Indignation Meeting - "Trouble In The Shed" CD/Download Review

 Indignation Meeting - "Trouble In The Shed" CD/Download Review by Rob H.

For anyone that's caught Indignation Meeting live you will know how infectious the enthusiasm and passion of teenage drummer/vocalist/lyricist and occasional trumpeter Peter Hirst is. He also has more than a passing resemblance vocally to the late Pete Shelley none more so than on the Buzzcocks-esque "Swingball Blues", an ode to that garden "sport" which I'm sure most have "enjoyed" at some stage of their lives!

Indignation Meeting are father and son duo of Peter and Michael Hirst (guitar) who are also joined by sister/daughter Heather on occasional backing vocals and on album closer "Give The Teddies What They Want" dual lead. Live they are augmented by either Keith Tyndall or Hugo Hatcher on bass, Blyth Power fans will probably know Hugo as he has stood in at various times on live streams and gigs alongside his parents Annie & Joseph.

Peter focuses his lyrics mainly on trains, both physical and model, which is a subject not alien to certain punk bands. The depth of detail in his lyrics is really quite something though and you will certainly learn something. "41241" about the steam loco almost reads like a Top Trump card of stats before moving on to its history and even model railway version, the song even starts with a recording of the real thing! 

Whereas there are numerous songs regarding trains in general ("Riotous Rolling Stock", "Electrification") and specific engines ("41241", "The Class 37's In The Pits" and "Fabulous Flying Scotsman") there is also the more political "Hornby Horrors" that deals with some of the model companies less savoury business practices which is well presented in both the CD booklet and the songs lyrics. 

"The Inspirational Transformation Of An Unwanted Derelict Industrial Diesel Locomotive Into A Key Display Exhibit" with it's changing time signature wins the award for best name for a song on the album and also contains a spoken word passage over a beat similar to the Talking Heads "Psycho Killer" in which Peter tells of the restoration of said locomotive (if money or the practicalities of garden storage didn't hinder the reality of things!)

When opting on whether to go physical or digital I'd strongly suggest that you consider the CD version as the booklet contains some great insights into the inspiration for each track from Peter which does give you a better understanding and appreciation (especially if you aren't a train aficionado!) 

"Trouble In The Shed" captures the energy and passion of the band as well as showcasing Peter as a lyricist and is a great debut and marks the moment where the band can now steam ahead! (Couldn't resist at least one train pun - sorry!)

OUT NOW - Available from Bandcamp https://indignationmeeting.bandcamp.com/album/trouble-in-the-shed