Bent Out Of Shape - Old Rats On A New Ship

Bent Out of Shape, a four-piece Oi! band from Fryslan, Netherlands, makes an unforgettable impression with their debut full-length album, Old Rats on a New Ship. Known for their gritty, skinhead rock’n’roll style, this album feels like a classic blend of streetpunk that perfectly balances raw aggression with well-crafted melodies. It's a 10-track offering that showcases the band’s skillful instrumentation, mature themes, and a sound that nods to the genre’s British and European roots.

The music on Old Rats on a New Ship doesn’t pull any punches. Tracks are driven by Rik's resonant bass and Bart's steady, powerhouse drumming, providing a solid, thunderous foundation. Guitarist Henk leads with aggressive riffs and vocals that feel unrefined but honest, and Norbert’s second guitar adds depth, particularly on reflective tracks like “Ghosts from the Past” and “Good Old Memories.” The dual-guitar setup allows for moments of surprising texture, adding richness to the record without losing the rawness that Oi! fans love.

Lyrically, the album is both a nod to the past and a reflection on the present. Bent Out of Shape tackles the complexities of aging within a youth-centric subculture, exploring themes of nostalgia, friendship, and loyalty. In “Never Went Away,” there’s a wistful nod to the tradition of bonding over football, while “What You Wanna” speaks to the working man’s daily grind with defiant pride. These themes add depth and relatability that set Bent Out of Shape apart from many of their contemporaries.

Old Rats on a New Ship is a refreshing listen that doesn’t shy away from introspection, but still packs enough anthemic singalongs to stay true to its streetpunk roots. Bent Out of Shape has delivered a debut album that’s both gritty and polished, nostalgic yet forward-looking. For fans of Pressure Point, Crown Court, or Stiff Little Fingers, this album is a must-listen, bringing timeless streetpunk vibes with a modern edge.