On April 30, 2025, Launch Control unleashed their explosive new single, “Pax Britannica,” sending a sharp, angry message to the heart of British colonialism. The track is the second single from their upcoming album The Omnipotent Wage, following the equally provocative “Hedge Fundamentalism.” “Pax Britannica” continues the band’s streak of producing fast, raw, and politically charged punk rock, this time aimed squarely at the outdated attitudes that still permeate Britain’s identity.
For those unfamiliar with Launch Control, this three-piece socio-political punk band hails from Reading, UK, and they have never shied away from tackling difficult subjects. With “Pax Britannica,” they take their social commentary up a notch, blending ferocious guitar riffs with blistering vocals to create a sound that is both urgent and captivating. The track is a full-throttle punk anthem, one that urges listeners to reflect on the country’s troubling legacy of colonialism, a force that still impacts modern Britain’s psyche and policies. With the biting question, “Are we here to teach R. E. or divide your country?”, Launch Control challenges the narratives often glossed over in discussions about Britain’s imperial history.
The single doesn’t just make an intellectual statement—it’s an auditory punch to the gut. From the first crashing chords, the pace of the song never lets up, driving forward with relentless energy and passion. The lyrics, written by frontman Lee Switzer-Woolf, are both cutting and cathartic, confronting uncomfortable truths with the kind of bluntness that punk is known for. There’s no room for sugarcoating in the world of Launch Control, and “Pax Britannica” delivers a stark, unapologetic critique of Britain’s colonial past while demanding that its present-day impact be acknowledged.
If “Pax Britannica” is your first encounter with Launch Control, you’ll immediately notice the band’s sharp focus on delivering catchy yet complex punk. The energetic drumming, which is as fierce as it is intricate, propels the song forward, and the catchy riffs get stuck in your head long after the track has finished. What makes the song even more engaging is its potent vocal delivery—Switzer-Woolf’s voice cuts through the instrumentation like a blade, filled with passion and urgency. It’s this combination of musical skill and raw emotion that has made Launch Control such a unique force in the punk scene.
For fans of the band, “Pax Britannica” is a natural progression from their previous work, notably their 3rd EP Mayday, which tackled the fallout of the Brexit vote. While Mayday focused on the aftermath of a divided Britain, “Pax Britannica” turns its attention to the historical forces that continue to divide the nation in more insidious ways. It’s an important shift in the band’s musical and lyrical direction, one that deepens the political themes they’ve been exploring since the beginning of their career.
The track was recorded, mixed, and produced by Alex J Steer, a name familiar to fans of fast-paced punk rock, with mastering by Dave Chang, known for his work with bands like 4ft Fingers and Capdown. Their combined expertise ensures that the track sounds as tight and powerful as the message it carries. Launch Control has created a song that’s not just for punk purists, but for anyone who believes in using music as a platform for change.
As “Pax Britannica” makes its debut on April 30, 2025, Launch Control’s fans are in for a sonic experience that is both blistering and thought-provoking. This single isn’t just a call to mosh—it’s a call to action, urging listeners to examine the colonial echoes that still shape the modern world. The forthcoming album The Omnipotent Wage is shaping up to be a politically charged and anthemic release, and with tracks like “Pax Britannica,” Launch Control continues to prove that punk isn’t dead—it’s as vital and as necessary as ever.
Fans of fast, energetic punk with socially conscious lyrics will undoubtedly find themselves drawn to “Pax Britannica“—and as the countdown continues to The Omnipotent Wage, it’s clear that Launch Control is only getting started in their mission to confront societal injustices head-on. If you’re ready for a punk track that makes you think as much as it makes you move, “Pax Britannica” is your anthem.
