I first discovered The Bar Stool Preachers back in 2018 when they released their amazing record, Grazie Governo. The comfort and familiarity in the songs and singer TJ McFaull's voice truly released some endorphines in my soul. After some research, I figured it out. That's the son of the singer of Cock Sparrer! There are definitely some elements of Cock Sparrer here, as well as The Clash, Buzzcocks, and The Jam. On their latest release, Above the Static, BSP expand on their sound on Above the Static.
The sing-a-long tunes are still there, at times coming right out of the Bouncing Souls handbook, while still maintaining that dirty edge. Specifically the opener, "Call Me on the Way Home". The opening keyboard sound is kinda spacey and misleading until the huge chorus comes in. And what a way to open a record! In all honesty, I really don't like my punk when it's over-produced, but the production value compliments the songs. And that's kinda what I found fun about punk in the 90s. When BSP drop down to a reggae break, it's reminiscent of a Paul Simonon reggae bass line. "Never Gonna Happen" has that classic "guy with a cockney accent yelling about something", but I'm here for it. I love it. The use of keys on this record brings a classic 80's new wave edge to things. "Lighthouse Keeper" could be a Pogues song, but if Shane was a bit less drunk. "Love the Love" is a straight up soul song outta Motown for the first 45 seconds, then amps it up to a punk rock anthem. Over all, I love this record. The added keys kinda threw me off a bit in the beginning, but it really does add an interesting element to what these cats are doing. And it's lovely that TJ keeps up with the general themes of his old man. Family, community. and picking yourself up despite the odds.
Is this album easy? Fuck yes it is. And it's easy in all the right ways. Perfect for road trips on a summer night with the windows down and the open highway! I highly recommend it.
