With the advent of instant communication the world is undoubtedly becoming a smaller place (I’m talking metaphorically, of course) and the relative isolation of the Isle Of Wight was the perfect incubator for Grade 2 and their unique sound. The small scene installed within Grade 2 a strong DIY ethos and a tight, gang-like mentality, two things that shine through on their fourth long-player Talk About It. Having been in existence for over a decade, Grade 2 have rolled with every punch a fickle music industry could throw, being battered (but unbowed) and Talk About It finds them returning to the fight armed with eleven rowdy anthems.

Those expecting Grade 2 to be mellowing with age will be in for a rude awakening, and the wall of feedback that heralds the arrival of opening salvo ‘Cut Throat’ acts as a kind of warning siren. Drawing from the spirit of ‘76 (the Clash) and street punk (Cock Sparrer) in equal measure, ‘Cut Throat’ (and, indeed, the whole album) is hard and melodic, fusing the two genres into an explosive whole. While the band are kind enough to wear their influences on their collective sleeve, they certainly aren’t retrogressive and operate with an energy that places them firmly in the present. The social conditions that informed the first few waves of punk are still very much present (if anything things have gotten worse) and such is the fuel that feeds Grade 2’s fire. With guitars firing and drums pounding, Grade 2 are a power trio in its purest definition (i.e., powerful) and create a sound that’s far bigger than their constituent parts. Defying the laws of chemistry; it shouldn’t really work, but somehow it does and when the likes of ‘Don’t Worry About Me’ are pouring from the speakers, it’s hard to turn your attention elsewhere.

All but one of these eleven tracks clock in at under three minutes and gives the impression that the band are the ultimate editors, mercilessly shaving off a few notes here and there until all that is left is pure song. There’s a drive to tracks such as ‘Smugglers Haven’ that’s born from hunger and you can definitely see the bones poking through the flesh, yet these tunes are, paradoxically, full and lustrous: they’re bursting at the seams with neat ideas, the harmonies and swirling keys adding weight to their frame and forming a potent punch.

Ending on a note of hope, ‘Otherside’ is full of possibilities and signposts a bright future: Talk About It will elevate Grade 2 to the premier league.

• Talk About It is released via Hellcat Records on 27th March 2026.

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Track List:

1. Cut Throat

2. Hanging Onto You

3. Standing In The Downpour

4. Better Today

5. Talk About It

6. Don’t Worry About Me

7. Crash And Burn

8. Smugglers Haven

9. Rotten

10. Wasteland

11. Otherside