Spare ribs, Mods Sleaford sixth-longest studio album, is a thirteen-track track created from a social commentary that characterizes the band. The ills of the Tory regime, monetary policy, poor leadership, capitalism and the feeling of being consumed have fueled Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn’s latest album.
Sleaford Mods recorded the new album midway through last year, within three weeks, at an old fruit and vegetable warehouse turned into a DIY art and music space near Sneinton Market in Nottingham. Around this time, the East Midlands duo also enlisted the talents of Billy Nomates on the lead single Mork n Mindy as well as Amy Taylor, vocalist of antipodean punks, Amyl and the Sniffers, on Move it.
Spare ribs appeared less than a year after the release of the compilation album All that glue and two years after their biggest record to date, Eton Alive. Single from that album, Kebab Spider, Speech and OBCT helped raise the profile of Sleaford Mods to the next level and ensured more aerial play. The often introspective, vulgar and pointed lyrics combined with EDM or Hip-Hop soundtracks have now become the familiar trademark sounds that Sleaford Mods have created all and above. Spare ribs they raised it.
Jason opens the album as a “circus master” introducing us to the record with a 44-second verbal intro that admits, “And we’re all so tired, Tory and traumatized. defeated by a small mind”. The Tory Series continues Short Cummings, a track punctuated by a walking bass line (similar to one by Jean-Jacques “JJ” Burnel) and a hard beat. Jason’s distinctive Eastern Midlands accent, which I’m sure he’s over-the-top, continues to add a bit of irritation, agitation, and overall fun on new material.
The collaboration with Sniffers Amy Taylor made for an enjoyable listening session in part due to the stark difference in vocals, even though Jason and Amy both sounded like they were drowning in their sad duet. Elsewhere on Spare ribs We are almost here Human Union The sound of the crowd above Elocution. The electronic soundtrack is the basis on which Jason builds as he comes closest to an accepted singing standard.
Top room It’s more words than song, like a free-flowing John Cooper Clarke transmitting a stream of discontented consciousness, barely breathing as he tries to keep it all in check. The title song, Spare ribshowever, it’s an upbeat, almost eventful event that will undoubtedly show off a 12″ remix. Dare I say no, Spare ribs Sleaford Mods are doing something akin to Pop!
Spare ribs, the album, once again highlights Sleaford Mods’ ability to draw on themes enhanced by pop culture, whether it’s Action Men, Cindy, Porn-Hub, Tesla, Total Control Racing, or BHS. Each reference brings a heightened sense of authenticity and realism to each song as Jason conveys his constant frustration and displeasure. Throughout the thirteen tracks Sleaford Mods leave you with no doubt about their political leanings, or how strongly they feel about various topics. Jason addresses unemployment, racism, institutions, uncreative people, and even acid rain throughout the entire album, as well as repeatedly showing contempt and intolerance towards the Tories. . His heartfelt advice is what drives a compelling performance on ‘Spare Ribs’ and that’s what makes it such a compelling tour de force.
