Last Rockers E.P. (1981)
Released in January 1981, Last Rockers served as Vice Squad’s explosive introduction to the world and remains one of the defining anthems of the UK82 punk movement. Fronted by teenage vocalist Beki Bondage, the Bristol-based band delivered a raw, driving sound that perfectly bridged the gap between classic 1977 punk and the heavier, faster street-punk wave. The title track’s dark, apocalyptic narrative resonated deeply with youth facing economic and social anxiety in Thatcher-era Britain. Accompanied by the tracks "Living on Dreams" and "Latex Love," the debut was a massive independent success, spending nearly 40 weeks on the UK Indie Chart and peaking at number seven. Its Triumph catapulted the band to national prominence, making them the flagship act for the legendary Riot City Records label.
Resurrection E.P. (1981)
Capitalising on their rapid momentum, Vice Squad released the Resurrection E.P. later that same year, further cementing their status at the forefront of the underground scene. The three-track record showcased a tighter, more ferocious musical attack, driven by aggressive guitar work and Bondage's distinctive, commanding vocals. The title track "Resurrection" combined fierce energy with a highly memorable hook, while the B-sides "Young Blood" and "Humane" tackled themes of youth alienation and social critique. The single out-performed their debut on the independent charts, climbing all the way to number four and catching the attention of major label EMI, who signed the band shortly after. Together with Last Rockers, this release established Vice Squad as a vital, influential force in second-wave British punk history.
Vice Squad’s first two 1981 releases on Riot City Records, Last Rockers and Resurrection, stand as an essential dual-testament to the UK82 punk movement. At a time when the initial 1977 wave had splintered into post-punk and new wave, these EPs helped spearhead a raw revival that brought aggression, speed, and street-level urgency back to British youth culture. Driven by Dave Bateman’s razor-sharp guitar work and Shane Baldwin’s relentless drumming, the band crafted a blueprint for second-wave punk that was heavier than their predecessors but remained fiercely melodic.
At the center of this sonic storm was frontwoman Beki Bondage, whose commanding vocal delivery and striking visual presence shattered the era's male-dominated status quo. On the Last Rockers EP, her performance on the title track captures a perfect mix of disillusionment and defiance, transforming an apocalyptic vision of youth culture into an instant anthem. The accompanying tracks, "Living on Dreams" and "Latex Love," showcased a band capable of balancing dark, brooding atmospheres with high-octane energy, instantly setting them apart from their peers.
The Resurrection EP, released just months later, proved that the band's initial success was no fluke by delivering a tighter, more ferocious musical attack. The title track leaps out with an infectious, driving hook that demands crowd sing-alongs, while "Young Blood" and "Humane" display a sharp, maturing songwriting sensibility. Musically, these tracks are lean and mean, stripping away any unnecessary frills to maximize the impact of the rhythm section and Bondage's sneering, confident vocal hooks.
Decades after their initial release, these two short-form records retain every ounce of their original power and historic importance. They encapsulate the anxiety, energy, and DIY spirit of Thatcher-era Britain, serving as the launchpad for Riot City Records and Vice Squad's jump to a major label. Whether spun as individual 7-inch singles or enjoyed together on modern remastered vinyl reissues, Last Rockers and Resurrection remain essential listening for anyone exploring the history of underground British rock.
Ripped here from what appears to be CD (no snap, crackle or pop), Vice Squads first two EP’s in MP3
Last Rockers 7” EP
1. Living On Dreams
2. Latex Love
3. Last Rockers
Resurrection 7” EP
1. Resurrection
2. Young Blood
3. Humane
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