ALBUM REVIEW: No Murder No Moustache - There's a War Going On
Welsh DIY musician No Murder No Moustache (aka Owen Crawford) serves up a rebellion of anti-establishment, Celtic Punk ditties on his latest album "There's a War Going On"
Combining serious with playful "There's A War Going On” is 14 tracks of raucous Dropkick Murphys comparable punk with themes of political distrust, nostalgia, hope, personal reflection, and a good amount of beer consumption!
Opening with a frantic short burst of infectious energy in the form of 'There's a War Going On For Your Mind' it sets the scene nicely for what's to follow! Pummelling drums, joyful fiddles, and Owen's raw and authentic protesting vocals.
'My Friends Who Moved Away' is a good old-fashioned drinking tune celebrating the carefree days of drinking all night, not worrying how much of a dive a place is as long as the music's good as well as expressing sadness at changing times, ageing and becoming estranged from friends we once held dear.
Upbeat 'Rebellion' rages with hope and the notion of not giving up. Urging that however much fear is in our hearts we keep it suppressed and battle on regardless.
'I Don't Give a Shit' is a protest of exasperation. Why should a nation care when the ones in power don't? Exploiting people with disrespect and arrogance. The idea of a country descending under the curve of influential people too wrapped up in themselves to make a stand for what is right and make changes for the better. 'The Worst BJ Ever' is another politically charged tune blasting against corruption and lack of equality. 'A Trace of Blood and Tears' focuses on how the rich get richer while the poor are kept in their place struggling to stay afloat.
'Take Me Back to the 90s' reminisces of better days gone by when the country was supposedly "magnificent" and there was a sense of national pride. It seethes about how the past was also full of flaws. We can romanticise that these were better times but in truth, it was the mistakes made then that have shaped the forlorn state of the country today.
'Llygaid Du' is a glorious uptempo track that pays homage to Owen's roots with lyrics sung fully in Welsh. The album also features a power metal version which is more bold, frantic, and epic with a prog edge as well as an English version 'Blackened Eyes'.
'Times Got Tough' details mistakes made within a relationship. Pushing the other person away during hard times, taking them for granted when things are good. It's an account of fucking up at every opportunity. The idea that people change and start acting like a dick only to wear the other person down until they reach breaking point and you're left alone with nothing but regrets.
The closing track 'This Journey Is Not Over' brings the pace down for a symphonic burst of epic strings and sparking keys. It's breathtaking and dramatic, offering a ray of hope that despite the media and governments' desire to corrupt the world and manipulate we can still hang on to positivity if we harbour the determination to make the future a better, brighter place than the past.
To summarise No Murder No Moustache wraps hard-hitting lyrics in vibrant, Celtic-infused tunes. He riots at the way the country is headed while also channelling hope and optimism. He balances seriousness with lightheartedness and produces good-time drinking anthems. Whether you want to sit and absorb the meanings from the songs or grab a beer and have a dance, his music is versatile enough to enjoy in any way you see fit.
For a record fully self-produced "There's A War Going On" is faultless, produced with just the right balance of rawness and professionalism. Owen is a talent to be reckoned with, a shining star that deserves to be heard by the masses.
