Headsticks
Album: Muster
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.headsticks.co.uk

When Fatea started off we mainly covered punk and new wave. It was the likes of the Clash and XTC that got us and me, more into the acoustic spectrum of acts whilst still catching New Model Army, Rev Hammer, Red Sky Coven, The Levellers, Tansads etc. Listening to "Muster" I get the feelings that as both a band and individuals they are a band that have travelled a similar road to me.

This is the music of beat up Transit vans, hard graft and a recognition that the world is corrupt and that something needs to be done about it. The sort of band that has to rely on word of mouth, 'cause there's Bob Hope of any chance of getting in the mainstream media, well unless some Tory rag is lining up another 'expose' on class way and your band happens to get in the gun sights.

As you can probably tell by now, "Muster" is an album that has a solid political bent, which is never a bad thing as long as there's a good narrative to drive the songs along and that they are more than just a meaningless, nihilist rant against society and I think it's fair to say that these are. It's not always easy to listen to but then the uncomfortable rarely is.

This is a strong album, but one that lets the driving pace let up for you to take a breath and reflect on some of the more personal songs that sit comfortably alongside the more society based material. It's well observed, occasionally a touch depressing, but it's also an album that has a real spirit and a clarion call of not letting the establishment pull the wool over your eyes, but does so from a position that credits your intelligence in the matter.

English music, folk and otherwise has a long history of rebellion, something that often gets overlooked, Headsticks, have delivered an album that reminds us of that and the need to stand up and be counted, to do more than wear the t-shirt. Most importantly they've done it in a way that makes you want to listen, makes you want to come back to "Muster".

Neil King