Thee Faction - Up The Workers! (Independent)
If you want a pigeonhole for this, you’ve got to think inside the box. The box that houses the likes of Billy Bragg for political know-how, and a band that could be a contemporary Dr. Feelgood. Of course, you don't actually get either of them (how could you?), but you do get a blended facsimile, with some steel in it, and if they had their way, it would be steel made in Sheffield.

Take away the political element and you are left with a spirited take on all things rock 'n' roll, ranging from the Dr. Feelgood pub rock influence, and something a little more aggressive ("Conservative Friend 2011" is the best example of the latter), through to a solo female vocal and piano accompaniment on "Only..." which trickles along in fine style. With song titles such as "Marx, My Main Man", "Deft Left" and "Join The Party" you immediately get the political message but not at the expense of the music.

Thatcher gets a mention early on ("Deft Left"), which leaves you in no doubt as to the leanings of this ensemble: “Every day I wonder... What happened to the anger... Or is that what I remember... When we were fighting Mrs. Thatcher”. Actually, all you need is the illustration on the front cover of the digipak, a sea of raised fists, with the band and album title in red. You get exactly what it says on the tin, and as the band’s heart is in the right place, buying this should be a no-brainer even if you’ve only a hint of socialism running through your veins. Up Thee Faction!
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