After a while of hiding in my remote arctic cave and letting poor Audio Ed do the heavy lifting around here, I'm back to earn my keep at the Audio Ammunition Underwater Stronghold. Hopefully Ed won't make me pay for my insubordinate behavior by cleaning the latrine with a toothbrush again. Stay tight though, we'll be back very soon with more delectables! - J Castro
ANMLS
– S/T LP (Slovenly Recordings/Algo)
These guys are from Santiago, Chile
and they throw down a hard, fast and mean style of punk rock. The kind where you can actually feel the
power radiating from the speakers and hitting your gut. Listening to this record gives you the same
kind of feeling you get when watching a street brawl and one of the guys picks
up a broken bottle. The songs are sung
entirely in Spanish and the production is slightly distorted but it gives the
record an edge. If you’re looking for adrenaline
inducing punk but are getting tired of your old Negative Approach and Cro Mags records,
then seek out ANMLS. - JC
Anxieties
– Buried Alive CD (Lab Rat
Industries)
This band had been around for ten
plus years cranking out the perfect blend of The Damned, The Dickies and the
Dead Kennedys style of punk rock. Yes, they’re that good.They also radiate a similar vibe to fellow
Pacific North Westerners the Briefs. Their newest release Buried Alive is actually 4 new tracks with a whole grip of
remastered older tracks from previous, long out of print EP’s.The only way this CD would be better is if it
came wrapped in a skinny tie! - JC
Denim
and Leather – Sacred Autism LP
(Drunken Sailor)
This is some heavy stuff! Denim and Leather found in their brains the
prefect mix of 80's DC Hardcore levels of ferocity with the heaviness of bands like
Jesus Lizard and Scratch Acid. But then
they go and sound like Nick Cave on the tune “Ancient Cowboy Burial Ground” and
there’s also a Husker Du vibe peppered on some tracks as well. If I had to
compare it to anything going on right now, I’d say it’s in the same room with bands like Ceremony and TV Freaks. - JC
Fashionism
– Smash Singles LP (Drunken Sailor)
My favorite band has two, count
them TWO new releases. Absolutely Glorious! As the title suggests this is a
compilation of the band’s stellar singles. If you’ve been cruelly depriving
your ear drums of the sweet sounds of Vancouver’s Fashionism, then let me
attempt to describe what you’ve been missing.
Think The Gift era Jam mod pop mixed
with the raw melodic punk sounds of bands like the Boys, Generation X and
Teenage Head. Yes that’s what you’ve
been missing. Now go cry and clench your fists in regret. But redemption is
still at hand and it lies in the purchase of this record. - JC
Fashionism
– Come On My Baby 7” (Drunken Sailor/Neon
Taste)
Another striking single from
Fashionism. The A-Side and title track
explodes with The Clash’s “White Riot” levels of energy and never lets up. “Come
On My Baby” has more of a pop sensibility to it though. The B-Side, is called “Baby She’s Gone” and
it’s a slower, crying in my beer style song that sounds like it could have been
an early Elvis Costello penned tune. I
can’t quite put into words how much this band inspires me. They’re the kind of band that makes you want
to get up and start your own group. – JC
F.U.K.
– Detroit 1977 7” (Hozac)
This is another fine addition to
the Hozac’s wonderful archival series.
The name of the record pretty much says it all. F.U.K. (Fucked Up Kids) apparently played one
show on Halloween night, 1977 in Ann Arbor MI and only recorded these two
songs! The band also features a couple of guys that went and formed some band
called Mission of Burma, perhaps you’ve heard of them? The A-side is a scrappy smoker of a 77 punk
tune, B-Side sounds a little more early New Wave like The Now. – JC
Freak
Genes – Qwak Qwak LP (Drunken Sailor)
If you remember the stellar Playtime LP that this band released last
year, well not too much has changed thankfully.
