Cabbage - Nihilistic Glamour Shots

Drowned In Sound 70

Boycotted by a number of publications that really ought to know better, and victims of an online smear campaign that still rages on in some quarters today. Their trial by social media counts as one of the worst of its kind, while also highlighting the hypocrisy of a media and music industry reluctant to forgive their non-actions yet only too quick to brush the inexcusable behaviour of Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme under the carpet. Such are the perks of being an international cash cow I guess.

So Cabbage's determination to continue their quest for world domination has to be admired. Even in times of adversity, their relentless live schedule that's seen them amass over 300 shows in under two years. Building up a loyal fanbase that actually isn't as male dominated as their detractors make out, last summer's events might have witnessed a slightly more refined approach to live performance (less GG Allin, more Lias Saoudi). Nevertheless, like fellow working class belligerents Idles and Life, their relevance at this present moment in time cannot be underestimated. As Brexit becomes more of a reality with every passing day while austerity and nationwide poverty show no sign of abating, Cabbage are a necessary thorn in the establishment's side. A band that really are happening without yours, ours or anybody else's permission.

What's more, they've defied probability by constructing an album that not only justifies the plaudits that followed them around on a near daily basis throughout the second half of 2016, but also dispels the myth that they're a live band yet seemingly out of their depth when it comes to recording. The majority of the band's catalogue prior to Nihilistic Glamour Shots was recorded on a low budget in demo format and for the most part it showed. However, put them in a decent studio with a couple of renowned producers and the results are astounding. Which isn't to take anything away from the band themselves, but clearly the input of both James Skelly and Rich Turvey has had a positive impact here. Not only in providing a distinguished touch of clarity throughout the album's 12 pieces, but also in defining Cabbage's actually quite varied sonic palette.

Songs like 'Free Steven Avery' and 'Dinner Lady' might have been their call to arms eighteen months ago, and the latter still figures regularly in the band's live set. Nowadays they're an altogether more felicitous proposition. Still putting forward their objective social commentaries on all things from materialistic greed and the international arms trade ('Arms Of Pleonaxia') to misogyny through prostitution ('Celebration Of A Disease') while even occult guru Aleister Crowley has a song written about his more questionable activities ('Perdurabo'). However, the main objects of Cabbage's ire are the current Conservative government, and while Michael Gove finds himself namechecked on 'Reptiles State Funeral' and their entire ethos ripped to shreds on seven minutes longer closer 'Subhuman 2.0' ("You focus on the weak"), it's the diverse and confrontational music that accompanies the majority of 'Nihilistic Glamour Shots' that makes for a gratifying if occasionally uneasy listen.

While Broadbent and fellow vocalist Joe Martin spend the album's duration taking pot shots at all and sundry like the Brexit-goading 'Gibraltar Ape', there's elements of Nihilistic Glamour Shots that owe as much to bands like Throbbing Gristle and the Dead Kennedys as they do any of Manchester's finest musical exports. Mark E Smith and The Fall's influence perhaps being the most obvious and omnipresent here. 'Molotov Alcopop' with its distinct similarity to Jello Biafra and co's 'Too Drunk To Fuck' could be an ideal sparring for live favourite 'Uber Capitalist Death Trade' off their 2016 EP of the same name. While both opener 'Preach To The Converted' and 'Exhibit A' owe a slight debt of gratitude to London Calling era Clash via Fat White Family's punk/funk/skunk induced melting pot.

When Cabbage do take their eyes off the ball as on the thrashy throwaway 'Obligatory Castration' it only lasts just over two minutes so parity is restored almost immediately. Perhaps the saddest indictment of Nihilistic Glamour Shots will lie in the hands of their aforementioned detractors. Those who've already made their minds up about the band because of one person's unscrupulous agenda. It goes without saying their loss is our gain, because against all the odds Cabbage have delivered one of this year's most surprisingly heartwarming debuts.