Formed by frontman Trev Taylor in North London in 2013, Crown Court has become a rising force in the Oi! scene. With roots deeply embedded in punk, Oi!, and football culture, this band is delivering a sound that’s raw, unpolished, and unapologetically tied to working-class life. Their second full-length album, Heavy Manners, solidifies them as a band to watch in the UK punk scene.
With Heavy Manners, Crown Court steps out of the shadows with an unmistakable sound and presence. For those expecting something akin to Oi! pioneers like Cock Sparrer or Sham 69, think again. Instead, this album delivers an intense fusion of street punk and rock 'n' roll, with shades of Slaughter & the Dogs and Paranoid Visions.
The album kicks off with a classical orchestral intro, quickly shattered by the explosive opening track, "Left For Dead." It’s a powerful reminder that Oi! is more than just a genre—it’s a voice for the disenfranchised. Much like Blitz before them, Crown Court captures the street's reality, reflecting frustrations and defiance in every verse.
A track like "2 O’Clock Hero" channels raw anger and rebellion, echoing sentiments from the past while making them feel urgent and contemporary. Songs like "Mad In England" and "The Scum" reflect the band’s discontent with the capitalist systems and social inequality that plague modern Britain.
Taylor, whose gruff growl leads the charge, describes Oi! music as "violent, tough, ugly music made for and by people from that background." It’s no surprise that Heavy Manners feels like an album filled with pent-up frustration and rage, aimed at a world where the divide between the "haves" and "have-nots" grows ever wider. On tracks like “Rich Boy” and “Kids Of The 20s,” the lyrics take aim squarely at the upper classes, exposing the raw anger felt by many working-class people left behind by an ever-more elitist society.
Though Heavy Manners is only their second full-length album, following their 2016 debut Capital Offence and a series of singles, Crown Court has managed to refine their sound. There is a swagger here reminiscent of ‘80s Oi! bands like The Last Resort and The 4 Skins, yet their take on the genre feels fresh, updated for a new generation of punks.
Crown Court doesn’t just play Oi!; they live it. Hailing from North London’s estates and blocks, their music reflects an authenticity that resonates deeply with listeners from similar backgrounds. In Heavy Manners, the band delivers an unrelenting, in-your-face sound that both honors the past and pushes the boundaries of street punk.
This is music for the streets, by the streets. In a world where mainstream media still looks at Oi! music with mistrust, Crown Court emerges as a beacon of modern Oi!, offering an aggressive yet introspective look at life today. It’s angry, it’s bold, and it’s essential listening.
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