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Threats
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FILE UNDER: UK82, Baby YEARS OF EXISTENCE: 1979-1983; 1999-present RECORD TO START WITH: Demos & Rarities (2003, Dr. Strange) AFTER THAT, CHECK OUT: God Is Not With Us Today (2007, Dr. Strange) GO DOWNLOAD: "Writing On The Wall," "Politicians And Ministers," "State Of Shock," "Can't Stop Me," "Pushin' It," "Believe," "God Is Not With Us Today" THE MUSIC, THE MESSAGE: It's no secret the British Isles bestowed upon us tons of tremendous punk acts. Rising from the ashes of the Reflectors (formed in '77), Threats came about in '79 with vocalist/guitarist Jim Smith and guitarist Gogs-the sole members who stuck around during the band's four-year career, which produced the EPs Go To Hell and Politicians And Ministers, as well as gigs with Chelsea, Anti-Pasti and Dead Kennedys. The four-piece weren't just about aggression and speed (though both traits can definitely be found in their charged tunes), but had (and still have) a knack for incorporating great melodies that lighten the tone. And each song has its own identity, whether it's angry and heavy ("Can't Stop Me," "Wasted") or catchy and anthemic ("Underground Army," "1980's"). Lyrically, the band delve into topics close to them, often socio-political-minded, as on "Can't Stop Me," in which Smith defiantly snarls, "I'd rather die in a car crash than die for the Iron Maiden"-referring, of course, to then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. PUNK-ROCK RELEVANCE: Threats were introduced to a new generation when current street-punk kings the Casualties paid homage to the Scottish band on their 2001 album, Underground Army, named after the Threats song they covered, and the band's influence can be heard in many of the punk revivalists of the past two decades. Threats continue to stay relevant with their new material, as evinced especially on their latest LP, the darker and tougher God Is Not With Us Today, probably the band's best output to date-somewhat of an anomaly for long-running bands whose later material usually pales in comparison to the old classics. CURRENT WHEREABOUTS: After reforming for a brief spell in '96, Threats decided to make a whole-hearted comeback in '99 with Smith the lone original member. Before long, they released the Back In Hell EP followed by their first proper full-length, 12 Punk Moves, with Gogs back on board. Major touring ensued, including two treks to the U.S. (a recording of their CBGB's gig is available on Dr. Strange, and a DVD of the show will be released soon). They're currently finalizing tour plans for 2007 in support of God, which will see the band on their first European jaunt and, yes, once again hitting North American shores. -Janelle Jones |
