After a tough few years, Rum Lad has decided to bow out, a big loss for punk, as few have made such a genuine impact. Where others claim working-class hardship, Rum Lad lives it, offering authenticity not seen since the much missed Angelic Upstarts frontman Mensi. Despite this being his final release, I Am Him. He Is Me earns my pick for Album of 2024. It’s his strongest work yet, carefully curated from a wealth of demo tracks that showcase the depth of his talent. Up first is “Lies“, a searing critique of government gaslighting, exposing their blatant lies while remaining oblivious to how aware people have become. This is, in my opinion, the best punk track I’ve heard in decades, possibly since 1976. Next, “Pigs in Royal Clothing” is another standout tr...