Punk & Poetry cover

Punk & Poetry

The King Blues · 2011

30 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A frenetic blend of punk energy and poetic lyricism that critiques societal issues with raw sincerity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    We Are Fucking Angry — This track encapsulates the album's confrontational spirit, showcasing a rallying cry against social injustices while blending catchy hooks with powerful lyrics.
  • →
    Shooting Fascists — With its rapid-fire delivery and incendiary message, this track stands out as a fierce critique of oppressive political systems, embodying the punk ethos at its core.
  • →
    Does Anybody Care? — The reflective tone of this song contrasts sharply with the album’s overall aggression, inviting listeners to consider societal apathy towards pressing issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic punk with poetic lyrics, creating a distinctive sound that critiques societal issues.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a high energy level with fast tempos and aggressive instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower, reggae-influenced rhythm.
  • Several tracks employ abrupt transitions, such as moving from intense punk sections to quieter, reflective moments, which creates a sense of urgency and unpredictability.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • concise energetic listening sessions
  • urgent, thought-provoking themes
  • short, impactful tracks
  • dynamic emotional expression

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Punk & Poetry' was released in January 2011, The King Blues had already established themselves as a prominent voice within the UK punk and folk scenes. This album followed their critically acclaimed record 'Save the World, Get the Girl' from 2008, marking a continued evolution of their sound and lyrical depth, influenced by social justice themes.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • We Are Fucking Angry

    The verses build an escalating frustration that culminates in an explosive chorus demanding change and action from listeners.

    The shift from personal grievances to collective anger creates a sense of unity among listeners, pushing them towards activism.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Last of the Dreamers 0:58
  • 2 We Are Fucking Angry 3:04
  • 3 Set the World on Fire 2:43
  • 4 Dancehall 0:51
  • 5 The Future’s Not What It Used to Be 3:56
  • 6 I Want You 2:23
  • 7 5 Bottles of Shampoo 2:01
  • 8 Sex Education 2:39
  • 9 Shooting Fascists 0:47
  • 10 Headbutt 3:19
  • 11 Does Anybody Care? 3:35
  • 12 Everything Happens for a Reason 3:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata