SINGLE REVIEW: Oliver Nolan - Mr Punch / You Scammers
Oliver Nolan has never been one to hold back, and these two tracks from his latest album “What Has Life Taught Us?” prove exactly why his music hits so hard. Whether he’s taking aim at societal deflections or calling out modern-day con artists, there’s an authenticity to his songwriting that makes each track land with real weight. With ‘Mr Punch’ and ‘You Scammers’, he delivers two distinct but equally captivating tracks, blending punk’s raw energy with his signature biting social commentary.
‘Mr Punch’ is pure structured chaos—high-octane, pummelling, and impossible to ignore. Tackling the issue of domestic abuse and the absurdity of people blaming everything but themselves, the track rips through its runtime with gnarly, angular guitars and a furious, eruptive drumbeat. Nolan’s vocals, perfectly rough around the edges, embody punk’s unapologetic spirit, making every line resonate with grit and conviction. The chorus, though, is where it truly shines—melodic yet full of fire, lingering in your head long after the song ends. And just when you think it’s all speed and aggression, the tempo dips, building tension before launching back into its relentless attack. It’s punk at its best: raw, uncompromising, and laced with meaning.
On the flip side, ‘You Scammers’ dials back the intensity without losing any of its sharpness. There’s a laid-back, almost cocky swagger to the verses, carried by a swinging melody and a confident, effortless charm. But beneath the cool delivery lies another cutting critique—this time, Nolan’s taking aim at scammers hiding behind their screens, preying on the unsuspecting. The build into the chorus is fantastic, and when it hits, it’s a full-bodied, singalong moment, blending indie cool with the snarl of alt-rock. Gang vocals elevate the track even further, giving it that anthemic punch that makes it undeniably engaging.
Together, these tracks showcase everything that makes Oliver Nolan stand out. Whether he’s going full-throttle with punk fury or leaning into something more melodic, his music is always sharp, always raw, and always completely his own. He doesn’t just write songs—he makes statements, and ‘Mr Punch’ and ‘You Scammers’ prove once again that he’s got plenty to say.
