German label Try And Stop Me Records has developed a remarkable knack for releasing quality records, and pretty much everything they put out is worth checking out. So when I saw they were releasing a split EP featuring Finland’s Hats & Caps and Germany’s Still Defiant, I immediately knew this was something I wanted in my collection. We’ve already featured an interview with Hats & Caps on the zine, and you can also find a review of a Still Defiant record in our archives, so these are two bands we’ve been following for quite some time.
The EP features one track from each band, with Hats & Caps taking the opening slot. Their contribution, Stop Running Away, is an Oi! punk song built around a mid-paced, slightly slower tempo, a rich and powerful sound, and a strong vocal performance that carries the track from start to finish. The guitar work deserves special mention as well, particularly the catchy solo that adds another dimension to the song. The result is a track that grabs your attention immediately and feels like an instant hit.
On the flip side, Still Defiant contribute Fist Of Steel, a track that perfectly fits their trademark blend of Oi! and rock’n’roll. Once again, the band opts for a slower tempo, allowing the atmosphere and vocal delivery to take center stage. The lyrics introduce us to a character who enjoys alcohol, a bit of violence, and the trouble that often comes with both, so there are no major surprises thematically. Still, the song feels authentic and delivers exactly the kind of energy you’d hope for from this style of music.
Both bands have contributed excellent tracks, and this EP perfectly illustrates why I love the format so much. There’s no filler here and no half-finished ideas. Instead, you get two fully realized songs that stand comfortably on their own and have every chance of becoming regular fixtures on your turntable or in a late-night DJ set.
The artwork also deserves praise. It looks great and fits the spirit of both bands perfectly. The inclusion of printed lyrics is another detail that I always appreciate. Overall, this is a very enjoyable release and further proof that Try And Stop Me Records have an excellent eye for quality projects. A great addition to the collection of any dedicated Oi! punk fan.
