"Better The Devil You Know" pushes The Spitfires back to the forefront of the bands who have the bottle to speak about today and the issues that many shy away from. "Blood red skies like a tropical storm..." a simile which is both fitting and very apparent for the current state of play in the world. One thing that's apparent immediately, is the fact that it feels like the lads have never been away, let alone for three years! The track grooves along with those all familiar, yet subtle ska and dub undertones. "Hear the juvenile cries of deadly war..." Sullivan's vocal is clear and direct in its message. NO MORE WAR! The keys and background instrumentals work so well with the all-familiar drums, guitar and bass and the new band sound in seriously fine form. So many bands can churn out a pointless, forgettable three minute waste of your time with no real message, yet The Spitfires grab you, hook you back in and make you chose a side, and let's face it there's only one you should be on!
"We've said never forget before..." a poignant message which rings true to all listening, not many bands can get you seriously thinking whilst digging a tune as much as you'll dig this one... The chorus is huge, The Spits have you in the palm of their hands and singing in a terrace fashion, arms aloft! "Better The Devil You Know" is a direct, powerful concoction which has you foot-tapping from bar one and looking at the dire state of the world around you from bar two. Sullivan is again at the front of the queue where his and the band's morals are concerned and is speaking out about the situation in Gaza in a climate where many are far too scared to! The track is a return to what we've always loved about The Spitfires yet feels again like a new dawn. It's yet another progression in sound from 2022's "Play For Today" and lines the ear drums up for what is to come. The world is certainly a better place for all concerned when The Spitfires are in it. I for one can't wait for what lies ahead! There's still some 7" available here!