Y'know for all it's anti-New Romantic talk, a lot of UK '82 era punk was just as peacock-ish in it's fashion-mongering as any member of Duran Duran. Lancashire's One Way System (Gavin Whyte on vocals, David Ross guitar, Gaz Buckley bass & Tom Couch on drums) represent this early eighties punks on postcards era pretty flamboyantly. Whyte's mohawk is perfectly coiffed, Ross looks like a possible member of the Alarm, Couch looks a football hooligan and Buckle (check out that hat!) is pretty New Romantic himself. Fashion aside, One Way System did write some pretty ripping anthems, "Jerusalem" first and foremost amongst them.
Can't say what this song from 1982 is all about but at some point upon their return visit to that Biblical city, "All the water's gonna turn to beer". However, with that simple, punishing chorus powered by a stuttering riff and a relentless rhythm section (plus there's a quintessential punk rock break-it-down section just before they sprint to the finish line) this song is is pure nitro glycerin.
Download Jerusalem 7"
If you like the single, go to the ever-dependable Captain Oi! for more One Way System.
