‘Just make an impact, Don’t freeze – react, Avoid the trap of indifference, Choose the path of defiance’ (Impact)

Some albums work their magic slowly, revealing their secrets over time, insidiously working their way under the skin almost unnoticed.  Others forgo such extended preliminaries and simply grab you by the throat from the first spin.  The debut album, Peace Is A Lie, from Flux definitely falls into the latter category.

The Antwerp band deal in fist pumping, UK82 inspired hardcore.  The base elements will be familiar from the abrasive guitars and flaring hints of melody to the primitive drums, yet such is the passion of the delivery that they slam home with a raw, refreshing intensity.  The hoarsely nasal vocals lock in with a fierce synchronicity as the straight to the point lyrics rage against a society increasingly mired in surveillance, intolerance, and militarised control, while also revelling in the pleasures of a swirling, sweaty pit.

The songwriting itself is, arguably, where Flux’s ultimate strength lies – economic, free from self-indulgence, and with an unerring sense of how to maximise the impact.  The rhythmic fury of Flux Your Head, the melodic breakdown in Punk Retaliation, and the rousing finale of War Cry will all have you returning to the well for more.  Simple pleasures done really rather well.