Review GRADE 2 “Talk About It”

The first time I heard – and saw – Grade 2 was when the band toured with the mighty Social Distortion. That was back in 2022, and the trio’s performance at Barclays Arena was impressive, as they unleashed a tremendous amount of energy.

Four years later, the Isle of Wight band returns with “Talk About It” and it’s definitely worth talking about. This latest studio effort is Grade 2’s fourth album and features 11 tracks. As you would expect from a punk rock release, the songs are compact rather than long-winded, and the album itself finishes in under 30 minutes.

Despite its relatively short runtime, “Talk About It” delivers excellent music, drawing inspiration from The Clash and bands like The Exploited. The album opens with “Cut Throat”, an energetic blast driven by a strong bassline and pure punk attitude. This is followed by the instantly catchy “Hanging Onto You”, where the trio proves their talent for melody.

“Talk About It” does not introduce any major shifts in Grade 2’s musical direction. Instead, it’s the nuances and finer details that highlight the band’s growth and refinement, while the compass still points firmly towards rebellious punk rock which is clearly evident in the upbeat title track.

This is an authentic punk rock album from start to finish. Highlights include the grooving “Crash & Burn” and the heavy “Rotten”. With its hardcore edge, the latter feels like the perfect soundtrack for a slam pit in a beer-soaked club. The band’s British punk roots shine through on “Wasteland”, which also showcases the added finesse behind their raw sound.

“Otherside” is a melodic and energetic finale that brings an album about a band fully committed to exploring punk rock in all its forms to a close. “Talk About It” truly lives up to its name with these eleven tracks reflecting a well-honed sound that combines untamed energy with memorable hooks. The album captivates from the very first listen and remains an adrenaline-fueled companion for many listens to come.