No More Saints

The Pacifist [7-inch] (2012)

Rich Cocksedge

It's been a while since No More Saints' Consume came out, and it's surely time for a reminder of the furious approach the band take to the delivery of angry, pissed off and frantic hardcore. This 7-inch single does nothing but affirm that No More Saints have lost none of the anger and are still mightily hacked off with the world. Fortunately, the band have the perfect musical outlet from which to put forth their indignation: a rampant amalgamation of guitar, bass and drums backing up the lyrics of Ken Pucci.

"Destroyer of Empathy" opens with a tumultuous aural attack as all guns blaze away for just over one minute. This is hastily followed by the title track, which keeps delivering the punches as targets are acquired and a direct verbal rebuke is dished out, albeit in the name of pacifism. "Melatonin Backlash" kicks off the b-side and is the shortest track on the single, running at just over half a minute and in that brief period of time it still manages to engage and provide a thundering song–which is also what "Swine" offers up next as well.

Just the title alone of the final track, "Hypocrisy of Pious Men," leads one to expect a full-on, no holds barred onslaught against those whose actions do not tie in with what they preach. Given that there are many people like this in the world (and not just in a religious context) then we should all continue to not give them a moment's peace and this song is a good start in doing that. This and the title track are the standouts for me.

As with the album, the lyrics here are not your standard, hastily written down fodder that some bands might use and I always feel that if a band can articulate its anger well then it adds to the whole sense of infuriation and injustice that is being conveyed. It's not Shakespeare but it more than does the job in this environment.

This is seven and a half minutes of music which has one foot in the past and another firmly in the present; there is a genuine sense of unbridled rage across the five tracks, yet it remains tight and well-delivered. Imagine if Discharge was not a complete D-beat band, complimenting the blistering approach with an ever so slightly melodic tinge and you'll have some idea of what No More Saints sound like. The production is perfect for the music too, in that it's clear but not in a crystal way, managing to ensure that it's big, thick, gritty and hugely effective for its purpose.

I really like this record. The vinyl is limited to 300 copies (with three different covers available) and the single is also available for a measly $3 (£2) on Bandcamp.