Crown Court from London released this album on Randale Records in 2023, roughly ten years after the band was formed. I already really enjoyed their 2016 album Capital Offence – it felt raw, unpolished, and carried a strong ’80s vibe that you rarely hear from many bands these days. In the era of Heavy Manners, however, Crown Court’s sound has shifted slightly in my view. It’s a bit cleaner, more straightforward, and less rough around the edges, yet without losing its drive or authenticity.

While on Capital Offence the band often relied on repeating motifs and building constant aggressive pressure, here there are more ideas, more varied arrangements, and now and then even a light rock’n’roll touch. It’s still 100% Oi! with no compromises. I’ve always loved British Oi! bands for their atmosphere, simplicity, and raw expression – and Heavy Manners feels like a return to this now somewhat lost approach. When musicians clearly enjoy what they’re doing and aren’t just going through the motions, the result simply works.

The record delivers a solid dose of music: twelve tracks packed into just over half an hour, with not a single song feeling like filler or wasted space. The foundation is clear – ’80s Oi! punk, with no hardcore influences, no modern stylistic detours, and no attempt to appeal to a broader audience. This is a direct route to the core of what we love about Oi!. Personally, I hear a crossroads between Last Resort and The Enforcers, in terms of tempo, arrangements, and overall feel.

I don’t want to break down every single song, because the album maintains a consistent character and balanced quality throughout. All tracks carry a clearly recognizable band signature, with a great interaction between guitar and bass. Classic Oi! sound, solid groove, and lyrics often built around the feeling of „me against the world.“ At times there’s more of a rock’n’roll vibe mixed in, typically in tracks like 2 O’Clock Hero. On the other hand, the song Mad In England carries the aggression typical of the Capital Offence era, while also benefiting from a cleaner, more defined sound – and this particular track definitely belongs among the highlights of the album.

Occasionally, more playful moments appear as well, for example in the track 33rd, which starts off in a dark, almost Misfits-like spirit before shifting into strong, anthemic Oi! punk. What fascinates me about this record is how it manages to maintain intensity and character throughout its entire running time, even though it’s not punk driven by purposefully heavy passages or extreme parts. Its strength lies in atmosphere, groove, and conviction.

Crown Court remain old school in their themes too: working-class issues, love for football, the streets, and the everyday reality of ordinary life. In a globalized and increasingly unified world, Heavy Manners can almost function as a document of working-class London in the 2020s of the 21st century.

The album includes all the lyrics and is accompanied by a sober, functional layout that perfectly matches the music it contains. No unnecessary bullshit, just a clean and purposeful visual presentation.

For me, Heavy Manners is an album that clearly represents the European approach to Oi! punk. At the same time, it proves that even after 2020, this style can still be played with a modern sound, the same passion, and an authentic feeling. In my opinion, it’s one of the most essential European Oi! releases of the last few years.

TOP TRACKY: Mad In England, 33rd, Pavement Duties, Sect 59