The Dead Pets- The Revenge of the Village Idiots

Northern English street punks the Dead Pets have made their music more widely available to overseas fans, much to the benefit of North America, and their second album is nearly as good as their first. A bit more aggressive than before, this album starts off with an old-school rocker, "Problem Child," that's in the Sex Pistols vein, albeit with some horns thrown in for fun, before moving into the rough and tumble Oi sing-a-long of "If It Sells It Sells." "Setback" is aggressive and speedy, chugging along like a freight train on a downhill track, and "Mother's Ruin" and "Never Never" see the Dead Pets at their grittiest and loudest, with hints of old U.S. hardcore tinging the classic sound of UK punk rock. "Dreams For A Crook" is a gorgeous punk folk sing-along, all drums and shouts, that fans of everyone from Against Me! to the Pogues should be able to get behind, while title track "The Revenge Of The Village Idiots" throws in an infectious ska-infused bass line. Finishing things off is a cover of Cock Sparrer's classic "We're Coming Back" that's irresistible; true punks ought to know the chorus already, so there's no excuse not to sing along. This isn't quite as joyfully eclectic as the Dead Pets' first album, but it's still better than anything else masquerading as punk rock these days, so pick it up while there's still a smidgen of hope left for music you can scream "Oi!" to.

Visit the Dead Pets at www.thedeadpets.co.uk.