This first recording by Slugger came out in 2022 as a 10″ vinyl. It was originally released in black and orange versions, and since the original pressing is gone, a repress was released in 2026 on clear and oxblood vinyl. Both pressings were handled by the proven combination of Try And Stop Me Records, Longshot Music and LSM Records. This maxi EP contains six tracks of quality, aggressive Oi! with a rumbling bass, hard-working guitar and barking vocals.

Slugger open the record with the traditional reggae tune Tougher Than Tough by Derrick Morgan, making their influences clear and showing exactly what skinhead culture means to them. This is also obvious from their lyrics, and they make it crystal clear right from the first track, Skinhead. Music, fights and endless trouble are the themes of the song, along with listening to your favourite Jamaican music in the club.

Musically, Slugger approach it like a professional boxer. They throw a few rhythmic punches, get you moving, and then unload their favourite, well-practised combinations on you in the chorus, before working you over from all sides for a while. And I fucking love it. On How Much More Can We Take, the band builds the song up nicely and gives it a proper explosive feel. On the final track, Me And You, Slugger take things in a darker direction, flirting with a moodier sound that fits perfectly with the singer’s intense vocals.

On the other tracks, Slugger make their clearly anti-racist stance known and take aim at the far right. At the same time, they also criticise mainstream society, politics and the police. These are traditional themes for a traditional skinhead band – and that is exactly what Slugger are, and they are proud to stand by it.

In my previous review, I wrote that I could hear the influence of bands like Violent Way and Rixe in their sound. That feeling is still there. So is the feeling that Slugger fucking rule. For me, they are one of the top bands of the last few years, and this is an excellent EP. You want this in your collection.