Darkbuster

No Revolution (2015)

I withdraw my question.

After a brief round of reunion shows over the summer, Darkbuster has released a rather unexpected album. Lenny Lashley has been busy with his solo projects, along with becoming a new Street Dogs member (a heart fluttering selection for Boston punk fans), but it makes sense that he had some oi/ska/street punk flavored songs rolling around in his head that could only fit under the Darkbuster moniker.

It has been a decade since the last Darkbuster release,  A Weakness for Spirits, the fist pumping, beer spilling, horn touting, skinhead rejoicing, Boston street punk classic. 2015’s No Revolution is a much more subdued LP, that is to say, still loud and energetic, but it would be similar to comparing The Mighty Might Bosstones’ old and new material, plenty fun, yet not afraid of a curfew. The party isn’t over, but there were lessons learned and some growing up to do. “Many Moons” sets the tone of the album, a letter to the listener acknowledging that it’s been a minute, but Darkbuster is here to jam, bringing an onslaught of backing horns with them, as proven by “No Revolution” and “Punk Rock’s Not Dead,“ there’s still rudie spunk left to be celebrated.

There is a fair share of substance-usage singing, as to be expected, but while “Lil’ Junkie” and “Swillies Lament (Liquor)” are straightforward punk songs, they now stand as blunt, cautionary tales, rather than reckless, carousing anthems. “No Fear” adds to this feeling, with lamenting and debating the concern of mortality.

A pair of love-struck tracks appear, one of craving love and borderline depression, “Jimmy Needs,” the other, “Only Girl,” dealing with insecurity and being overprotective, assuming at the expense of trust, but the love is still there to give. Heavy organ usage creates a deeper longing, and a big brass solo makes it more passionate. “Believe in Packer” continues to ride the emotional side, expressing appreciation and praising nostalgia. It is common in the  genre for a band giving an ode to those who have helped them in the past and got them to where they are today, and while it does seem personal, the message is easy to relate to.

Together, these tracks gather to reveal, yeah, I may not be perfect in this life, but dammit, I'm trying. No Revolution is a matured, reflective album, and while the message has changed, it is Darkbuster’s addendum to the raucous instilled by previous offerings. Boston punk fans might miss the sleepless, brash, binge drinking sentiments of old, but will appreciate the importance of Darkbuster releasing new music; and even though the songs may be more conscious, they still carry a whole lot punk rawness and remain wildly catchy, giving it  tremendous replay value. After all, they are Darkbuster, they don’t monkey around.