Release date: 5 April 2013
Running time: 42:36, 12 tracks
When I got SIR REG’s single “ ‘Till the Dead Come Alive” my first impression was that the sound was a little bit harder than that of their previous albums. Then the album arrived and, even if the first song was pure anger, I felt that there were too many quiet moments on the CD. I don’t know why I drew that conclusion, since there are only 3 and a half “slow” songs.
I have been listening to this album continuously and I must admit that it has grown on me. No, “21st Century Loser” is not a direct album. One needs several hearings to appreciate it. Perhaps the best word to describe this CD would be risky. The Swedish band has evolved and maybe a part of their fan base, those who prefer basic Celtic punk to new musical directions, could be disappointed. Anyway, as far as I know, “21st Century Loser” has got rave reviews so far.
All the tracks on this album have the SIR REG DNA on it. I have said that they have evolved, but don’t expect something like Flogging Molly “Speed of Darkness”. Brendan and his band mates have followed a logical direction remaining faithful to their identity. They have chosen “ ‘Till the Dead Come Alive” as first single. Other bands would have picked up “Raise Your Hands” or “We’ll Rise Again”. Those numbers are catchy, “simple” and effective. But SIR REG know that when you want to win, you have to bet.
The arrangements and chorus, poppier than on previous releases, highlight all over the album. This is not something new, since Brit-pop elements can be listened on both “Sir Reg” and “A Sign of the Times”. The first part of “At the End of The World” could be filed together with the Levellers “Hello Pig” album. And “Walking into Doors” is a haunting song. I was missing a song like “Far Away” when I realized that in fact there was something better. I feel that the Gallagher brothers from Oasis would love it too. “City of Tragedy” is a poignant ballad. Sometimes I link it with those metal bands from the 80’s (for instance, Scorpions). However, knowing that Brendan is a big fan of David Bowie, I guess that this, together with the closing number “21st Century Loser Part II”, could be influenced by the Chameleon.
But if you are at the Celtic punk end, don’t worry: there are plenty to choose from: “All that Remains”, “21st Century Loser”, “Emigrate”, the single, “Raise your Hands” and “We’ll Rise Again”.
As far as the lyrics are concerned, Brendan has pushed forward on social issues. I would say that the lyrics on this album and Henning Mankell’s crime books are the two sides of a coin. The fall of the Welfare State is present on every Wallander enquiry. Brendan is not as raw as Mankell, but, in the end, they are talking about the same subjects.
“21st Century Loser” is already a critically acclaimed album. Now it's time for the fans to decide if they support the evolution of the band.
Tracklist:
01. Emigrate 4:06
02. Raise Your Hand 2:28
03. ‘Til the Dead Come Alive 3.06
04. At the End of the world 3:43
05. Walking into Doors 5:00
06. Banquet for Dreamers 2:50
07. 21st Century Loser 2:56
08. Live for Today 3:45
09. City of Tragedy 5:40
10. All that Remains 3:45
11. We’ll Rise Again 3:53
12. 21st Century Loster pt. II 1:25
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Review by Kinksmarkham
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