That Petrol Emotion ‎– Babble VG+/VG

Babble, the second album by That Petrol Emotion, released in 1987, is a fierce, politically charged post-punk statement that fuses sonic abrasion with melodic sophistication. Produced by Roli Mosimann, the record builds on the band’s debut (Manic Pop Thrill) but pushes further into eclectic territory—melding jagged guitar riffs, funk-inflected rhythms, and a defiant lyrical stance that reflects the band’s Northern Irish roots and their resistance to political repression.

The album’s liner notes include an essay on the Prevention of Terrorism Acts, signaling its overt engagement with the sociopolitical climate of the time. But Babble isn’t didactic—it’s danceable, volatile, and emotionally raw. Tracks like “Big Decision” and “Swamp” are propelled by Steve Mack’s impassioned vocals and the O’Neill brothers’ wiry guitar work, creating a sound that’s both confrontational and infectious.

Critics praised its balance of intensity and tunefulness. The New York Times described the guitar riffs as “like corkscrews, like barbed wire, like punching bags and like trampolines,” while The Washington Post called it “a fierce yet tuneful postpunk landmark”. There’s a sense throughout that the band is channeling personal and political urgency into a sonic landscape that refuses to be pinned down—equal parts punk, funk, and indie rock.