So here it is, the one time of year that invites an annual tradition of boyfriend forgiveness, with a bunch of cheap flowers and a bag of Cadbury’s misshapes making up for all of those Black Ops hours of social isolation.
But if you’re one of those that feels the urge to kick cupid right in his smug little face and smash the hell out of February’s festive isle, look no further…
We all know that love is a constant trending topic in the music business, but every now and then, the odd anomalie comes along. Generally in the exploitative form of ballsy punk rock from The Avengers to Zebrahead.
So rather than sitting home alone, flicking through television channels in a desperate attempt to come across a channel that isn’t broadcasting a slushy rom-com containing Hugh Grant, why not head out to one of the many punk gigs being put on across the land? Discovering an environment where you can dance and drink your cares away, or find your self on the administering end of habits that have, so often, nearly ruined all of our evenings. Whether that be the hurling of pint glasses that rain substances that we can only hope to be some form of beer, or clambering your way to the no-man’s land that divides the crowd from the iconic shrines of popular music, whilst kicking a fair deal of punters in the face on the way.
Hot picks include…
Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach: Attack Attack!
Edinburgh, Tunnels: Pulled Apart By Horses
London, Bush Hall: Pure Love (Frank Carter ex Gallows)
Meanwhile, we’ve compiled a decathlon of anti-love classics that raise a finger to Saint Valentine…
New Found Glory – My Friends Over You
Proper Warped Tour pop-punk about the dilemma of affable loyalty put up against tricky relationship calamities. Equipping satirical humour to the tale that we’ve all heard before, about guys putting bro’s before hoes.
The Vandals – My Girlfriend’s Dead
A bittersweet, all out lie to avoid the embarrassing fact that they’ve officially been cast into the single bargain bin. But the whistles alone plummet the song in to pop-punk anthem territory, not to mention the matter of fact lyrics.
Green Day – Good Riddance (The Time of Your Life)
Intentionally written as a non-bitter track about Billie Joe Armstrong breaking up with his girlfriend. Perhaps the most depressing of the bunch, presented as a sombre acoustic tale of honesty, citing the breaking of love and eventual acceptance, as you stretch your eye lids to reduce those post-breakup tears
The Misfits – Die, Die My Darling
A psychopathic burst of anger from the legendary horror punks, harshly wishing death upon the protagonist lover, purveyed through Glenn Danzig’s shredding trucker vocals. Accompanied by harsh, staccato power chords, each sounding and feeling like a fatal stab to the chest.
The Buzzcocks – Ever Fallen In Love?
Perhaps one of the world’s most famous punk songs, since dabbling in the mainstream, having been used in countless adverts and TV/film backdrops. Bestowing a narrative of unsuited love, set to fail from the very start, which is in itself pretty disheartening and slightly Shakespearean. Combining crashing guitar riff with ominous fills and a stadium worthy chorus, recognisable by just about everyone.
So there you have it, another year of slushy valentine’s lovey-dovey fodder, can be clearly overridden by an anarchic punk attitude!
Jonathan Hatchman.
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