Evil is as Evil does.Surely, these men with functioning brains couldn't believe in such a misanthropic statement, right? Well, this suggestion is purported throughout Public Serpents' debut full-length, Feeding of the Fortune 5000 (paying heed to Crass) and evil has never been sexier.
Anyone that enjoyed the Crack Rock Steady (fast punk, hybrid ska, hints of dancehall/reggae, etcâ¦) back catalog shouldn't be disappointed with this new outfit. Public Serpents are seasoned veterans in this trade and here they explore new ground musically. I would best describe the recordings as gritty, organic and stable. The songs here aren't transparently polished but every instrument/vocal is given a proper enough balance in the mix, so all the players have proper recognition. The prime example is "Serpents Eye." It's equipped with a very killer remaster that brings out the thunderous bass and additional guitars that were once hidden in the demo.
Another reason this album is extraordinary is the lyrics are more heartfelt than any other punk band I've heard in ages. Take for instance lyrics like "Humans are parasitic in nature, my anger lies in the abuse of others, who profit nothing from the actions of these fucking demons." Skwert lashes out (rightfully so) in the hard-hitting title track. "Watch out -- they're coming for your rights again. Looks like -- another bloody fight again." Skwert decrees in the poignant ballad "The Killing Jar," "The city's dark, they're back again, the streets are littered with the bodies of broken men / ⦠/ can you hear the noise, closing time is here, for the era of the timeless nothing."
Other prominent tracks on the album also vary in musical directions. There is a hip-hop duet with Chris Tray of No-Cash / Mad Conductor fame titled "Driller Killer" about evil hygienists and fluoride. Another staple is the aggressive rock song "Today," talking about the importance of free thinking, standing up for yourself, your rights and your family, and lastly, "Suburban Dreams" is a sad tale of how suburban youth will never realize their full potential and how this world truly operates.
You see, Public Serpents have substance. A lot of bands would sell their family to even attempt to gain such a vital character trait for their band to be taken seriously. If you're open-minded and want to experience a mélange of music with a mixture of socio-political information, then check out The Feeding of the Fortune 5000 and/or check them out on tour.
Because the serpent's eye is already watching you!