UK pop punkers Beat Union previously released Disconnected at the beginning of the summer, unknown to me.  The band first grabbed my attention when I caught their live set at the Vans Warped Tour 2008 and much to my surprise, they are a first-class act.  Their take on punk rock mixed with elements of new wave really was fun to listen to, not to mention their stage presence was outstanding.  Disconnected is the band’s debut CD and was released under Science Records.

CD opener “Disconnected” started with a very catchy style that easily could be the next hit song to hit the airwaves.  The song reminded me of what the Proclaimers or XTC might sound like if they were punkers.  “Pressure Zone” followed with typical lyrics, a great bass line, and added horns making for a great listen.The very Elvis Costello like “My Heart Starts Beating” was likable and seemed to focus on the pop and strayed from the punk.  “Dancing In Our Sleep” seemed to follow the same trend but suddenly erupted with a nice little “whoa” sing-a-long ending. 

“Stay On The Line” has lyrics along with great guitar sounds that potentially may get stuck in your head as it stands out as the most likable track on the CD for me.  It’s just one of those songs you start thinking about later after listening to it and suddenly the chorus is repeating in your mind.  “She Is The Bullet” followed and with a monotonous beginning to the song thankfully erupted with energy.

“Can’t Stop The Radio” was my personal favorite track on the album.  It was very suggestive of UK punk and new wave artists from the past and just sounded excellent all the way though.  “Don’t Have Love” was another track I got a kick out of.  There is even a secret dub-style remix of “Can’t Stop The Radio” that in my opinion blew away all of the other tracks.  I almost wish the entire CD was dub inspired, regardless though, it was a good listen from beginning to end.

For a debut release, it sounds like these guys have been recording albums for years.  Perhaps the solid sounds were tweaked out by producer/front man of Goldfinger, John Feldmann.  Regardless, Beat Union has won me over as a fan seeing them live and also thanks to Disconnected.

I am really happy the band decided to travel overseas and introduce themselves to the US by playing here over the summer or I might have overlooked them.  I am even more excited to hear they are going to be touring with Flogging Molly later this year which means a longer live set.This band has plenty of potential and seems to have ignored those who think they are just a fashioned mainstream band that will soon disappear.  Even if they do replicate the English Beat or the Clash in a sense, the band has a great upbeat sound and I am really looking seeing more of them very soon.