Review-Discharge-Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing

Discharge
Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing
1982

1977 as the year punk exploded onto the world and changed the face of music and much of popular culture as we know it. Discharge from Stoke-on-Trent formed that year and at first were little more than one of many bands who sounded like the Sex Pistols.

By 1979 the original punk explosion had ended. It gave way for off shoot movements such as post punk and new wave. At this point, Discharge started to develop their own original sound. They were now joined by a new singer called Cal and were taking punk firmly into an underground direction.

Their first proper release in 1981 already had shocked people who thought that punk could not get more extreme. The Why? ep was definitely brutal sounding but this album, released in 1982 fully showcased their apocalyptic sound. Definateately taking their cue from Motorhead, their had truly been nothing like heard at the time.

Clocking in at 14 tracks, the formula on Hear Nothing does not deviate much. The blasting snare beats and thrashy guitars are a constant presence throughout the albums run. The amp for the guitars are turned up way beyond 11. Although somewhat repetitive, it is very direct and that what makes it stand out.

Its a wonder that drummer Gary Maloney was ever able to play again given his performance here. This pioneered a style that was to become known as D beat. Many bands who fell under that lable paid tribute to Discharge by having "Dis" in their name such as Disrupt and Disfear.

Although the vocals are rather incomprehensible, the lyrics are as minimal as the music, with phrase often being repeated over the course of not usually much longer than two minutes. The theme of the album is nuclear war. This, combined with the albums graphic artwork of genuine images from nuclear wars, makes for a chilling experience.

Its safe to say that without Discharge , much of extreme music wold not exist. From Napalm Death to Metallica to even the likes of Nirvana, Discharge have much to thank for.

Nathan Foster.