Album Review: Confessions of a Pie Thief

Punk music means different things to different people. Over the years like most genres it has morphed, been watered down, kicked about and spat out.

The original punks are still around but in many cases some of the youthful vitriol has been replaced by a jaded grumpy old man vibe built on nostalgia. Nothing wrong with that and they’re are also bands like Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, Fever 333 and the excellent Ho99o9 who are taking punk in exciting new directions

Gisborne based Sit Down In Front have taken the classic 70’s punk attitude and given it a youthful adrenaline fueled injection. Singer Corey in particular has a vocal snarl that is 75% Johnny Rotten and 25% Oi Boot Boy.

The result is a refreshing change from the over saturated pop punk market. Sure, the subject matter on their new album Confessions of a Pie Thief reflects the life of an average bored 17-year-old coming out of rural NZ but Sit Down In Front manage to avoid too much cheese on top of their stolen meat and potato punk and roll mix.

On the first listen, it is the vocals that stands out. Just the right amount of slightly annoying, it is as close as you can get to original punk icons like Charlie Harper or Mr Rotten. There is a genuine passion behind the snarl and even some, shall we say youthful and fully naive lyrics are delivered with complete conviction.

The music is textbook punk by numbers, but youth and the isolation of living in Gizzy give the songs on Confessions of a Pie Thief an energy and connection that sounds fresh.

It doesn’t always work though.

The cover of the theme from Ghostbusters may raise an initial smile but soon grates and is the only track on here that I had to constantly skip.

Rain is a standout track but it is in the last three songs that we hear an indication of the potential of Sit Down In Front. Bad Luck Brian changes things up a bit by moving in a slightly different musical direction. At times, the vocals are almost melodic.

Rain and the last three tracks in particular give a glimpse of the potential for Sit Down In Front. Their youth and enthusiasm will only get them so far but if they keep up the attitude and soak up more experiences, putting them through their own musical filters, we will be in for a treat.

Confessions of a Pie Thief is a great debut but I feel better is to come. These guys could easily be the shining messed up punk saviours from little old New Zealand. Just give them the ingredients, let them simmer and the world is theirs for the taking.