This impossibly tight ‘outsider punk’ duo (just drums and bass, with vocals by both performers) can always be counted on to deliver a blasting collection of thought-provoking songs. Recorded at Munki Studios, this release handily showcases the power of the band while keeping the vocals clear enough to be easily understood, which is a huge part of the Assembly experience. This is songwriting with a mission to change the world, commenting on injustice and pointing out the ludicrous. At the same time the songs are musically adventurous, with all the willful unconformity of Mike Watt’s Dos, but an extra tablespoonful of audacious creativity and sheer talent.

Odd time signatures are just normal for Mr Sterile Assembly. They deliver them naturally, rather than as an affected gimmick, because all of this would be irrelevant if it was approached as just a math exercise. The form follows the function of the song. Sometimes that manifests as an a capella section, other times it’s a flurry of distorted bass notes. A jolt of pure creative spirit married to social commentary, and it’s also damn good rocking fun!