If there's any justice left in this world then Brighton bombers the JUNK should be set to explode in the face of the British music scene with the release of their debut album 'Problem, Reaction, Solution', an infectiously addictive and seriously melodic collection of tracks that shine like a beacon, highlighting the quality of new music with a DIY vibe that's surfacing on the musical seas around once Great Britain. While the majority of this retarded nation seem content to be force fed the latest hay brained acts of stupidity from the stables of Simon Cowell as the country burns to the ground around them it's refreshing to see there's still plenty of the younger generation (God, I'm sounding old) that are prepared to stand up and shout for what they want or rather just what they're thinking.

And that's just it, The Junk are a thinking man's/woman's band. A fun band but also an intelligent band with a vibrant approach to dealing with the sometimes sensitive issues and topics at their pen's point. 'Sally' stands out as a prime example of how successfully the melding of well scripted lyrics and infectious brass hooks and skanking guitar riffs can combine to deliver a surging high point on a 14 track wave of social commentary and reflection. While Ska with a social conscience is hardly anything new the refreshing thing about the JUNK is their undeniable enthusiasm for the trade they ply. There's barely a pause for breath anywhere on 'Problem, Reaction, Solution', except maybe on the gentle piano link of 'Floor', because every pause for breath is a wasted chance to make a statement and when these musical youths are making statements as forthright as 'Nick Griffin Is A Cunt' then you can place a safe bet that frontman Jake Martin isn't one to bite his lip. Jakes vocals are brash, confident and commanding. Some times he's as rough as The Transplants' Skinhead Rob but at others Jake can easily flip it on its head and settle back into some low beat cruising with 'Politics With Nightsticks Part 2' echoing some Specials moments.

Brass hooks that are big enough to land a Great White are littered throughout The Junk's yard and comparisons to Streetlight Manifesto are most likely to slip off the tongue first. Frantic, energetic and somewhat zany the JUNK are fresh and interesting yet unlike Streetlight's albums there's a hardcore undercurrent running through the songs that the Brighton boys (and girl) deliver with passion and belief. 'Rise And Shine' shares elements of similarity with fellow Brits Random Hand and 'D.T.F.S.C' blends some fiddle into a three way mixing of some Levellers, Capdown and a bit of Rancid. 'Left For Dead' swings into the fray with a fanfare of horns keeping the brass groove subtle throughout a hardcore storm while live favourite 'Scream Your Dreams' unleashes a furious torrent of aural abuse before the parting shot of 'No Regrets' bows out with a resolute "WAKE UP" call.

'Problem, Reaction, Solution' is an album that I love now but I will admit that it did take me a few spins to realise the full potential of the arsenal the JUNK have stock piled. And that's just the way it should be really. Bubblegum free 'Problem....' is a demanding record that makes you sit back and take note, it's not "easy listening" because it's not meant to be, it's fast, hard hitting and like a true heavyweight leaves you lying knocked out cold after the first round. Come back for rounds 2 and 3 and the patterns of ska-core attack start to open up to reveal an album written with style and confidence from a truly diverse melting pot of styles. A band of real musicians with real values keeping all 16 feet firmly on the underground the JUNK are certainly ones to watch.

Stand out tracks: 'Sally', 'Left For Dead', 'Rise And Shine', 'Politics With Nightsticks Part 2'

www.myspace.com/thejunkpunk