Militarie Gun - God Save The Gun

Californian punks Militarie Gun hinted at something special on debut full-length' Life Under The Gun', but even in our wildest dreams we couldn't expect something so good to follow.

Indeed, second albums are often tricky; double down on what made your debut so good, or push out into pastures new, emboldened by the positive response to what's gone before? In rare cases – the ones that really strike gold – the artists do both. Militarie Gun therefore find themselves in a rarefied country.

The punk songs are plentiful and irresistible. First song proper 'B A D I D EA' is a pit-friendly, sweat-soaked anthem – so good in fact, they played it twice at a recent London underplay. Fans of the group's early work no doubt love it, and with good reason. But this is as close to a rehash of past hits as Militarie Gun get. 'Throw Me Away' is an alt-rock banger, more mid-paced and considered, but no less infectious. It's pleading final line – "Please don't throw me away" – reaffirming that for all the intensity and hardcore nous, Militarie Gun are just as driven to make you think, reflect, and feel.

This all comes to a head on a quite incredible three-song run as the album careers to a thrilling finale – 'I Won't Murder Your Friend', Modest Mouse-inspired interlude 'Isaac's Song' and 'Thought You Were Waving'. To get a real sense of the turmoil vocalist Ian Shelton was going through writing the record – particularly around addiction and finding the courage to seek help – these songs absolutely hit home.