This 7″ is a split release by two US Oi! bands, SIKM and The Slads, with each band contributing two original tracks and presenting their own take on Oi! punk. While SIKM from Atlanta go for a much more direct and raw approach, strongly influenced by punk ’82, The Slads from Philadelphia add a more pronounced rock’n’roll and bovver edge to their sound. The record was released by Mendeku Diskak in an edition of 380 copies on black vinyl and 120 copies on rust-red vinyl.
On their side, SIKM deliver a no-compromise, gritty version of punk that at times brings to mind the more straightforward side of bands like One Way System. The track Pocket Theft is a pretty pissed-off charger with a hardcore-style vocal delivery in the chorus, dealing with how the government keeps stealing from our pockets while debts continue to grow. The second song, Rogue, is even more punk in both expression and attitude, lyrically focusing on open rebellion against society and its rules. This whole side of the split feels very direct and raw.
On the B side, The Slads take over, and their version of Oi! punk is noticeably more influenced by rock’n’roll and glam. Stylistically, they sit somewhere along the lines of bands like the French Claimed Choice. First up is the more danceable Funny Kids, thematically similar to SIKM’s material—a socially critical song about kids whose school is the street, a place where no teachers exist. This is followed by the slower, heavier burner Now That’s Class, which once again leans into social criticism and relies more on atmosphere than speed.
In the end, both bands present something that feels closer to punk than to strictly orthodox Oi!, but very much in a positive sense. Lyrically everything is spot on, while musically there are some stylistic overlaps—SIKM occasionally flirting with hardcore influences, and The Slads leaning more toward glam-tinged rock’n’roll. Overall, it’s a solid split that makes sense from start to finish. As usual, Mendeku Diskak deliver the goods, with a well-designed sleeve complete with lyrics and photos.
TOP TRACKS: Pocket Theft, Funny Kids
