45 Adapters – Now Or Never 12″ EP (Pirates Press Records)

If you’re looking out for streetpunk/Oi! sound of the late seventies, you can’t come closer than this. 45 Adapters somehow managed to encapsulate the characteristic sounds of the streets on their most advanced recording. Right with the initial beats of their latest 12” EP, you’ll notice contemporary production technics implemented onto the classic Oi! sound, but somehow, Now Or Never resonates with the old school streetpunk atmosphere. For those who have never heard about this band, 45 Adapters is a Brooklyn, New York-based streetpunk/Oi! group that is active for more than a decade. Since their formation, the group released an impressive amount of recordings, such as Not One More Day EP, Don’t Trust Anyone Who Doesn’t Dance EP, a split release with Stomper 98, Dress Well Drink Heavily EP, a debut full-length Patriots Not Fools, and They Call It Justice EP.

Now Or Never is their latest recording that carries six meaningful streetpunk compositions, entirely performed in their manner. The band unquestionably went even further with this material, mainly because of the beforementioned atmosphere, achieved through some recognizable musical maneuvers. As I mentioned before, 45 Adapters caught the spirit of the late seventies streetpunk/Oi! music but also enhanced each instrument with the advanced technics in music production. For example, you will notice how both rhythm guitar and bass guitar are equally present in the mix without spoiling all the fun for excellent drumming and powerful lead vocals. I adore how guitars are not overwhelmed by heavy distortions, which are common among streetpunk/Oi! recordings nowadays. Quite the contrary, the band keeps everything at the appropriate levels so each instrument can breathe throughout the entire album.

The guitar leads the way with engaging melodies entirely performed in old school manner. You’ll notice how classic punk rock, mod music, rock’n’roll, streetpunk, and Oi! scenes inspired their songwriting. Besides a strong presence of British Oi! sound, you’ll also notice the classic US melodic streetpunk floating around during the entire recording. Rhythm guitar supports these lead melodies with brilliant riffs and chord progressions, while the warm-sounding bass guitars punch from beneath with low-end tones. The drummer keeps everything in line with interesting moderate tempos, series of accentuations, and drum fills. Lead vocals are levitating somewhere between melodic chants and aggressive shouting, but the real power hides in the astoundingly recorded singalongs.

Besides meaningful compositions, this record represents a visual treat for those who’re into picture disc collectibles. However, this is not a standard low-quality sounding picture disc, but UV digitally printed vinyl. That means the highest quality sound and eye-peeling look that will blow you away. The illustration on the record reveals a skinhead fighting against grim reaper. The complete packaging looks beautiful, and this is probably one of the best looking releases this year. Now Or Never also comes on all streaming platforms, so you can solely enjoy this release if you prefer digital music. Head over to Pirates Press Records for more detailed information about ordering.