Thee Faction – Up The Workers!

As rhythm n' blues albums go, this is really not too bad at all. Some grittier guitars and rougher edges might have been nice, but the songs are all there and the band are certainly swinging. It's reminiscent of former Refused front-man Dennis Lyxen's excellent current project The (International) Noise Conspiracy, without the lythe sexuality or volatility of the aforementioned Scandinavians.

Ready? is an adrenalised hip-shaker and Join The Party in an equally jaunty, playful 3 minutes. However, again like Lyxen and co, the relentless socialist tub-thumping gets pretty tiresome. The eleven tracks on show make no secret of their allegiances, continually expounding the merits of Marxism/Leninism and arguing with Tories. About as subtle as a brick and twice as red, this clearly is going to get in the way of the enjoyment for some people so be well warned. If you like your art for art's sake perhaps look elsewhere for your light-hearted, good-time rock n' roll kicks.