Review: Heavy Load - Wham
Before we review their latest release, let's get out of the way the obligatory mention that more than half the members of Brighton punkjobs Heavy Load are known to have learning disabilities, and focus on their hectic schedule and vehement campaigning.
Since theSprout spoke to them in 2009 about their inspiring Stay Up Late project, HL have gone on to play Glastonbury, penned the theme to Channel 4's Cast Offs (as well as a jingle for BBC's Ouch!), and raised the profile on preventing disability hate crime. This has included pulling up the likes of Davina McCall and Jeremy Clarkson regarding their inappropriate ways when it comes to using derogatory terms and phrases.
As well as the above, like all good bands they have progressed. Wham is their fabulously anarchic third album, and marks a gear shift in collaborations, songwriting and support from the likes of Mat Fraser and Pete Bennett who both appear in the video for the first single, a cover of the Ting Ting's That's Not My Name.
The Ting Ting's gave their blessing for the guys to doctor the lyrics to their hit, with HL's version declaring: “They call me retard, but I'm a riot. They call me spaz, they call me special, that’s not my name.”
Elsewhere, a range of genres are given the HL treatment. Frankie Boyle is quite rightly told to shut his mouth on pogoing album opener, Shut It, while nods are also given to the beautiful game (We Won The World Cup Once) and the trials and tribulations of everyday life (I Ain't Got No DLA).
Then there are dedications to the females (on progressive chant-a-long Lovely Ladies), nods to Brit icons (Walk Like Vinnie Jones), and moments of psychedelic experimentation (Jimmy Speaks). There are also a few tracks with titles we couldn't possibly print here.
What sets HL apart from other punk bands - apart from their raw talent and energy - is that they seem constantly on the edge of descent into complete disarray and noise, but hold it together professionally enough to both enthral and enchant, no matter what song they cover (which in the past has also included one of Kylie's).
Like the lyrics they've added to their Ting Ting's cover, Heavy Load are indeed a riot. If you haven't seen the 2008 documentary about them (which you can buy for a tenner here) then do so and get involved with what is one of the most life-affirming bands in the world.
Frankie Boyle, shut your mouth indeed.
www.heavyload.org
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