Blaenavon - 'Catatonic Skinbag'
Photo Credit: Luke Farley
Depressive anthem from the sad boys of Hampshire.
For a band that made their name with a chorus that goes "let's pray for death", you kind of know what you're getting with Blaenavon. They're the perfect opposition to posi-punk movement that IDLES are heading up. But darkness is something that is neccessary in life. Darkness helps make the light that much sweeter and gives you a goal to move out of it. When it's channelled into creativity, it can be as euphoric as the light itself; knowing that someone feels the same way as you do can be just as much of a lift as the constant chimes to love yourself. Fittingly released in the most depressing week of the year, this ode to Blue Monday misery is a celebration of sadness.
"January's come/but I wish he'd knock" is as fitting a summary of this month as these filthy Brexit negotiations have been. Blaenavon direct their sadness into an anthem that would awake the most introverted of those amongst us. There's no need for metaphors here- Blaenavon aren't about metaphors here in the sense that they prefer to deliver their message in a much more brutal way. The titular refrain of "Catatonic Skinbag" almost sounds like an art school self-insult. Yes, singer Ben Gregory is aiming it at "him" but don't be fooled, dear readers! If "I'm the last man that I'd ever date" doesn't change your mind, I don't know what will. However, this blatant self loathing and criticism is delivered with a phenomenal gusto and energy that wasn't always present on their tune packed but overlong debut. A "Catatonic Skinbag" almost seems like a badge of honour by the time the song reaches it's rapturous conclusion. Sticking to something slightly more structurally formulaic (something they definitely didn't do on "That's Your Lot") makes this song a mantra; an act of defiance on behalf of the miserable amongst us. You are not alone. If ever you need to wallow in your sadness, Blaenavon are right there with you. And you know what, you'll feel a hell of a lot better afterwards.
Words by James Kitchen