The Agitators - Time To Take A Stand

Contra Records

 

I got introduced to The Agitators when Street Anthem Records, their label at the time, sent me the their debut full-length, “Meeting The Lads”, nearly 13 years ago to review. Yes, I have been trying this writing thing for quite some time already and no, I don’t believe I heard anything new by this Belgian outfit ever since. But after listening to The Agitators latest album, “Time To Take A Stand”, I can only conclude that I might had to give them some more attention the past decade!

 

Because ‘the lads’ deliver some ultra-catchy and highly energetic sing-along streetpunk on their fourth, but first to appear on vinyl, full-length album! The tone is immediately set with their opening track “Rebellion”, an ode to Blackpool’s Rebellion Festival and an extremely addictive song in every possible sense! But there is plenty more of where that come from, because “Time To Take A Stand” delivers a chain of melodic hit after hit strongly reminding me of UK outfits such as Control and specifically Booze & Glory.

 

But personally I am a sucker for the more dramatic songs on a record, usually winding up as my personal favorites. The Agitators’ latest effort doesn’t seem to form an exception on this ‘rule’ with “The Precious Ones”, a tribute to the band’s fallen musical heroes (recorded prior to Lemmy’s death, else I am 100% sure he would have been included in its lyrics as well, R.I.P.!), and “Gone But Not Forgotten”, a very strong and personal homage to the father of vocalist Marc and guitarist Bart (they are brothers) who sadly passed away. “Marjan” is another example of Marc not being afraid to open up his heart through his lyrics, proving there is always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark that tunnel has been due to death and divorce, respect!

 

If you are into the aforementioned bands, or music that could at best be described as a mix between Cock Sparrer, Red Alert and One Man Army, this is definitely your cup of tea as The Agitators deliver ten melodic anthems on “Time To Take A Stand”! Superb!