For me, the biggest and most unexpected musical surprise of 2017 has been the new Cock Sparrer album. Most of us weren’t even aware that this was in the works. They’re not exactly known for being prolific. Forever is the 6th Cock Sparrer full length, and comes a whopping 45 years into the band’s career. They have always favored quality over quantity, and this is no exception. These five guys are no spring chickens, but I’m happy to report that they’ve still got it. Cock Sparrer is one of the most influential Oi! and street punk bands of all time, and they are the rare living legends that can still perform at a high level.
It should come as no surprise that Forever is a lyrically mature album. Opener “One By One” and closer “Us Against the World” are exceptions. Those two songs are throwbacks to the band’s earlier days, and are about how these mates will beat the ass of anyone who gets in their way. In between are songs about adult problems like broken relationships, crumbling families and a world that seems to be going to hell. All the songs are good. My favorites include the upbeat “Gonna Be Alright” and the non-conformist “Nothing Like You”. “Somebody’s Brother, Somebody’s Son” is a powerful song about the consequences of violence.
Musically, Forever is everything you would hope for. Lead singer Colin McFaull’s distinctive voice is still stronger than most men half his age. Micky Beaufoy’s lead guitar lines are epic in scope and often as memorable as the hook. The gang vocals will implore you to sing along. The rhythm guitar, bass and drums propel the action and manage to sound both classic and thoroughly modern. Cock Sparrer helped write the book on Oi! and street punk, and I’m glad they stuck with their winning formula. The album itself is also very nice, and they spared no expense on packaging. I even picked up the CD version (I know, I’m a poser) because it had four extra tracks.
Fans of this style of music in general, and fans of Cock Sparrer specifically will love this record. That being said, I’m not sure there’s much here for potential younger listeners. Shock Troops (1982) is still going to be the go to Cock Sparrer record for angry young men. Most of Cock Sparrer’s contemporaries are either long gone or shadows of their former selves. This quintet of friends are the rare thriving survivors. I think they’re old and wise enough to know how fortunate they are and to be grateful for it too. You can feel it in their music. If Forever is their studio swan song, they’re definitely going out on a high note.