“You are not a computer / You are complex and undefined”

If you’re looking for socially conscious lyrics with a quirky pop punk sound, The Spook School are here to deliver just that. The small Scottish band have been spreading the word about fluid gender and sexuality since their start in 2012, which you can read more about here.

The Spook School waste no time in getting their message across with songs like “Burn Masculinity” and “Richard and Judy”. The band argues about defying social standards, but even if social justice isn’t your cup of tea, you definitely won’t be bored. For example, in “I Want To Kiss You”, the band addresses the light-heartedness of queer inclusive teen love through a catchy drum tempo that will have you feeling like you have a summer crush.

Their music is quick with a clever tone that feels like a throwback to older pop punk like Motion City Soundtrack, while also being progressive in their lyrical content. In lines like “We are autonomous and we have desires and I’m so sick of pretending that I am what you are,” the meaning is clear, but is delivered concisely through fast moving guitar riffs of a classic punk track. In “Books Hooks and Movements”, the band combines beachy rhythms with the perfect amount of guitar feedback to create a sound like a Less than Jake record mashed up with 60s garage band rock.

The Spook School prove that making a statement about something you care about doesn’t have to be drawn out and boring. Fighting a fight you believe in has energy, passion and a directive, just like the best party music does.

Buy it, Stream it, or Skip it: Buy it. This album has enough energy to get you to wake up and face the world.