Street Meat’s “Street Meat”: A Raw, Unfiltered Punch to the Gut
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—this album isn’t for the faint of heart. Released back in 2012 by a Canadian band that doesn’t give a damn about fitting into neat little boxes, Street Meat is exactly what it sounds like: messy, gritty, and unapologetically real. This ain’t your polished stadium rock; it’s Alternative Rock with a side of Soft Rock swagger, served cold on a dirty plate. And honestly? That’s why it slaps.
The record kicks off with some serious attitude, but two tracks really stuck in my head like gum under a bar stool: “Blame A Smoker” and “La Rage Au Bec.”
First up, “Blame A Smoker.” Holy crap, this song hits hard. It’s got this raw energy that feels like someone just punched you in the chest—but in a good way, ya know? The vocals are raspy as hell, like the singer gargled gravel before stepping into the booth. The lyrics are sharp too, dripping with sarcasm and dark humor. You can practically smell the cigarette smoke wafting through the speakers. If you’ve ever been pissed off at the world (and who hasn’t?), this track will light a fire under your ass. It’s catchy as hell, but not in that sugary pop way—it grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.
Then there’s “La Rage Au Bec,” which flips the script entirely. This one’s darker, angrier, and packed with emotion. The French title gives it an edge right off the bat, and when the music kicks in, it’s all brooding riffs and pounding drums. There’s something primal about it, like they’re channeling pure frustration into every note. By the time the chorus hits, you’re ready to smash something—or maybe just scream along until your voice cracks. It’s the kind of song that sticks with you long after the last chord fades, haunting your brain like a bad breakup.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going, from the eerie vibes of “Ghost Cull” to the chaotic energy of “Burn The Oil.” Even the quieter moments, like “Intermission Rag,” have this weird charm that pulls you in. Credit where it’s due: ALy Neumann did a killer job mastering and mixing most of these tracks, while Andrée Anne Mercier’s artwork perfectly matches the vibe—grungy, bold, and impossible to ignore.
Here’s the kicker though—what makes Street Meat stand out isn’t just the music. It’s the sheer audacity of it all. These guys didn’t sign to some big label or chase trends. Nope, they went full DIY, releasing this beast independently under “Not On Label.” That takes guts, man. And yeah, sure, the production might not be flawless, but that’s kinda the point. This album feels alive, like it could explode at any moment.
So, would I recommend Street Meat? Hell yes—but only if you’re ready for a wild ride. This isn’t background music for sipping lattes; it’s fuel for late-night drives, heated arguments, and breaking free from whatever cage life’s got you trapped in.
Final thought? Listening to this album made me realize something: sometimes, perfection is overrated. Sometimes, you just need a bunch of Canadians screaming their lungs out about smoking bans and existential dread. Oh, and fun fact—they named themselves after questionable street food. How metal is that?
