“8/10 - Scottish hopefuls pack a punch” Album Review: Fickle Public - Bucko

Never open with your worst track. Here 'Bucko' kicks off like so many records by new British bands, with little impact, and little incentive to continue listening. However, persevering to track two brings an almighty reward as a drum roll propels you uncontrollably towards nine songs of shouty, snotty punk the likes of which have bnot been seen from a British band since the demise of Welsh oiks Mclusky.

Fickle Public are unafraid of poppy hooks, and yet each song is ingrained with a 'fuck you' attitude that shows the band is playing by no one's rules but their own, as songs meander off on unexpected tangents, like 'Kittens Got Claws', rife with odd time signatures, huge roars and a monster riff. This is what we want from British bands, loads of energy, hefty grit, bundles of excitement and truly great tunes - and newcomers Fickle Public have all - by the bucketload.

© Metal Hammer 2006