UK punk outfit Rifle releases their debut EP ‘Under Two Flags’ today via a new hardcore imprint, Standard Process, in association with One Little Independent Records.

Originally meeting while working for a retailer in Camden, Rifle bonded on a shared love for Bad Breeding, Chubby and the Gang and The Chisel, all of which they would go on to support, as well as racking up slots with the likes of High Vis, Crocodiles, DITZ, Raw Brigade and more. They gained quick notoriety on the local circuit before releasing their 2022 ‘Holloway Demos’.

Their immediate live sound captures the biting relevance of 70s UK punk and raw ferocity of 80s US hardcore, with a healthy dose of inspiration coming from the anarcho-punk scene of the time. Their shows often feature a cover of anarcho originators and OLI founders Flux Of Pink Indians.

“We often find ourselves looking towards Anarcho and Oi as sub-genres”

It’s fantastic to have you just before the release date of your upcoming debut EP, ‘Under Two Flags’. How much time and effort went into it?

Max: A lot of time and effort went into recording the EP – we had attempted to record it a few times before, but wasn’t so sure that the songs were fully there or that we’d really found the sound we were looking for. Third time lucky!

Where was the album recorded? Would love it if you could talk about the recording process. Was there something specific you wanted to do sound-wise?

Max: The EP was recorded at the legendary Fuzzbrain Studios, which is run by Ben Spence. Jonah Falco mixed it with Ben engineering on it. We wanted the EP to have a sort of lo-fi kick to it. When we spoke to Jonah about the sound we wanted, he assured us “Don’t worry – I’m going to kick it down the stairs and make it sound like shit.”

Ross: Jonah gave us some reference points that were very much in line with what we were after, bands like Teenegenerate for example, which he then definitely delivered on. We also wanted to try and recapture the sound of our demo, which just involved laying down some mics in our practice space.

What is the main source of inspiration when it comes to your songwriting?

Max: I think the main inspiration is probably the fact that we all had very similar upbringings. Although we grew up in different places geographically, we all had the same interests, had the same Friday nights and got up to the same sort of mischief.

Ross: Like what Max said I think our experiences and sensibilities are very similar and that translates into what inspires us with songwriting. Bands and artists that deliver their sound and message in a clear yet brash manner is something that definitely resonates. So we often find ourselves looking towards Anarcho and Oi as sub-genres as they tick a lot of boxes for us, both ideologically and aesthetically.

Would you share your insight into the tracks?

‘Under Two Flags’ – This song explores the idea of having to pinpoint your nationality, as most of the band come from a mixed British/Irish nationality and the duality of straddling two cultural identities.

‘Disorderly’ – ‘Disorderly’ confronts generational trauma. The chorus, ‘No Longer Free, No Longer Fun,’ is about the emotional weight and impact this trauma has on individuals and families. It’s an attempt highlighting how the weight of past experiences can stop the freedom and joy that should be a necessity in life.

‘Warfare’ – This is about possibly the lowest point in my life, when having no job prospects and having to turn to work on a building site 6/7 days a week – The demanding aspects of working in construction with no prospects on the horizon – every day your body taking a battering, both mentally and physically, whilst being on a menial wage.

‘Marked Man’ – Being from Harlow – people having your “Cards Marked” as soon as they find out where you’re from – “It’s a Dive but it’s Mine” referring to the sense of pride in one’s hometown, even if it’s not traditionally considered a “nice” place. It also touches on the prejudiced ideologies that people have of working class new towns. The fact people “knew I’d be from Essex” as soon as they heard my estuary tone of voice.

’44’ – On a somewhat lighter note, but still on the humdrum topic of never feeling good enough – 44 is about the late comedian Tony Hancock. After listening to possibly every episode of ‘Hancock’s half hour’ – I decided to join the Tony Hancock appreciation society and become somewhat infatuated with the ‘legend’ status surrounding one of Britain’s funniest minds – who suffered with severe bouts of depression, which ultimately resulted in him takin his own life, at the age of 44 leaving the note “Things just seemed to go too wrong too many times”. Which is paraphrased in the song

<a href="https://rifleldn.bandcamp.com/album/under-two-flags">Under Two Flags by Rifle</a>

We would love it if you could tell us a bit more about your background. What was growing up for you like and when did it first hit you that you want to become a musician?

Max: I grew up in Harlow, Essex which is New Town just outside of London – it’s a lovely place if you close your eyes. I don’t think I ever had a lightbulb moment of wanting to be a musician, I was just always the gobbiest out of all of my mates so I sort of fell into it.

Ross: Me and Flynn, drummer and my twin brother, grew up in Finchley, in the outer reaches of North London, which can often have the feel of a small town despite Central London being so accessible. You could find people round here who have more than likely never ventured south of the river. Luckily that wasn’t for us and I feel we made the most out of growing up in a place with so much to offer.

What led to the formation of Rifle?

Max: Myself, Ross and Cam all worked in a retail shop (which shall remain nameless) together at one point before the majority were ungracefully dismissed from the job. It started off as a bit of a laugh, just to let off some steam after people talking to you like shit day in day out. Our first gig we played for about 6 minutes to about 3 people, so it’s nice that people actually turn up to our shows now – and in return we try to give them more than 6 minutes worth of music.

What are some future plans for you after the EP is out?

Max: World domination… or buying a football club.

Are any of you involved in any other bands or do you have any active side-projects going on at this point?

Max: Flynn is in Fur, Cam is in Hotel Lux, Alb is in Average Life Complaints and Ross is in The Priories. So we’re always busy in one sense or another.

Let’s end this interview with some of your favourite albums. Have you found something new lately you would like to recommend to our readers?

Ross: The Catburgers – ‘Dreamworld’ sessions 7” from last year has been on a heavy rotation for me recently. The new Spirito Di Lupo LP is also excellent.

Max: We all love the latest Puffer EP – also shameless plug but The Priories have a Demo out which is on Peacetime Recordings run by our very own Ross Whelan.

Klemen Breznikar

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