Oi oi, what do we have here then? With a sound that is brutal, uncompromising and as intense as Oi! could and should sound Control don't mind sticking their heads on the block with their lyrical content either. It's not just about controversial subject matter there is some excellent playing and great songs captured on tape and if you agree or disagree with their political standpoint or their views on life today then you can certainly enjoy the delivery and the music their message is wrapped in.

But it's not all serious stuff; as soon as 'Thrown To The Wolves' enters the ether you know the score. 'High Time I Hung Up My Boots' has some classic punk with a throbbing rumble of bass and chant-along chorus with great feelgood lyrics as the song bristles through to its finale.

The subject matter gets heavy as Control tackle some subjects they feel strongly about from unrepentant murderers and what their fate should entail - 'Ian Huntley' - to the state of our communities. 'Another Mother's Son' is a passionate song as they fire a no compromise stance about the state of the nation in a volley of riffs and pumping bass that captures the feel of the subject matter perfectly. 'No Help For Heroes' is another charge about the state of government and the support for our troops. 'Rebellion In My Blood' is a cool stomp that gets the blood pumping and highlights how damn fine these chaps are at wielding their instruments; you also get the odd banjo here and trumpet there which enhances the music and adds a depth and some variety on the ears rather than just beating your brain into submission. 'Job To Do' sees the band don the acoustic guitar for a folk tinged tale that shows there is more to Control than heads down punk and it's possibly the best track on offer here.

Life isn't always a bowl of cherries and the world needs bands like Control to balance the light and shade and when the venom is harnessed into some great songs it's got to be a good thing. As for punk rock ruining one's life? Not a chance. I've greatly enjoyed my introduction to Control and look forward to seeing them rip it up live in the near future and if like me you like it fast, loud and right in your face then look no further than 'Punk Rock Ruined My Life...' or these hooligans might well nip round and sort you out! Oi! Oi!

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