Meryl Streek - 796 (Venn Records) 
Release Date: Out Now
It's a lazy journalistic metaphor but the stick of rock visual works well for Dubliner Meryl Streek and his brand of avantegard-punk with side of biting social commentary. The stock of rock would read anger, punk and honesty and it would taste of injustice and retribution but this isn't a sweet shop, this is rock'n'roll and Meryl Streek tell you what's what. We start, somewhat logically, with 'The Start' which fizzes and bubbles with lo-fi energy before a news report on the Pope's visit to Ireland is played out in full covering the child abuse scandals that have marred the Catholic church. 'Full of Grace' is a more straightforward punk track with chugging guitars, driving drums and yelped vocals delivering a devastating attack as the music swirls around you. It's a powerful start.
Recent single 'Death to the Landlord' still broods and simmers with a Fontaines D.C. meets IDLES vibe before 'False Apologies' brings back the lo-fi electro melodies alongside that grinding bass line and stream of consciousness vocals. Don't expect 'Yesterday' to be an homage to Paul McCartney as the opening line "My days are dark as shit" will shock you awake and that's the desired effect, just in case you were in any doubt. 'Matter of Fact' decries the struggle of getting recognised on the Irish music scene while album title track '796' initially adopts a Jazz infused Hip-Hop stance before returning to the theme of exposing unfairness, abuse and injustice with the number in the title referring to the children who died as a result of the mother and baby homes debacle in Ireland.
You might expect 'Demon' to be the doomiest track on here but there's an exhilarating energy to this that uses percussion and something between a choir and a bunch of football supporters to infuse this track with fizzing excitement. 'No Justice' is more like a trip-hop track than anything else but still with that sense of anger at all turns and 'Suicide' spits and reels with the spirit of Begbie in front of an audience. Penultimate track 'Educated Mates' is a 110mph joyride with Taz at the wheel, the Sex Pistols on the stereo and Keith Flint in the back seat barking out directions.
The closing track on this album is simply called 'Dad' and is a painfully revealing and honest ode to a father now gone set to a chugging, swelling and relentless track that doesn't give you a second to breathe. There have been some great albums this year but there are few as important, visceral or informative as this one out there so do yourself a favour and get involved.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083181562341
Live Dates:
28.01.23 - Dublin - The Helix (Bring Them Home Ireland)