Tear Them Down: Their Fault, Our Problem

Artist: Tear Them Down
Title: Their Fault, Our Problem
Format Reviewed: CD
Format Release: 31st January 2014
Reviewed By: Dan Stoten

It's definitely the case that a lot of what is termed as 'punk' music nowadays has lost the element of protest which was prevalent in the late-1970s when the movement began. There are, however, still a decent number of bands using their music to give their view on the world: and Gothenburg punks Tear Them Down most certainly do that.

Their Fault, Our Problem is really quite an easy record to review. This is simple, frenetic and exciting punk rock music. Combine The Bouncing Souls and The Rabble with the throatier element of Rancid and Street Dogs, add in elements of protest street-punk, and you're basically there. It's beautifully pared-back, simple album which relies on the natural catchiness of the tracks. And for that it is to be praised.

The album opens with Bomb City, a track with one of the simplest choruses I have heard for a long time. It's a superbly bouncy track, one which immediately gets you addicted to Tear Them Down. Just under one minute and fifty seconds long, it grabs you by the lapels and hauls you into a frantic whirl of sound. The energy and pace is kept up in second track Over The Sea, and, indeed, across all fourteen tracks on the album. The second track is a real rallying call to oppressed workers.

This is an album which would appeal to punk fans of all ages and types. It is catchy enough to appeal to pop-punk fans, with the energy and bounce every single song contains; while it contains such a strong message that it will appeal to punk fans from the 70s. Some of the tracks, too, are perhaps surprisingly melodic (Modern Times being one), which shows a real song writing ability.

On listening to Their Fault, Our Problem, I also found myself with a big grin across my face. This is a band who are delivering their message but having a fucking good time while doing it. As can be seen across the scene, it is easy to deliver your message in a negative, depressive style. Tear Them Down have opted against this, giving us a brilliantly cheeky and energetic record.

What we have here, then, is a slice of seventies punk attitude and style wrapped up in a modern, street-punk suit. It's a superb album, this, and definitely one to be checked out as soon as possible.


Their Fault, Our Problem will be available 31st January.