Stripped down punk from the streets of Lewisham will have you jumping around and smashing the system in no time

My Side Of London flies out the gate – which is something you should expect with punk, I guess. I mean, whoever heard of anything in this genre beginning in a timid fashion? I’m sure someone will be quick to give me an example, but I am fully aware I’m already going off-topic. Let’s get back to it.

I’ve got to say, I really like this one. It’s deliciously catchy and feels perfect for mosh pits. It’s high tempo and simple, with a delightful hook. The video keeps things simple too: it’s grainy and feels lowkey like a ‘90s skate video, which I like. 

Then there’s the song. The beat is fairly slow, which gives Mrley space to bark out his lyrics as he jumps around. Lines like “Southeast that’s the right side of London”, which is apt, given Mrley is 23-year-old Marley Rutherford, a lad from Lewisham. It’s nice to see him rep his part of town with punk pride.

Incidentally, I read that he was a rapper before he got into punk, which makes sense. He’s got a way with words and his lines are concise and punchy; each word sitting nicely in the pocket of the beat. 

What really surprised me is that this is his debut single. It feels accomplished, but in a way that you might not expect: like an artist in his bag who has returned to the sort of music that made his name. Maybe Mrley just skipped the part of a musician’s career where they sell out and have to rediscover their passion and go back to basics. 

Whatever the reason, make no mistake that creating the sort of stripped-down music that is clean, simple and memorable is hard to do, yet Mrley has demonstrated it with his debut in a way that seems raw, natural and authentic. 

I’m keen to hear what he puts out next.