Rifle – No King
London punk band Rifle announce their self-titled debut album with “No King”, a rabble-rousing single that drags proto-punk through anarcho and UK pub rock territory. Out January 16th on YEAR0001, the album centres on working-class experience, with choruses inspired by football terrace chants and that natural sing-along quality.
Max (vocals) and Ross (bass) met at their dead-end jobs and eventually met up in Camden after work to commit what they call “sonic atrocities” until the small hours. The lineup filled out gradually, with Flynn on drums and Albert and Louis on guitars, forming like a demented social club that got louder and more sordid with each session. After laying down demos, they found themselves supporting The Chisel and The Chats, proving their bite is worse than their bark.
“No King” shows what they’re after. The lyrics don’t mess around: “I won’t let you tell me how to speak / You know nothing you’re fucking weak,” Max spits before the chorus lands on “No rhyme / No reason / No king / No treason.” It’s raw, direct punk that knows precisely where it stands.
The album was recorded at Fuzzbrain and The Stationhouse, produced with Jonah Falco (tracks 6 and 12 also with Luke Younger), engineered by Falco and James Atkinson, with Atkinson handling the mix and Jack Callahan mastering. Rifle wanted to capture the sound and identity of being a London band, taking cues from groups like Cockney Rejects and Cock Sparrer in terms of lyrical focus and ethos, even if the sound differs.
Since bludgeoning European festivals at Reading and Leeds, Venezia Hardcore Fest, Rebellion, and Sjock, Rifle have been sharpening their edge. This is their first time recording everyone’s parts separately, with the band actively listening to each other’s takes and constantly offering suggestions.
Tracklist:
- Rifle
- No King
- Soldier Doll
- The Flag
- Protest
- Cease and Desist
- Worthless
- Cut Me Loose
- Bastards
- United State
- Gauntlet of Hate
- Pray For All
