VIRTUAL DIGS: EMOTIONAL WARFARE

Emotional Warfare sounds like a blast from 1979 when punk, new wave and pub rock were all peaking and vying for attention. Perhaps UK power poppers the Gas were a little too late to catch this convergence with their 1981 debut. Too bad, because this terrific, energetic LP undeniably deserves to be remembered. The influence of the Clash‘s slightly polished, more commercial side on Give ‘Em Enough Rope is obvious throughout with a melodic power that lights up the whole collection. The opening “Devastated” shares that record’s buzzing chords and youthful energy of “English Civil War,” and “The Outside” is a cold, dark reggae lament that could have been an outtake from the same album. The smoldering sneer of “Possessions” borrows the tough soul stance of early Graham Parker, complete with a snaking guitar solo straight out of his band the Rumour. The rugged balladry of “Love Bites” also could have easily found a home on Parker’s Squeezing Out Sparks. Pounding keyboards and an irresistible strumming guitar hook that echo This Year’s Model-era Elvis Costello are heard in the breathless rocker “The Finger.” There isn’t a bad song on Emotional Warfare as it veers between punky tunefulness and credible Jamaican rhythms. This is one album that really does capture the passionate spirit of when punk morphed into new wave.

The Gas recorded a second album in 1983 titled From the Cradle to the Grave that was a solid hard pop effort as well, though without much success. Neither LP has been reissued or released on CD as far as I know. The band still has a small but devoted following. Count me in as an enthusiastic member.