On their 13th studio album, the incendiary duo Sleaford Mods continue to channel the bafflement and fury of modern Britain, but with a newfound depth that promises to widen their audience. 'The Demise of Planet X' marks another chapter in the journey of Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn, who have evolved from DIY agitators to chart-topping commentators.
A Familiar Fury with Newfound Depth
The pair's signature style—a gut-punch blend of bleak social observation and absurdist humour—remains firmly intact. Williamson resumes his role as the potty-mouthed bystander, raging against everything from the vacuity of digital life to the rise of Trump's America and even lazy dog walkers. His lyrics, as visceral as ever, paint a picture of a world still reeling from financial crashes, austerity, and political division.
However, a key development on this record is a welcome vulnerability from Williamson. This is most powerfully displayed on the harrowing track 'Gina Was', which details a traumatic childhood incident. This glimpse behind the artist's typically grumpy facade adds a compelling layer of humanity to their work.
Musical Evolution and Unexpected Collaborations
While Williamson explores new emotional territory, Andrew Fearn is subtly but significantly expanding the duo's sonic palette. Moving beyond their foundational electro-punk sound, Fearn's production now incorporates classical strings on 'Double Diamond'. The most striking evolution comes through a broader range of collaborators.
The album's standout track, 'The Good Life', is a testament to this new approach. It features a furious rap from Game of Thrones actor Gwendoline Christie alongside the David Bowie-esque crooning of Big Special's vocalist, all anchored by Williamson's distinctive delivery. The result is one of the most hauntingly catchy pieces in their catalogue.
The Human Behind the Grump
Perhaps the album's most unexpectedly charming moment arrives on 'No Touch', a duet with former Life Without Buildings singer Sue Tompkins. The track plays out like a scene from a comically bickering soap opera, with Tompkins gently teasing the human being behind Williamson's defensive shell. Her repeated insistence—"You're not miserable, you're nice"—as he unconvincingly protests, "I'm not", offers a poignant and humorous counterpoint to their established persona.
Released on Rough Trade Records, 'The Demise of Planet X' proves that Sleaford Mods are far from a one-note act. By embracing vulnerability and musical versatility, they have crafted an album that retains their core, potty-mouthed appeal while gently, and effectively, broadening their horizons. It is the sound of a vital British act refusing to stand still.
