SOCCER96

Words by Toby Rogers

Back in 1996, soccer was a beautiful game. Before the moneybags of Chelski and Manchester City skewed the league for everyone else, Alan Shearer was the most expensive player on earth and the United's of Newcastle and Manchester were slugging it out for domination of the youthful Premier League.

Whether that's why Brighton electro-punk-ska-pop three-piece Soccer96's chose their moniker is anyone's guess, but the romanticism of naming themselves after England's heartbreaking European Championship semi-final exit to Germany won't be lost on many. As powerful a rallying cry as "Three Lions," "Call To Arms" is a bruising electro-clash broadside that recalls "White Riot," "Cigarettes & Alcohol" and "Time For Heroes" in equal measure.

As thrilling as FIFA’s 16-bit Megadrive outing, “Call To Arms” is a rabble-rousing fusion of post-punk, math-rock and electronica. Borne out of a twisted mix of tortured synths, live drums and Gameboy keyboards, it’s an off-kilter blast of Ritalin-addled ska-punk.

In these harsh economic times we need bands that deliver bold statements. Like The Pistols with “Anarchy In The UK” or The Stone Roses with “Bye Bye Badman,” Soccer96 have captured the mood of a disillusioned nation beautifully. An anthem for rioters, looters and anti-capitalists, this is revolutionary pop at its finest. I’ll get my gun.