PERKELE from Gothenburg, Sweden, released their new album “Perkele forever” on October 29, 2010. PERKELE has been around since 1993 and has transformed from a small basement band in Sweden into one of the most well-known Oi bands in Europe. This is certainly partly due to their lyrics, which have never come across as flat or forced over the years, but always honest and heartfelt. On the other hand, it is also due to the band's tireless touring.
In the seventeenth year of their band history, this record adds another ten songs that cement their status.
The band offers classic Oi in the style of Cock Sparrer not only musically but also linguistically across the ten songs. The English lyrics are sung extremely clearly and distinctly. Thus, the lyrics are quickly understandable and singable even for the untrained ear.
The recording is clear and very differentiated. However, what is bothersome is that everything sounds extremely polished. It sounds very mainstream. PERKELE has already had songs in the charts, but one still has to get used to the sound, which sometimes does not quite fit the lyrics, which typically deal with solidarity, working class, and the hard life in tough times. The reference to traditional English Oi is always unmistakably recognizable.
For those who have critically engaged with PERKELE and perhaps still do, the band has once again written a song with “Waste of Time” that clearly targets right-wing propaganda. Aside from that, it is clear that anyone who researches the band finds almost no indications that the band has anything to do with the right side of humanity or wants to have anything to do with it. Without starting a political discussion here, it should be clear that PERKELE is clearly against racism and fascism. And those who generally see only right-leaning combos in Oi bands are beyond help.
With just ten songs, the trio from Gothenburg has created a small milestone. Particularly recommended as listening tips are "Forever" and the already mentioned "Waste of Time".
