BILK – ESSEX, DRUGS AND ROCK AND ROLL – ALBUM REVIEW

“Bilk – “Essex Drugs and Rock and Roll” – The new album is a riotous blend of indie rap with punk attitude and raw youthful charm. They’ve taken a significant step up with this album creating a more accomplished sound they can be proud of.”

Bilk are back. Those persistently perky, post-pubescent punks from the Chelmsford Badlands follow up their 2023 debut album with the cracking new album – Essex Drugs and Rock and Roll.

Bilk take their name from the despicable act one particular punter did concerning Sol’s Dad’s black cab (Sorry Sean, I-owe you a tenner – hope that covers it). Bilk are fronted by John Cooper Clarke’s nephew Sol Abrahams on guitar and vocals*, Luke Hare on Bass and Harry Gray on drums.

If you’re not familiar with Bilk it’s fair to say that, if you like a riotous blend of indie rap with punk attitude and youthful energy, Bilk might just be your cup of Rosie Lee.

The new album – all 13 tracks of it – still has that blend of punk energy, honest social commentary, and raw youthful charm, but their time on the road and in the studio has improved them dramatically. No longer does it sound like they’ve dashed off each track as quickly as they could to get down the pub for a couple of pints.

The lads have been working hard this last year. They’ve taken a significant step up, creating a more accomplished sound they can be proud of.

ED&R&R kicks off with the pounding rhythmic and gritty guitar loaded RnR. A quick check of the sleave to check that nobody has slipped in a Slade track is quickly dispelled as Sol’s sneering curt vocals kick in and we’re off…this is their “Rock n Roll Star”.

But before you can say, “ere Edna they’ve forgotten their roots”, you’re hurled back to Chelmsford. “Slag” is classic Bilk. A reflection upon the time when our protagonist realises the best way over a broken relationship is to be physically very generous with his affections.

Bilk have a knack of writing great simple songs. No smart-arsed wordplay to show how clever they are. Just life laid bare and set to great pop punk.

Few bands know how to create tracks that really feel like a night out with your loudest wildest mates but Bilk and “On It” takes us on that chaotic, messy journey. (And then takes you on the trip back the next day with “F-Up”).

But it’s not all Wham Bang, Thank You Solomon. Our feisty lead singer has a heart too with one of the standout tracks on the album “Summer Days”. A tale of new love, long summer days and where that may lead. A surprising departure from the usual Bilk.

But this is Bilk sharing this special moment with you, so you know it’ll be a realistic song of heartfelt simplicity. It’s amazing how simple honest lyrics can have such emotional depths.

And that’s Bilk. one minute they’re holding a mirror up to the ridiculousness of it all, the next they’re tugging at your heartstrings. Bilk doesn’t overthink it—they keep it raw, real, and fun. Buy the album. Catch them on tour. Enjoy the ride -but don’t bilk on the fare.