The band’s third album, Above The Static is in fact a series of guide tapes the results of which The Barstool Preachers felt could not improved. For the most part, likely they have a point. With a melting-pot sound that combines punk rock, folk music, ska, a little bit of old school soul, not to mention a bevy of choruses that might easily be re-appropriated by football crowds up and across the land, these dozen songs are delivered a manner designed to improve the mood of the listener.
Given that the group are not shy of tackling modern political matters – a lyric such as 'the working class is automated, be a robot or an Uber' is hardly a traditional sing-a-long – this is no small feat. Like The Barstool Preachers manage to combine real-world reportage with a rousing good time that is only occasionally a touch too upbeat for its own good. For the most part, Above The Static cuts through just nicely.
Verdict: 4/5
For fans of: Rancid, Sonic Boom Six, King Prawn
Above The Static is released on March 31 via Pure Noise