Last Friday (the 13th), Birmingham, UK-based garage punk duo Black Mekon released their 13th album, NEAT!, named after their own fanzine. With this, the 2 masked brothers deliver 12 new songs that are as eclectic and surprising as they are growling and swinging, but also sound better than their previous work, the result of an (unexpected) deviation from their strict ‘one-take-will-be-fine’ DIY ethos and the contribution of labelmate Lucern Raze as producer. They make forays into harmonica-fueled rhythm & blues, folk, films, and old school rap-rock including scratches and skits, and miraculously it (almost) all works. Another intriguing experience.
NEAT!, produced by Lucern Raze, is out now digitally and on vinyl LP through PNKSLM Recordings. There’s also a magazine with a CD.