Can't Cheat Karma Again

A pleasant request for a re-up won't be refused during December...

So if you've got that burning itch, don't hesitate!

Putting Out Fire With Gasoline

Zounds, an anarchist peace punk band, unfortunately labelled as part of the Crass collective (Penny Rimbaud produced their début EP, while Eve Libertine designed their sleeves) forswore their mentors’ deliberately primitive noise punk style in favour of a much cleaner, almost pop sound. Knowing this, it may surprise you that Zounds are unlike anything you've ever heard before. They shared Crass’ political views, but their sound blended punk and new-wave and their lyrics were much more subtle and haunting. They never appeared to be as angry but they certainly were. It takes a different mindset to appreciate Zounds. Now that being said, can I honestly put The Curse of Zounds in the same stylistic ballpark as many of the Factory Records bands of the era?

Singer/songwriter Steve Lake's prominent basslines power the songs in the familiar post-Joy Division fashion, while Lawrence Wood and Nick Godwin's chunky guitar lines skitter around in a style reminiscent of the Au Pairs and Gang of Four. Lyrically provocative without descending into the usual cheap sloganeering, Lake's lyrics are engaging and sometimes quite funny, while the music is sure to appeal to any fan of British post-punk.

The cover art for The Curse Of Zounds has always been one of my favourites. It helps to own it because you need to look at the front side, then flip it over to the back. Simultaneously funny, smart and relevant, and we haven't even started the album yet. The cover sets the scene for the brilliance to come.

Why this album isn't regarded as an essential is beyond me. If it were up to me, Zounds would be the definitive anarcho band and The Curse Of Zounds a punk classic. No matter who you are, whatever you listen to, The Curse Of Zounds will speak to you in some way. It may make you cry, it may make you hate everyone, but it will affect you. Punk doesn't get much better than this.

Including all of the essential singles Can’t Cheat Karma, Demystification, Dancing, More Trouble Coming Every Day and the EP La Vache Qui Rit. The début album The Curse Of Zounds is completed with the singles as a FLAC.

All taken to MP3 @ 320kbps

Can’t Cheat Karma

Track List

1.       War

2.       Subvert

3.       Can’t Cheat Karma

Demystification

Track List

1.       Demystification

2.       Great White Hunter

The Curse Of Zounds

Track List

1.       Fear

2.       Did He Jump/My Mummy’s Gone

3.       Little Bit More

4.       This Land

5.       New Band

6.       Dirty Squatters

7.       Loads Of Noise

8.       Target/Mr. Disney/War

Dancing

Track List

1.       Dancing

2.       True Love

More Trouble Coming Every Day

Track List

1.       More Trouble

2.       Knife

La Vache Qui Rit EP

Track List

1.       Not Me

2.       Biafra

3.       Fear

4.       Wolves