Fractured return with a punk rock jam that wields ironic cheekiness against the excessive fussiness of modern life.
Fractured – No Offence
In a world ruled by post-modern, post-logical reasoning, where even concepts like aggression and offence may be so easily trivialised, some old-fashioned unpolished punk irony may well be the best way to approach current good-intentioned excesses. Back after a 16-year break, here come Fractured, bringing on a good dose of that sweet cheekiness.
Judging by Jeff Hayward’s fierce delivery and the stellar guitar work, you can tell the band hasn’t lost a single drop of their punkish brattiness since their debut in the eighties. Every chord oozes sheer joy as do the brash snotty vocals (in that endearing Cockney accent, of course).
“No Offense exudes the brash confrontational joy that every punk jam is legally obliged to deliver while making some tongue-in-cheek remarks on society”
“No Offence” is a tongue-in-cheek take on the meaninglessness that often takes over conversations about social justice these days. The lyrics are as vague as the justifications of many warriors of sacrosanct virtue can sometimes be and unravel as a playful banter: “I’m offended that you’re offended”, “I’m disappointed you’re disappointed”… Meta-offence, if you will. Well, why not, given how subjective such concepts can be? Only to then winkingly close every stanza by repeatedly reassuring the listener they mean “no offence”.
The four-piece ensemble first formed in 1983 before taking a 16-year break. Since the 2000s, they have toured in support of bands such as The Nightingales, The Monochrome Set, Frank Sidebottom, Alternative TV and The Fallen Leaves.
Fractured will be soon hitting the road, with gigs set to take place in Bristol (8 June), Brighton (14 July) and on the Introducing Stage at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool (6 August). And, like true punks, they claim their throats are stuffed with “plenty to say”. Well, to be honest, a part of the man writing this piece is sincerely hoping that any further remarks on this and other relevant issues will not unnecessarily veer to the conservative side. It is, after all, possible to champion justice and equality while remaining critical of movements and methods across the board. But, for what it’s worth, the song is nothing short of a ball. No better way to crash back into the scene with a loud bang!
The band plan to release more singles this year and are working on a new album in 2024.
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Words Fernando de Oliveira Lúcio
