Neuroot – Obuy and Die!
Classic early 80's Dutch punk... in 2018 they sound nothing like the old days
Neuroot stands as one of the early ’80s Dutch punk bands that truly lived the street fight, helping to define the raw and aggressive sound of their era. Active from 1981 to 1987, they left their mark with several records that have since become classics in the Netherlands’ anarcho-punk scene. Their Macht kaputt was euch kaputt macht demo tape (1983) and Right is Might EP (1986) are essential listening for anyone into gritty, pissed-off, and roughly produced ’80s hardcore punk.
In 2013, original bass player Marcel revived Neuroot, bringing renewed attention to their legacy with vinyl reissues of their seminal recordings. For fans of their anarcho-punk fury, this was fantastic news—a chance to rediscover their raw, hardcore sound from a golden era.
So, imagine my surprise when I found Neuroot’s new LP, Obuy and Die!, in my mailbox. Released in 2018, it marks the band’s first studio album in decades—but it’s a departure from the Neuroot of the ’80s. While their political message and punk ethos remain intact, the sound has shifted significantly. Gone are the raw, fast, and ferocious elements that defined their early work, replaced by a slower, more melodic approach.
Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing inherently bad about a band evolving their sound. It’s hard to recapture the rawness of the ’80s in 2018 without it coming off as forced or nostalgic. But the energy and edge that made Neuroot such a force feel stripped away on Obuy and Die! The production is cleaner, the tempo more restrained, and the overall impact less visceral.
That said, the lyrics are still strong, proving that Neuroot’s political relevance hasn’t waned with age. Their sharp critiques of societal issues show that the old dogs still have plenty to say. But for anyone unfamiliar with the band, this isn’t the record I’d recommend. Instead, dive into Macht Kaputt or Right is Might to experience the uncompromising spirit of Neuroot at their peak.
While Obuy and Die! might appeal to longtime fans curious about their evolution, it’s a reminder that sometimes the past truly was golden. If you’re craving anarcho-punk intensity, stick to their classics.
