Cabbage

Cabbage: A Fresh Sound in Punk Rock
When it comes to punk rock, few bands today capture the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the genre like Cabbage. This British band has gained a following for their raucous live performances and candid lyrics, which tackle everything from politics to social commentary. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Cabbage's musical biography, explore their best songs, and examine their unique take on punk rock. Additionally, we'll touch on a few of their most famous concerts and read a critique of their sound.
Cabbage formed in Manchester, England, in 2015, and the band's early years were marked by a relentless touring schedule and a DIY ethos that hearkened back to punk rock's origins in the 70s. The band's members, which include vocalist Lee Broadbent, guitarist Eoghan Clifford, and bassist Stephen Evans, have cited bands like The Fall and The Buzzcocks as influences, and their music reflects a commitment to classic punk rock sounds blended with a contemporary edge. Their debut EP, Le Chou, was released in 2016, followed by two more EPs, The Extended Play of Cruelty and Necroflat in the Palace, in the following years. These releases helped establish the band's reputation as a force to be reckoned with in punk rock circles.
One of Cabbage's defining qualities is their ability to combine sharp lyrics with infectious hooks. On tracks like Terrorist Synthesizer and Preach to the Converted, the band takes on social issues with a blend of wit and grit. Elsewhere, songs like Dinner Lady and Kevin explore more personal themes, and showcase Cabbage's ability to craft memorable melodies. In terms of overall sound, Cabbage delivers high-energy performances that often verge on chaos, but never lose sight of their punk rock roots.
In terms of live shows, Cabbage has built a devoted following thanks to their high-octane performances and onstage antics. Notable concerts include a show at Manchester's Albert Hall in 2019, which was hailed as a triumphant hometown performance. Additionally, the band has made appearances at several major festivals, including Latitude, Glastonbury, and Reading and Leeds. Their live shows often feature audience participation (such as bringing fans up on stage to perform with them) and a relentless energy that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
Critics have been mostly positive in their assessments of Cabbage's sound, with many praising the band's blend of classic and modern punk rock sounds. In a review of a live show, The Guardian noted that Cabbage’s stage presence mirrored their sound: frenetic and irreverent, yet imbued with a political consciousness that kept the gig from feeling like pure hedonism. Similarly, NME praised the band's frank lyrics and charismatic performances, stating that they're one of the few bands in 2018 that can actually unite an audience behind a cause.
Cabbage is a band that is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in punk rock. With their candid lyrics, high-energy performances, and unique blend of classic and contemporary sounds, Cabbage is a band that is worth paying attention to. If you're a fan of punk rock, or just looking for something fresh and exciting, give them a listen.