Mclusky the world is still here and so are we

Critic's Take

Mclusky return with the world is still here and so are we and the best tracks show why their venom still stings: “the unpopular parts of a pig” kicks the door in with stop-start riffs and nasal rhyming, “cops and coppers” beefs up the low end, and “hate the polis” channels Pixies-tinged grotesque pop. The reviewer savours Falkous' scorn and the album's sardonic punchlines, praising how the band still turns a phrase even as the youthful gasoline has thinned. It is a return that holds its own - not quite the incendiary glory days, but plenty of ferocious, cleverly crafted rock to recommend the best songs on the record.

Key Points

• “the unpopular parts of a pig” is best because it restores Mclusky’s ferocious stop-start riffs and nasal rhyming.
• The album’s core strengths are its sardonic punchlines, fuller scuzzier sound, and retained acerbic wit despite less youthful gasoline.

Themes

Critic's Take

Mclusky’s reunion record, the world is still here and so are we, reads like a relish of rancid joys and political bile, with the best tracks clattering through in short, violent bursts. The reviewer singles out “juan party-system” as a face-melting blip and praises “the digger you deep” for its razor-edge guitar hammering, while “people person” lands as a slow-chugging callout that sharpened the album’s political teeth. There is a brilliant vulgarity throughout, a dirtbag attitude that never softens, which makes the best songs on the album hit harder because they sound like Mclusky being themselves, unrepentant and direct. This is not a nostalgia cash grab - it is a demolition-derby return that reminds listeners why these particular tracks remain vital.

Key Points

• “juan party-system” is the best track because it "melts faces in under a minute," showcasing the band’s undiminished ferocity.
• The album’s core strengths are abrasive punk energy, biting political critique, and preserved vulgar charm that feels purposeful rather than nostalgic.

Themes

Critic's Take

Andy Falkous has returned with Mclusky and on the world is still here and so are we he reminds you why you cared - riotous energy meets pared-back noise rock. The best tracks, like “Unpopular Parts of a Pig” and “Way of the Exploding Dickhead”, showcase that guttural punch and an incredible riff that feels both immediate and familiar. There is less of the shocking toxicity of the early records, but songs such as “Kafka-esque novelist Franz Kafka” and “People Person” prove Falkous still crafts sharp, snarling rock. Ultimately this is a likeable, wholly solid comeback that leans into minimalism while delivering the standout tracks fans will call the best songs on the album.

Key Points

• The best song is driven by riotous energy and an unforgettable riff, making it the album’s standout.
• The album’s core strengths are punchy noise-rock songwriting, pared-back minimalism, and nostalgic yet competent execution.

Themes

Critic's Take

Mclusky sound jubilantly ferocious on the world is still here and so are we, a 20-year-return that revels in abrasive humour and blunt thrills. Falco’s sneers make tracks like “Chekhov's Guns” and “Way of the Exploding Dickhead” into immediate crowd-pleasers, while the unexpectedly euphoric “Hate The Polis” and surreal “The Competent Horse Thief” show melodic savvy beneath the noise. The album never dilutes its punch - short, sharp songs that prioritise impact over indulgence make it clear why fans are celebrating the best tracks on the record. In short, this is a successful comeback that delivers the best songs on the world is still here and so are we with filthy guitars, ferocious vocals and proper filthy fun.

Key Points

• Hate The Polis stands out for its euphoric alt-rock lift and being the album's longest, most self-indulgent moment.
• The album's core strengths are concise, furious songwriting, absurdist humour, and raw, immediate instrumentation.

Themes

Critic's Take

The long-awaited return from Mclusky feels less like a comeback and more like a reawakening - on the world is still here and so are we the best tracks, notably “unpopular parts of a pig” and “the digger you deep”, showcase blistering guitars and snarling vocals that reassert the band’s place rather than trade in nostalgia. Matt Young’s voice delights in the album’s bristling, brick-to-the-face immediacy, praising songs such as “juan party-system” for bouncing off the walls while calling out the sardonic lyricism across the record. The result reads as vital: messy, lean, sharp, and relentless - the best songs on this album feel like pub fights with God and proof that mclusky still have a ferocious, joyous sting.

Key Points

• The opener “unpopular parts of a pig” is best because it immediately delivers blistering guitars, snarling vocals, and the album’s tightrope tension.
• The album’s core strengths are its bristling noise-punk energy, sardonic lyrics, and a playful yet ferocious sense of joy that avoids nostalgia.

Themes

Critic's Take

Mclusky sound like a band back in rude health on the world is still here and so are we, and the best tracks - notably “unpopular parts of a pig” - kick the door in with raucous verve. The opener is lyrically astute and unmistakably Welsh in Andrew Falkous’ delivery, setting the stall marvellously for the record. For anyone searching for the best songs on the world is still here and so are we, start with “unpopular parts of a pig” as the most immediate exemplar of their post-hardcore bite. The album repeatedly reconnects with the band’s earlier glow while sounding decisively alive and weird in all the right ways.

Key Points

• The opener “unpopular parts of a pig” is the best song because it instantly re-establishes the band’s raucous, lyrically sharp identity.
• The album’s core strengths are its nostalgic return to post-hardcore energy, sharply observant lyrics, and the unmistakable character of Andrew Falkous’ vocals.

Themes

Critic's Take

There is a giddy, affectionate relish to Mclusky's return on the world is still here and so are we, and the best songs - notably “way of the exploding dickhead” and “chekhov's guns” - repeatedly prove why. Cookson revels in the band's old tricks, from the sudden implosions of riffing on “unpopular parts of a pig” to the sleaze-blues lead of “the digger you deep”, arguing that these tracks both honour the past and show clear growth. The review balances nostalgia and appraisal, highlighting how playful, scathing lyrics and newfound inventiveness make the best tracks feel both familiar and startlingly alive.

Key Points

• ‘Way of the exploding dickhead’ is the best track because it is called an anthemic moment and showcases Falco's caustic social critique.
• The album's core strengths are playful, scathing lyrics and inventive songwriting that both honour Mclusky's past and show growth.

Themes

Critic's Take

Mclusky sound impossibly invigorated on the world is still here and so are we, a record that makes a case for the best songs on the album like “Unpopular Parts of a Pig” and “Cops and Coppers” by pairing cartoonish vocals with explosive crescendos. The reviewer leans into the band’s veteran presence, praising the songwriting as the engine that elevates tracks such as “People Person” and “Not All Steeplejacks” into memorable moments. This is punk that feels fresh instead of nostalgic, and the best tracks hit with urgent messaging and inventive shifts that keep the listener engaged. The album’s variety and lyrical sharpness make the best songs on the world is still here and so are we stand out as both brutal and thoughtful.

Key Points

• The best song is the opening “Unpopular Parts of a Pig” because it sets the album's animated blueprint with explosive crescendos and dynamic vocals.
• The album’s core strengths are its sharp songwriting, sonic variety, and ability to feel fresh rather than merely nostalgic.

Themes