The Meanies: It's Not Me, It's You

Boy oh boy, talk about the comeback of the century – lock up everything and everyone you hold dear, because punk rock champs The Meanies are back with their signature brand of irreverent, high-energy tunes.
Their latest effort has been a hell of a long time coming – their last release came out a whopping 21 years ago, and despite having reformed back in ’98, The Meanies have stuck to playing live a few times a year to keep themselves sharp. The best part, though, is that It’s Not Me, It’s You is the perfect continuation of their previous work. The production might be better, but the boys launch into the opener (‘You Know the Drill’) like nothing has changed, and still manage to pack the punch that made them great back when they started.
The Meanies pretty much embody punk rock – they’re loud, they’re raw and they just plain don’t give a damn – and it’s great. In true punk style, their music isn’t particularly technical, nor is it lyrically profound; it’s that wonderful brand of raw, gritty pub rock that sounds like they rolled out of bed half an hour before the recording session. The guitars are fuzzy, the vocals are strained and the punk spirit is definitely still alive while The Meanies are around. If you’re an established fan of the band, or if you’re just a punk fan in general, It’s Not Me, It’s You will be right up your alley.
Out Via Poison City Records
Reviewed by Alastair McGibbon