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Mike Puke - Album Review: The Sound of Puke

25 Jan 2019 // A review by darryl baser

The Sound of Puke is possibly the best, and most fitting, title for an album ever.

The album begins with the title track, The Sound of Puke which starts with a sample of The Sound Of Music straight from Julie Andrews' mouth, but don’t worry she’s vocally run over before she can say ‘music’, as Mike sings "Puke" over her singing the word ‘music’…If you’re unsure what I mean, give it a listen. There’s also another great vocal sample during the "Doe a deer" section of the song.

Mike Puke began in legendary Nelson punk band Dead Centre who toured the South Island with Mike eventually putting down roots in Dunedin. He now calls Kaitangata home.

Musically it’s mostly fast and furious. You always know where you stand with Mike Puke.

Yet with Woolly Pink Slippers he’s got his tongue firmly in his cheek and he could potentially be referring to himself getting older and going soft. But you won’t catch me saying that to his face.

I’m A Pig was one of the first songs Mike Puke wrote on his own and became a Dead Centre classic. It comes from Mike and his fellow punks being hassled by police in Nelson in the 80's.

Election Day is along the classic anarchist credo of ‘no matter who you vote for the government wins’, the chorus includes the words: "vote for no one, ‘cause no one cares".

The tune Politician is along similar lines. The opening words are “fucking scum,” meaning the party which gets Mike Puke to vote will be managing a huge win.

Seriously this album is a great collection of re-worked tunes from over Mike Gale’s 30+ year career as one of the most underrated underground musicians to make a racket in Aotearoa. If you like old school punk, but with a modern underground take.

Jon and Rex is a not at all subtle stab at countries with lax gun laws, and men who love their guns so much that it leads to a grossly inappropriate relationship between man and firearm.

The 25 song album documents a lengthy career.

The last song The Charming Month of May has Puke branching out, as it is a Robert Burns poem interpreted in Mike Puke style. It also appears on the second Burns compilation put out on Zelle Records called My Bonnie Bell.

Much of the language is colourful so it’s not for people who are scared of profanity.

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Mike Puke

Releases

Mike Murders Music
Year: 2021
Type: Album
The Sound Of Puke
Year: 2019
Type: Album
Sick In The Head Part 1
Year: 2013
Type: Album
Sick In The Head Part 2
Year: 2013
Type: Album
An Horrific Fracas...
Year: 2009
Type: Album
The Nightmayor Of Nelson
Year: 2003
Type: Album

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