in this case, it’s an assault on the UK’s ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Frontman Joe Jenkins explains that “…we pride ourselves on writing seemingly stupid tunes with a sprinkling of biting truth, and that’s exactly what we’ve done with ‘Arancini’. On the surface, it’s about a gross Eton sleazeball gorging on his favourite bitesize appetiser, but really, it’s an audible culmination of our generation’s rage towards the callousness and gross frivolity of our leaders…”
Chaotic, aggressive and a blast of raw energy, The Issues crawl into your brain, rattles about and then send shivers down your spine in ‘Arancini’.
For more from The Issues check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
