SWINGIN’ UTTERS
Here, Under Protest
[Fat Wreck Chords]
Verdict: 8/10

I’ve been a fan of SWINGIN’ UTTERS since my days as a wee shaver, running around stealing beers and sneaking smokes at the punk rock shows, so it makes me happy to know that they have continually kept their promise to make quality punk rock music. Here, Under Protest is a RANCID meets THE CLASH type of album with some tunes being abrasive and balls out, while others are simply crafted from simple riffs and catchy choruses (beauty in simplicity), making this a diverse and entertaining record. The token SWINGIN’ UTTERS sound hasn’t been lost here either. I’d put this up against some of the older stuff, no problem, even if it does have a bouncy, almost pop-ish feel. These guys have been around for ages, and have seen the punk scene go through many changes, yet they have somehow avoided being forgotten or coaxed into compromising themselves to fit with the times. However, good punk rock is timeless, and SWINGIN’ UTTERS have definitely come through with an album that will sound just as good twenty years from now as it does today. If you were wondering where some of your favorite modern punk bands got their swagger, this is the source. Another Fat record from Fat Wreck Chords. (Stream – “Heavy Head“) By Bubbs Harris