More about: Chubby and the Gang

Guess who’s back? It’s only Chubby and the fucking Gang. A rapid turnaround from album one, the London punks are in sublime form for album two The Mutt's Nuts—this is a record soon sure to inspire some chaotic moshpits up and down the country. 

The Mutt’s Nuts opens as their debut closed: balls to the wall, frantic, loud, frenetic pub punk. The title track and opener is like a hit of smelling salts or a shot of absinthe, and you don’t have time to get up off your arse before 'It’s Me Who’ll Pay' kicks the door down. A strong opening then: Chubby are not fucking around here.

‘Coming Up Tough’ is the next track and one of the singles from the record. A bit less in your face and a bit more melodic, the chorus is one that will be belted out at live shows as the intensity is dialed down somewhat. It’s a strong single too, Chubby having opened themselves up to being more 'radio friendly'.

‘On The Meter’ and ‘Beat That Drum’ are two more perfectly serviceable C&TG cuts, with the latter providing a skull shakingly powerful rhythm section—this is an album that demands you play it loud. It’s worth the noise complaint too, because these tracks are solid. Not technically intricate or lyrically profound, Chubby and The Gang’s noise is undeniably powerful: it’s music to be played loud as fuck and enjoyed for what it is...great punk. 

‘Take Me Home To London’ is a real standout, backed only by a guitar and then eventually bass, Charlie Manning-Walker gets the chance to flex his voice and show off a more vulnerable side. It suits too, and the maturing that this band have done over the last year since their debut is apparent. ‘Life on the Bayou’ is another stellar track with the addition of keys to this swing-punk cut. 

'White Rags' is probably the standout track. Chubby create an apocalyptic atmosphere and a powerful sense of dread throughout. You can imagine trawling the wasteland to this one, purchasing cassette tapes with bottle caps. The track closes out with a heavy and brooding instrumental, really showcasing the talent of the musicians in this band. 

Chubby and the Gang have such raw talent and it really shines through on The Mutt's Nuts. Completely untamed, the album shifts from track to track like a burning car careering through London’s streets, promoting havoc and chaos. The lyrical content is superb too. It's not poetry, but Chubby have hardline punk values. They give a shit, in a way that ex-punk shithead John Lydon clearly does not. The anti-establishment anger really makes this record—a great sophomore LP from Chubby and the Gang. 

The Mutt's Nuts arrives 27 August via Partisan Records.

More about: Chubby and the Gang