Judging from the CDs I’ve reviewed so far on this website, rock n roll seems to be influencing bands left, right and centre these days; and The Plight are no different. The band mix more obvious hardcore song structures and vocals with a hefty measure of rock n roll attitude which they pull off, for the most part.
Right from the outset the Leeds crew let us know they like their music hard and fast, as ‘Talk Is Cheap’ nearly soars past you without realising. ‘The Damage Is Done’ is more of the same, displaying the formula that the band feels most comfortable in. There’s lots of anger and aggression in Allistair’s lyrics and voice, and his vocal style can ware on the listener after a few songs. However, ‘A Change Of Lifestyle’ shows a change of structure with the rock n roll influence becoming clearer, which makes for more pleasurable listening.
The best two songs on the record are in a different league to the others. ‘Reputation’ hits the stereo with a hard but lively verse and a toe-tapping catchy chorus, with ‘Ball And Chain’ making you want to move around like a two-stepper at a Thin Lizzy concert. With the hardcore scene in the UK becoming stagnant with a steadily growing amount of faux-metal bands picking up instruments, it does become very refreshing hearing bands like Gallows and The Plight trying something slightly new, and while The Plight are not yet in the same league as the recent Warped Tour additions, they’re definitely along the right lines.
Andrew C