Round Eye’s ‘Culture Shock Treatment’ is a scathing dose of unapologetic political punk
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26.06.2020

Round Eye’s ‘Culture Shock Treatment’ is a scathing dose of unapologetic political punk

Shanghai-based punks Round Eye return with their third LP, Culture Shock Treatment. 

I don’t give a shit if I fit politically/Just wanna scream my fucked soliloquy” shriek Round Eye in the opening moments of their latest album, Culture Shock Treatment. It’s pretty fitting, seeing that the entire record is a scorching criticism of the oppressive government which helms the country they call home.

A protest record through and through, the tracklist is littered with titles like ‘Magaman’ and ‘Catatonic (I’m Not A Communist)’, leaving nothing off-limits as they take fire at China’s Communist Party.

Sonically, Culture Shock Treatment is just as gutsy, taking an all or nothing approach. The onslaught of cacophonous, fast-paced punk offers little reprieve and shows no mercy, but that’s not to say it’s devoid of melody or musicality.

Rather, Round Eye seamlessly incorporate unconventional elements like smoking sax and clamouring keys into their punk fold, ensuring the blistering fury of their words is backed by equally forceful, ear-blasting instrumentation.

Co-engineered by Mike Watt (Minutemen, Dos, Firehose) and mixed by Bill Stevenson (Descendents), it’s no wonder Culture Shock Treatment boasts such a raucous, old-school punk sound. Enough to make you see red, this record will have you ready to riot just seconds into its epic 15-track sonic safari.

Culture Shock Treatment is out on July 3. Pre-order the album here.

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