Five years since their debut, Diaz Brothers have treated us to a long-awaited follow-up. For some context, Diaz Brothers formed when HDQ disbanded after Dickie Hammond passed away. If they initially carried the flame and sound of “the Q”, they have forged their own musical path, and it is a privilege to be party to that musical journey. 

The characters in the band have been mainstays of the (mostly) melodic punk/ hardcore scenes for decades now (Shutdown, The Jones, Loudmouth, to name a few), and it is great to listen to them simply kick back and play the passionate music they love. There is tons to get your teeth into here, probably more than you might have expected, in terms of songwriting and playing. Vocalist Golly has put in an incredible performance on these songs – just listen to Who Am I and tell me otherwise. The Diaz Brothers have delivered a stunning album. Tom Chapman