It seems apocalyptically apt that fire and flood should accompany a plague. One of the few positives from the pandemic has been a plethora of long-distance and often unexpected collaborations. Tom Morello had already explored the format with 2018’s The Atlas Underground, but lockdown provided the time and inspiration for a whole new slew of artistic alliances. The Atlas Underground Fire only emerged in October, and now it’s joined by sister album The Atlas Underground Flood. Tom has said he sees the Fire and Flood albums combined as his London Calling, what he calls The Clash’s apex moment. In truth it’s more like the punk icons’ triple-album follow-up Sandinista! – sprawling and inconsistent but frequently fascinating and studded with moments of genius. So Hard Times ...