In December 2019, Benefits released their “Marlboro Hundreds” single. The UK act sourced all the fury and urgency of punk, wrapping it into a devastating noise facade and powerviolence demeanor. A prime example of weaponized music, and while through the years Benefits have morphed, their poignant messaging remains. Now, their debut record, Nails, sees them revisit some of their early single works, alongside a few new ones, and re-interpreting those through a further disfiguring lens.
The ominous setting comes up, in an almost karmic sense, with the re-interpretation of “Marlboro Hundreds.” In place of the noise and brutality, there is a harrowing drone that makes the introductions. It showcases how, while the punk foundation remains, Benefits have taken on more abstract representations. The industrial backbone is prominent, while at the same time, the drone and noise aspects rise triumphantly. It is a perfect metaphor for the verbal messages to “Question everything,” on one hand exploding with punk fervor, but on the other depicting this obscure dystopia. The power electronics continue to reign supreme, through the depictions of social media obsessions and brainwashing that Benefits highlight in “Empire.” Roaring feedback and unearthly noise make the experience feel ecstatic, in its cataclysmic form. It is a decadent situation, further highlighted through the distorted rock instrumentations of “Meat Teeth.”
Still, punk flows through the foundations of Nails, in different forms and flavors. The opening track sees these explosions bring in more urgency and release the ever-building tension. Turning back the clock, “Warhorse” sees a D-beat approach, a very different groove that provides progression and movement. The addition of synthesizers here is brilliant, creating a contrast with the darker aesthetics, and it is a similar approach that Benefits undertake in “Flag.” Still, their most inhuman face appears when a free-flowing, verging on improvisational aspect comes through. “Marlboro Hundreds” makes such statements, but it is the likes of “What More Do You Want” that harness the power of this formless rendition. It becomes one of the angriest and most menacing moments of this record, and that alone is quite impressive.
Yet, Benefits still travel to further territories. That has been true from their earlier days, and remains the case with Nails. “Shit Britain” sees them move into hip-hop territory, the laid-back beat and understated progression creating a contrast with the earlier offerings. The lyrics remain as dark and depressive as before, as the mantras of “You’re a pawn just like me, you’re a mess just like, you’re a shit just like me” continue to dig deep. In a similar, understated approach they conclude the track through the formless “Council Rust” with its tour de force spoken word narration, which shines a light on the power of societal sedation.
Nails is a rude awakening to the state of reality. Benefits hone all the potency and in-your-face attitude of punk, all the angst and despair of post-punk alongside the harrowing aspects of noise, drone, and industrial music. The result is not only daunting, but it is a terrifying reflection of today’s world.
