Released in 1982, amidst the dying embers of the initial punk explosion, "Seven Deadly Sins" stands as a defiant final stand against the encroaching tide of New Romantics and synth-pop. The Outcasts, formed in Belfast in 1977, had always been outsiders, their music too raw and visceral for mainstream acceptance. But in the face of an ever-changing musical landscape, they refused to compromise, their third album a testament to their unwavering punk rock ethos.
The album opens with the blistering "Nowhere Left to Run," a frantic, two-minute blast of raw energy and frustration. The lyrics, snarled by vocalist Greg Cowan, paint a bleak picture of a world on the brink, a sentiment echoed throughout the album. From the relentless attack of "Seven Deadly Sins" to the anthemic "Self-Conscious Over You," The Outcasts hold nothing back, their music a cathartic release of pent-up anger and disillusionment.
The production, helmed by the legendary Chas Chandler (former bassist for The Animals and manager of Jimi Hendrix), is raw and unpolished, capturing the raw energy of the band's live performances. Recorded at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands, the album's sound is a far cry from the slick, overproduced recordings that dominated the charts at the time. This rough-edged approach perfectly complements the band's DIY punk aesthetic, creating a sense of urgency and immediacy that is impossible to ignore.
The Outcasts' music has always been steeped in the social and political turmoil of their native Belfast. "Seven Deadly Sins" is no exception, with songs like "Frustration" and "Working Class Kids" offering a scathing critique of a society divided by class and conflict. This sense of social consciousness, coupled with the band's unyielding punk rock spirit, makes "Seven Deadly Sins" an album that is as relevant today as it was upon its release.
While "Seven Deadly Sins" marked the end of The Outcasts' recording career, their influence continues to be felt in the punk rock scene. Their music, a potent blend of raw energy, social commentary, and unyielding spirit, stands as a testament to the enduring power of punk rock.
