Max Raptor have been a staple amongst the UK scene for a number of years. A punk-driven beast that continues to strive on creating infectious, political punk taking on the mantle of being the UK’s answer to Billy Talent.
Swinging back to action, Max Raptor have returned with a four track EP entitled ‘Damage Appreciation’. Following up 2013’s impressive ‘Mothers’s Ruin’, the Midlands four-piece have picked up with where they left off with this impressive release.
Title track ‘Damage Appreciation‘ begins the EP with vocalist Will Ray’s trademark dressing-down-like vocal delivery begrudging the problems within the community. With references to ignorance and laziness, you can’t help but think Max Raptor have more than a few things to get off their chest on this EP. The ending features some fantastic riffs supporting the wails of “out in the cold you need a friend” and reverts back to one last emphasized delivery of the angsty chorus.
‘Population’ weighs in at number two on the EP and is a track that encapsulates all that is great about Max Raptor. Heavy Riffs? Check! Meaty Bass Lines? Check! Frantic Drums? Check! Angry Vocals? Check! The source of the song’s meaning is a relatable one for all, making constant references to exactly what is wrong with the world right now. The track is a true roller coaster from start to finish and really brings back the ‘fuck you’ attitude that was present on 2011’s ‘Portraits’.
‘Blue On Red’ continues the momentum of the EP but it does have more of an anecdotal lyrical content at its root. It reminds me a lot of Evangeline, a track from their album ‘Mother’s Ruin’. A slightly more melodically coated track but a great track nonetheless that even includes some uncharacteristic gang vocals.
‘See Me Through’ is the perfect ending for this EP. Encapsulating all of the positives from the above three tracks and combining them to create one, big singalong. The transition from the verse to the chorus is deliciously brash and works so damn well. This track is sure to work its way into one of their most popular in a live scenario because the ending of the track is truly a masterpiece (and reminds me a lot of Soundgarden!).
So, before I listened to this EP, I thought Max Raptor were one of the most underrated bands in the UK and Damage Appreciation has only fuelled this thought. A band who have never once let me, or its fans down with a release have really brought out their top form here. if intellectual, political-driven punk with touches of melody is your thing then look no further than Damage Appreciation.