But if you don’t, then I’ll have you know that Freak Genes are still
emitting the same Swell Maps meets The Toy Dolls bizarre smart ass style of
irreverent music. Some of the tunes on
here also give me a Sleaford Mods feel too. This LP is a 17 song mammoth with
few clunkers folks. That says something
about this band right there. - JC
ISS
– S/T LP (Drunken Sailor)
This
duo have the dead pan delivery and biting wit of groups like The Fall, Wire and
Gang of Four. Now try to imagine that laid out over droning minimalist beats. The music
is in a haunting post punk production and the vocals are delivered with venom
like only the British know how to do.
But these guys are from North Carolina?! Oh yes, you read that right!
Drunken Sailor calls it “post-punk-garage-sample-lo-fi-snot-core at its
finest”. Very well said, I totally
agree! - JC
Ruby
Karinto S/T LP (Hozac)
Apparently I can now add Hozac
records to that list of labels that churn out unpredictable releases! Ruby Karinto are a four piece band from
Victoria, BC and play synth heavy herky jerky pop tunes. I can easily imagine Mike Myers and Dana
Carvey dancing to this during one of those old Saturday Night Live Sprockets
sketches. This isn’t one of those instantly
likeable records, this is one you have to sit and absorb in order to appreciate
the band’s complexity. – JC
Ogikubo
Station – We Can Pretend Like LP
(Asian Man Records)
This is the duo’s (which includes Mike
Park & Mixtape's Maura Weaver) follow up to last year’s Self-Titled debut
EP which was an all folk endeavor. This
time around they employ a full band on some of the songs. Even though they did
give some of the tunes here the full instrumental treatment they still remain melancholy,
which gives them a Shins/Death Cab for Cutie/Rilo Kiley feel to them now. That may seem like a lazy comparison but the song
writing on this album is definitely on the Ben Gibbard/Jenny Lewis level. This is quite an ambitious and well executed effort and I highly recommend this if you're at all a fan of the above mentioned bands or that style of music. - JC
Sex
Tourists - S/T LP (Drunken Sailor)
WOW! We never quite know what to
expect from Drunken Sailor records, except for the fact that their releases are
usually pretty great. Seeing this record
and the band’s name, my imagination ran all over the place. I grew up on dark 80’s synth pop like New
Order, OMD, Depeche Mode. Pet Shop Boys, Human League, well by now you get the
picture. Australia’s Sex Tourists’
fantastic LP fits in perfectly with all of the above mentioned bands. If you’re a fan of that style, I can’t recommend
this enough! - JC
The
Sueves – R.I.P. Clearance Event LP
(Hozac)
This band is from Chicago and are
now offering, well technically their fourth LP (some of their previous long players
were cassette releases) for you to go home and play really really loudly. Bands like this, the louder you play them the better they sound. The Sueves draw
from a similar river as Drive Like Jehu, Rocket From The Crypt, Hot Snakes, Obits and maybe even some
drops of Nation of Ulysses tossed in.
This is my first time hearing this band and based on this LP, now I’m on
the hunt for their earlier stuff. - JC
Rad Max – Rad
Tracks LP (Self Released)
These guys are from Portland and
classify themselves “Rad Wave”. And why not, after rap/metal country/rap and reggaeton, new musical mishmash genres can't get any worse. The band’s
official description – “a chaotic vision of post-punk tomfoolery, ping-ponging
through a kitschy, apocalyptic 80’s landscape”. I couldn’t have said it better
myself. This release reminds me of Boris the Sprinkler coupled with Eddie Money cheese infused mochismo. The production is pretty good,
the synths swirl around in the background and the guitar is thick and up front,
K.K. Downing style! - JC
RIK
& The Pigs – A Child’s Gator LP
(Total Punk)
Well now this is quite impressive! Olympia Washington’s Rik & the Pigs have
come a long way. They’re going for a 70’s
Aussie sound like The Saints, X, Chosen Few types but scrappier and they’re
pulling it! The production on this LP is
the best I’ve heard on any Pigs record so far. Not to say it’s polished or anything
but this new clearer sound suits the band perfectly. The guitars are hook filled and set to full
buzzsaw mode and the vocals radiate desperation and madness! This one’s a stunner kids! - JC
Velveteen
Rabbit – Mind Numbing Entertainment 7” (Hozac)
Oh wow, as soon as I heard the
opening guitar sound on this 7” I knew I was in for something special. Former Jeanies unleash two of the best songs
I’ve heard all year! Think Marc Bolan’s
monster hooks along with those hard stomping Gary Glitter beats mixed with
Bowie’s softer spoken vocal delivery and you’ve got yourself a super star of a
record! The B-Side has an almost Lovin’
Spoonful melody to it and it cooks hot too!
Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor now. On second thought, I'll just leave it down there since I'm about to listen to this record again and I'm not going to pick off all the cat hair and potato chip crumbs off of it again! – JC
It’s my favorite time of year! A time
to reflect on all the fantastic records that floated down to the Audio
Ammunition Underwater Volcano Stronghold. This year so much greatness came our
way I couldn’t just limit it to just 10 records, so this time around it’s a top
20! So without further delay, here are my favorite 20 records that were
released in 2015 that I managed to get my grimy claws on.
Think of Skinny Puppy’s 1990 LP Too Dark Park only far more chaotic and
violent mixed with prurient style vocals. Imagine if someone got a flamethrower
to somehow make similar sounds as a human vocal cord. Cellulite consists of
Sick Thought’s Drew Owen and New York electro synth pop composer Don Seun: a
match made in the deepest darkest caverns of hell.An absolutely, mind blowing record!– J Castro
19. Everyday
Things – S/T 7” (No Front Teeth)
Everyday Things play really terrific
jangly mod power pop, in a similar spirit to bands like Secret Affair, Squire
and Circles. Comparisons aside, this is some unbelievably well done, feel good rock
n’ roll with mile high hooks and soaring melodies that are perfect for your
sunny Sunday ride through the serene cityscape on your 1966 Piaggio Vespa.
18. The
Fox Sisters – Under the Stars LP
(Self Released)
Rochester, New York’s Fox Sisters play
some party starting, soul shakin’, house rockin’ ‘60’s inspired R & B. Right
out of the bag this record comes out twisting and gyrating like James Brown did
live on the T.A.M.I. show back in ’64. Under
the Stars is irresistibly boisterous, undeniably charming and ridiculously
magnetic.
17. Midnite
Snaxxx – Don’t Wake Me Up 7” (Total
Punk)
This is straight forward,
snarling punk rock n’ roll that reminds me of the salad days of bands with this
similar sound like The Dirty Sweets, No Talents, and Loli and The Chones. It’s
a sound that has the manic energy of ‘60’s garage Back from the Grave type bands mixed with the power and ferocity of
punk like The Sick Things or the Avengers.
16. Party
Lights – I See the Lights LP (Self
Released)
On Party Lights’ Facebook page, their
description reads as “The bastard children of Cheap Trick and The
Go-Go's” and “worshiping at the altar of The Knack and The Real Kids.” I know
that sounds really great, and it’s also pretty spot on. I’d throw in a little
Blondie or Nikki and The Corvettes in there too. Their music is catchy,
propulsive, and hard driving in a Ramones sort of way. Standout track: none, they’re
all equally great!
15. The
Stops – Nameless Faces LP (Dirt Cult/Sabotage)
This Portland, Oregon band plays
shadowy, angst filled, quick paced punk rock music. Some of the things that set
this band apart from the rabid pack are that their songs are executed with such
power and earnestness that despite being so dark are just so captivating. The
Stops seem to draw power and momentum out of the perilous state of the world.
14. Phylums
– Phylum Phyloid LP (Dirtnap)
This record reminds me of a couple of
albums Lookout Records put out right before the great implosion, two of my
favorites in fact, The Smugglers’ Selling
the Sizzle and The Hi-Five’s Welcome
to My Mind. Phylums play really fun, catchy, melodic rock n’ roll with a 1960’s
style garage vibe without all the lo-fi spazz but with twice the hooks.
13.
