BILK

Reminds me of: The Clash, Arctic Monkeys, Soup Dragons, (early) Pop Will Eat Itself, the Ruts, Buzzcocks

BILK are a three piece band from Chelmsford who write lively tunes with catchy choruses that will quickly get in your head. They’ve released a handful of tracks since last year, with CM2 their latest single. If you click on the link for CM2 you’ll see them proudly saying that they filmed the video on their I-phones with a budget of £6, £3 of which subsequently went on a meal deal, which all helps to build the picture.

They have a breezy ‘couldn’t give a f---’ air about them and a lot of snarling attitude. CM2 is all about being young and having nothing to do, a modern day 'London’s’ Burning' (how slow does that song sound these days though?), 'Spiked' is about losing control at a party because you’ve had your drinks spiked (obviously)  'Slob' about getting hassle for not having a job and  'Next Weekend' is sung so fast I couldn’t actually tell you what its about.

This lot remind me more of C86 (Now for a Feast era PWEI, Soup Dragons etc) rather than the new wave of punk bands (like IDLES, SLAVES etc) and in many ways their songs remind me of I bet you look good on the dance floor era Arctic Monkeys, which is alright by me. 

They’re out on tour from this week – the pick of the gigs looks like 3rd May in Salford supporting Bethlehem Casuals on what promises to be an extremely sweaty night if the crowd is up for it.

By the way, the Dictionary description of the verb ‘Bilk’ in case you’re wondering is ‘to obtain or withhold money from (someone) unfairly or by deceit; cheat or defraud’.