Artist: The Phobics 
   Title: Deptford Calling
   Label: Independent Release  

The Phobics are a five piece punk band from Deptford, London, and consists of a bunch of punk survivors and  misfits trying to keep punk alive.  Their influences include Iggy Pop/Stooges, Dr. Feelgood, New York Dolls and Stiff Little Fingers.  The band is a mix of musicians rising from the ashes of Living in Texas, Bad Karma Beckons, The Barbs, Rumorosa and Dirty Harry, and use their three chord punk role to educate and denigrate. 

A majority of songs on the album have something to say either about the state of society, or the denigration of the definition of fame, particularly obvious in 'Boy Band'.  The tight riffs and heavy drumming back an amazing punk vocalist with the power and punch to push the songs into your brain where they will stay. 

Yet this isn't an album primarily made for punk fans, its also an easy access into punk and alternative music, specifically with the song content.  Favourite songs include 'Boy Band', a song putting down the now-fame riddled society focusing around the fame of boy bands in particular.  'Split Personality'  is another favourite as it looks at society as a whole, especially the change in gender issues and how kids behave. 

This album is possibly a perfect intro to 70's style punk for the uninitiated but is also a worthwhile listen/purchase for older, die-hard punk fans.  The short song lengths (three and a half minutes at their longest) allow the album to be split into easy, bite size chunks with new ideas and notions picked out on repeat listens.

Review by: Kerry H

Tracklisting:

1. Punk Rock Show
2. Like A Child
3. In My Street
4. Split Personality
5. Boy Band
6. Make It If You Try
7. Die Lowly
8. Won't Let Go
9. One Girl
10. No Faith
11. 2am
12. When You're Dead

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