Baby Shakes – She’s a Star 7”
(Surfin’ Ki)
Imagine Suzi Quatro if she had fronted
1910 Fruitgum Company. Over the years the band has tweaked their sound a tad
from record to record, some leaning towards a more Motown/‘60's girl group
influence, to a leaner and meaner Ramones sound. This record I believe triumphantly
captures all sides and it makes for one highly enjoyable listen from start to
finish.
12. The
Disconnects – Wake Up Dead LP (Baldy
Longhair)
The Disconnects
debut album is full of junkie desperation, the stress of not having rent again,
those fleeting moments when everything’s alright with you and your lady friend,
and the time you lost when you thought you had a sure hand and bet it all. Wake up Dead is rock n’ roll from the
city, in all its L.A.M.F. back alley grime and glory. The Disconnects songs
reek of urban decay, power pop charm, and punk rock unruliness.
11.
Car Crash – Bright Future? 7” (Secret
Mission/Mangrove)
Car
Crash is a band from Japan, they’re two guys and a girl that cause enough rock
n’ roll chaos to levitate the island nation off the planet’s surface! Loud,
hard driving, lo-fi garage punk the way I expect to hear it when people reference
it. The obvious Teengenerate and Registrators comparisons do firmly apply;
sweat, swagger, the whole deal. The only thing that sucks about this record is
that it’s very limited here in the states; happy hunting!
10. Jeremy
and The Harlequins – American Dreamer (Self
Released)
Jeremy and the Harlequins
embrace the deeper, cooler and more melodic side of ‘50’s rock n’ roll. These
cats don’t just go for the throat, this album is all over the human emotional
spectrum. They dive in deep, which makes the songs far more interesting,
timeless and memorable you’ll want to keep this record in your car all the time
and wish said car was a ’55 Bel Air!
9.
Modern Needs – Activation 7” (Goodbye
Boozy)
Mr. Vinnie Vacuum creates rousing lo-fi
punk rave-ups all by himself in his secret laboratory. To get an idea of the
glorious noise this record emits: put on your favorite Crime record. Play it at
twice its speed, backwards. Now douse the whole thing in gasoline and light it
on fire. The sounds you hear sputtering and crackling in and out of your
speakers right before you have to run out of the room is Modern Needs.
8. Dany
Laj & the Looks – Word on the Street LP
(Squirtgun)
Singer and songwriter DannyLajeunesse comes from a small
mining town outside of Toronto, and it shows, in a good Springsteen sort of
way! The collection of songs on this LP are a perfect blend of country, folk,
power pop, sweat and volume. The songs are smart, but not arrogant, raggedy
without being sleazy, catchy but holds away the sap, loud yet not obnoxious, and
just plain likeable.
7. Line
Traps – S/T LP (Self Released)
Also known around the Audio Ammunition
halls as “the interview that launched 1000 hits,” Victoria’s Line Traps are
brilliantly ferocious and unapologetic. Their minimalistic approach to their
music brings the obvious Rip-Off Records comparisons only Line Traps knocks
that bar right off its brackets. They take animosity and brutality within the
confines of punk music to uncharted and uncomfortable levels.
6. Real
Sickies – S/T Cassette (Self Released)
Real Sickies compare
themselves to bands like The Ramones, The Heartbreakers, Forgotten Rebels, and
Teenage Head and please allow me to stand as your witness that all of those
comparisons are spot on! Sure Real Sickies take a little from here and borrow a
little from there but it’s interpreted and delivered through those twisted
Canadian brains of theirs, and that’s why it still sounds so fresh and so great!
5. The
Nervous - S/T Demo Cassette (Self
Released)
Denver, Colorado’s
The Nervous plays socially conscious punk rock that’s equally riotous, subversive
and strikes you like a baseball bat to the face. This demo cassette they put
out earlier this year sounds like it could fit right into the Dangerhouse
Records catalog as one of the greatest bands you’ve never heard of from that
label, right ‘twixt some of the best of them like The Bags and The Avengers.
4. Fashionism
- Smash the State (With Your Face) 7” (Hosehead)
The songs on this record
very much remind me of bands like The Jam or Minneapolis, MN’s The Strike. They’re
punk songs played with a smooth, stylish buttoned downed approach by
current/former member of The Jolts, The Tranzmitors, the Newtown Animals and
Strange Things. Their songs are marvelously magnetic and snap so loudly with elements
of mod, glam, power pop, and new wave that are effortlessly woven
throughout.
