Touching on a myriad of topics ranging from the Tory government to gatekeeping and influencers, Clobber take zero prisoners when it comes to speaking out. Pounding EP opener ‘Clobber Rock n’ Roll’ sees vocalist Charlie Longman as seething as ever whilst roaring the line “we aint leaving till we’ve had our say.”
Firstly, it’s important to note the reasoning for the chosen title and striking cover image, it refers to the appalling mistreatment of our National Health Service and the frankly sainthood-worthy staff that continue to hold it together whilst on the brink of collapse. Pointing the finger at the current British government and holding them to account for their cowardice and self-serving attitudes towards health workers in the face a pandemic. Clapping and calling them “heroes” whilst simultaneously and “snidely” bringing their livelihood to its knees, ‘mon the Clob!
The raging ‘Hardcore Hivemind’ was the first single to be taken from the EP and though the subject of hardcore kids lacking individuality has become something of a cliché, the swagger with which Clobber pull it off is something to be admired. Complete with a Johnny Rotten-esque, tongue in cheek taunt of “come and have a go if you think you’re ‘ard enough” firmly places them in their own lane, keep up if you can.
Turning their attention further afield and with more sincerity, ‘Plugged In’ brings the same levels of aggression but this time aimed at dangerous, social media influencers that continue to spill their digital, toxic bile out into the world (when they’re not being brought down by their own incompetence or pizza boxes that is). It’s a plea to get off your screens and go outside once in a while, or better yet, to a hardcore punk show.
Much like ‘Tottenham Court Road’ from Clobber’s debut, what would Yesterday’s Heroes, Tomorrow’s Snide be without a hard-hitting, political war cry, complete with an absurdly catchy chorus. ‘Bully Boys’ is where the record shines most, think Body Count’s ‘Cop Killer’ meets The Clash’s ‘Police On My back’ and you’re part-way there. Yet no previous anti-police and authority songs quite match up to the venomous delivery with which, each and every word from Longman sounds forced like playdoh through gritted teeth, the sheer, gut-felt hatred making for an unsettling listen. The melodic chorus however, just begs to be chanted by savage hordes sweaty club venues as much as it does amid an insurrection.
Until now Clobber had only released six minutes of music in the form of Tribal Rights of the New Friday Night and their achievements as a band have been rapidly stacking up. Appearing on countless high profile gigs, completing a two-and-a-half-week tour with Hellcat Records’ own Grade 2 and signing to Gallows guitarist, Laurent Bernard’s label Venn Records, to name but a few. As, if not more, poignant and pissed off than its predecessor, surely the sky’s the limit for Clobber with this rabid new six minutes that make up the outstanding sophomore effort: Yesterday’s Heroes, Tomorrow’s Snide.