10 Forgotten Punk Albums You Need To Redisover

The British punk explosion birthed some of the most enduring bands the genre has ever known, and 999 can count themselves among them. They’ve literally endured - they still tour and even release new records, even if their music hasn’t enjoyed the longevity of a Pistols, Clash, or Damned.

It’s great music, though, at its best especially forward thinking, making the band stand out from some of the era’s cookie cutter bandwagon acts. Perhaps their best known song is “Emergency”, which builds on a sliding, simple bassline before bursting into a singalong chorus complete with a sweet arpeggio riff and fantastic vocals.

Equally good is the snotty “Pick It Up”, with Nick Cash making the choice to take a smart Alec tone rather than the aggressive snarl so popular at the time. “I’m Alive” is a little less inventive but still an irresistible slice of pop punk complete with a charmingly dashed off solo, and finale “Nobody Knows” sees 999 go out guns blazing in the album’s heaviest rocker.

With their wit, musicianship, and accessible approach, 999 had all the tools to go to the top, if not for the incredibly crowded marketplace of the era.