Punk is dead, or so they say, and it was killed by either the government, the banks, corporate America, Rupert Murdoch or widespread indifference but the truth is that the spirit has somehow managed to survive and, if you want some evidence, you can find it within the six songs that make up the “Grow(ing) Up” EP by London new style punkster What Did You Expect?
The story behind the songs remains the same, as you might expect, but you have to admire any musician who will stand up against the rot caused by conformity. So, while, as in “In This Together”, the names in the frame may have changed since the heyday of punk, their crimes are the same and it is truly refreshing to find someone who can still be bothered to put that into song. There is plenty of anger on show too with “National Anthem” kicking as hard as the voices of revolution did way back in the day and, if your tastes cross the Atlantic into pop punk territory, “High School Sucks” will finally allow you throw out all those Weezer albums that were hidden at the bottom of your wardrobe.
With an obvious political stance – how unfashionable is that? – What Did You Expect? will never attract corporate sponsorship yet the sheer energy and sense of purpose found within these songs will invigorate you more than a can of that caffeine drink that gives you wings. Guaranteed.