Inspired by the story of the legendary Hard-Ons – a trio of punks who are Sri Lankan, Korean and Croatian growing up in the challenging climes of western Sydney in the eighties, the news single from Ben Leece and Left of the Dial is a moving, intelligent observation of the redemptive power of music to change people for the good.
According to Leece:
The song came about after a conversation with (Hard-Ons bassist) Ray Ahn. We got to talking about the backlash the Hard-Ons copped after the announcement of their 2019 tour with Rose Tattoo. Angry Anderson had been in the headlines over some outspoken opinions on immigration and spectators were confused as to why a band comprised of immigrant heritage would partner with Angry’s. Ray’s response was, Why wouldn’t we? They’re a great f**kin band. He then went on to tell the story of a Neo-Nazi skinhead that had harassed him in the 80s that became a fan of the Hard-Ons, turned his life around and credited Ray and the band as the catalyst.
It’s a heart warming tale of tolerance and understanding – an antidote to cancel culture in way – that also makes a reference to the famous lines from Public Enemy’s ‘Fight The Power’ Elvis was a hero to most, but he never meant shit to me. The lyrics are raw and visceral:
Diversity caught you coming up from a dream
It’s all the rage until folks vote differently
And cancelling if it don’t come from love don’t sing
What good are lessons if we don’t learn a thing
Leece and his band evince a low-fi buzz in this track that recalls elements of Dinosaur Jnr and The Lemonheads – a louche, laid back earnest delivery that is warm and powerful:
Out through Stanley Records, ‘Swastika Kids’ is available now via all the usual download and streaming sites.
You can catch the band on tour in July:
July 14 – Live at The Polo, Canberra (solo w/ William Crighton) July 15 – The Cordial Factory, Grenfell (solo w/ William Crighton)
July 19 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle (*full band w/ William Crighton)
Feature Photograph: Renae Saxby
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