Bad Breeding Human Capital

Bad Breeding, the Stevenage-based hardcore-punk foursome, call for solidarity in their fourth album 'Human Capital', a pointed and brutal display of aggression steeped in political awareness. Across twelve merciless tracks they attack Conservative meritocracy and the exploitative forces of late capitalism with a cacophony of blistering guitars and thunderous drums played with an intensity that refuses to abate.'Human Capital' is released alongside a manifesto of sorts. Within the almost 2000-word essay, long-time collaborator Jake Farrell explains that "we are marooned on our islands of self-obsession by cultural forces that emphasise our differences, keeping us apart and suspicious of one another. It feels as though in recent years, especially during the immediate onslaught of austerity following the 2008 financial crisis, that the idea of community itself was under attack".From the opener's menacing feedback and raging distortion, across the album's dynamic and wild time changes, through to the final ringing close of the almost optimistic 'Rebuilding', Bad Breeding demonstrate admirable control amongst impassioned expression. Vocals strain and guitars build in epic tension while rhythmic battles take place behind them and, despite it all, each track remains a concise tool - applied to their targets with deadly precision.Make no mistake, Bad Breeding aren't shouting at clouds here. 'Human Capital' is a savvy, conscious body of work with salient messaging. There's no aimless finger-pointing, punching down or virtue-signalling, the band comes armed with answers. It's an intelligent record that defies individualism and promotes community, organisation and compassion.Bad Breeding comprise of Chris Dodd (vocals), Angus Gannagé (guitar), Charlie Rose (bass), and Ashlea Bennett (drums). They draw influence from the original British pioneers of the anarcho-punk scene; Crass, Rudimentary Peni, and Flux of Pink Indians. Formed in 2013, the group utilized their sense of anger, Stevenage's isolation, and t...