‘Everything I can do, But I don’t know what to do, And I’m the best that I try to be, But it doesn’t make sense to me’ (Boots On Your Back)

Smashing Time began life as something of a transatlantic collaboration but the band has since coalesced around its New York arm.  That said the distinctively English cadence of the vocals, courtesy of former Antagonizm front Oli, ensures that the original spirit of co-operation remains very much alive.

Brand Spanking New is the band’s debut 10-inch and it’s five tracks are immersed in the traditions of 1980s’ UK street punk given a reinvigorating refresh.  The fuzzily distorted guitar and flares of brightly gleaming melody are underpinned by a rhythm section that injects a satisfying swing to proceedings.

The three barrelling side A tracks brim with a raucous energy as they take in themes of the collective ties that help us survive the daily struggle (Battlefield, Mental Oppression) and the failure of the US government to confront the causes of the seemingly never-ending epidemic of mass shootings (Urban Terrorist).

The EP becomes more melodically expansive on the flip side, most notably on the stand-out track, the visceral Paki Scum.  Here Smashing Time rather disconcertingly soundtrack Oli’s rage at the bigotry that he and his family had to endure with a track of fiercely infectious catchiness, before closing on the woozily reflective Boots On Your Back.