“I remember a fight in school. I was horrified. The evil grins and suffering burnt into my mind. And it left a scar.” Powerful lines about modern masculinity repression and more from the Sunderland band’s first track for seven years. Taken from the their sixth, brand new album, Powers, it addresses childhood trauma, school bullying, and as well as opposing sides of human nature that manifest themselves in repressed feelings. Of course the title is in reference to the famous Robert Louis Stevenson story, but also hinting at the tensions and struggles that occur in adult life, whether within a band or elsewhere.
The band’s style is broadly postpunk, but what gives them a distinctive style is the strong Sunderland accent in delivery, as well as the voluminous backing vocals between the quartet of guitarists Ross Millard and Barry Hyde, David "Jaff" Craig (bass) and Dave Hyde on drums, something that harks back to the strong folk traditions of the north-east, and the rising ‘singing’ style of the region in speaking voices.
Are you an animal all the time?
Or only when the human slips your mind?
Can you control the temperature of your blood?
Can you predict the changes in your mood?
Did you evolve from creatures in the dust?
From the beasts and everything that came before us
Can you control the anger in your voice?
Do you enjoy a spot of mindless violence?
I remember a fight in school
I was horrified
The evil grins and suffering burnt into my mind
And it left a scar
And I can't go back
But if I could I'd close my eyes
And let it fade to black
Do you patrol around your property?
Can you defend yourself
One against three?
Can you control your transformations?
Can you repair lost relationships?
You're not really sure if you've been born
But I guess you're really here now
Yes you're really here now
Somehow
I remember a fight in school
I was horrified
The evil grins and suffering burnt into my mind
And it left a scar
And I can't go back
But if I could I'd walk away
And let it fade to black.
Want to suggest songs for Song of the Day or to say anything about it? Does this song make you think of something else? Then feel free to comment below, on the contact page, or on social media: Song Bar Twitter, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube, and Song Bar Instagram. Please subscribe, follow and share.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...