Benefits – Nails
Benefits' debut album smashes you over the head with its rage, to the point that it quickly becomes exhausting
In a post-IDLES and Sleaford Mods landscape, the UK alternative music scene has witnessed an explosion in post-punk acts. In some cases, there has even been a crossover with grime and hip-hop genres of Britain, set against a backdrop of increasingly oppressive Tory austerity and authoritative language, which has created a fascinating dichotomy.
Teeside's Benefits sit in between the British punk and hip-hop scenes, gleefully jumping across genres to present their political polemics on the country's state. Led by Kingsley Hall's unashamedly North East accented expositions, the debut album Nails is a ten-track exploration into the anger and desperation the starving British working classes feel. This anger is literal and palpable through the album's noisier moments, such as Empire or Meat Teeth, reminiscent of Death Grips. Lead single Warhorse meanwhile displays the band's punk roots, while Flag is perhaps the most pointed critique of Britain.
Unfortunately, Nails smashes you over the head with a rage that quickly becomes exhausting. Benefits are at their best when they take a more considered and subtle approach, such as on Shit Britain or Mindset, invoking slowthai or Kae Tempest. Finale Council Rust is a moving conclusion with sentimental string samples, yet it doesn't feel earned.
Listen to: Warhorse, Shit Britain, Mindset