3.
Patsy’s Rats – S/T Cassette (Burger)
Patsy’s Rats play the kind of rock n'
roll music that gets wedged in the folds of your damaged brain the very first
time you hear it. Their songs pop and burst all around you with well-paced tempos,
strong yet melodic guitar hooks reminiscent of Peter Case and delightful vocals
that is a cross between Chrissie Hynde and Debbie Harry. Patsy's Rats simply
make magnetic music that instantly charms the human soul.
2. toyGuitar
– In This Mess LP (Fat Wreck Chords)
Despite having a write up in Rolling
Stone magazine and featuring top-notch Bay Area talent, toyGuitar’s debut EP
went relatively unnoticed by a lot of the “punk” press. It’s not until they
signed with Fat that they’re getting the attention they deserve. They play
music that’s tightly strung together with smart lyrics, sunny guitar licks and
a biting rhythm section. The unique way this band puts all of that together makes
for a dynamic, unparalleled sound.
1. Stalin
Video – Animalistik LP (Wanda)
The international
multimedia terror group known in certain circles as Stalin Video has launched a
polyvinyl chloride offensive in hopes to bring the civilized world to its
knees. Tighter and harder on their debut LP, this assemblage of members from
South Carolina’s Now in 3-D and Great Britain’s late great Gaggers create a
frenzied, wild eyed synth-punk attack. Once you listen to this record keep it
close by at all times. Trust me, you’ll want more!
Inside Audio
Ammunition’s floating fortress, we decided to up the ante this year by having a
top twenty list that includes 7-inches and EP’s. My list went down to the wire
with bands being added, subtracted, re-listened to and so on. After much inner
debate, here are my top twenty records of 2015. It was tough enough to pick
these twenty so they are listed in alphabetical order.
by Ed Stuart
Barreracudas – Can Do Easy LP (Oops Baby)
Can Do Easy is the LP follow up to the Promises, Promises single of last year, which
features the single’s title track. Barreracudas have written one of the best
power-pop/punk records of the last year that pulls heavy from New York City
greats, Dictators and Ramones, with lyrics that firmly have tongue planted in
cheek. The contender has now got their shot at the title.
Born Loose – Blowout! LP (Hound Gawd)
If you have
anything have heard Born Loose at all, there should be no surprise for what you
will be in for on Blowout!. Born
Loose is punk rock n’ roll mayhem fueled by mean guitar, whiskey, PBR and ex-members
of the Candy Snatchers. These guys are dive-bar heroes that could musically
could go toe to toe with the technical player of the world, but add a feeling that
they don’t muster. PS, you might need a back-up turntable.
Cal & The Calories – Bastard in a Yellow Suit 7” (Total Punk)
Total Punk doesn’t
lie, you definitely know what to expect. Cal & The Calories is one of the
many offerings Total Punk has offered to the world year. Bastard in a Yellow Suit is a sonic blast of KBD style punk that mixes,
blown-out, in-the-red, raw as hell, scuzz layered punk with early Australian
punk influences like X from the Midwest.
Dirty Fences – Full Tramp LP (Slovenly)
Dirty Fences may
look like another party band, but don’t write them off as that because they are
so much more. Full Tramp is Dictators,
Ramones, and early KISS with all kind of glam rock n’ roll excess that hides
its pop record collection. Dirty Fences may drink all the beer at your party,
but they will write some catchy pop-infused rock n’ roll songs about how much
fun they had drinking it.
Dusk – S/T 7”(Forward)
This might be
the find of the year! In some ways Dusk’s S/T,
is an anachronism, a record that sounds right at home in the days of early
‘70’s singer/songwriter days than in 2015. Dusk is Amos from Tenement’s and a
host of others. The A-side is a Velvet Underground/Lou Reed NYC style song with
slide guitar gravy on top. The B-side is country-twang rock n’ roll sung with a
Carly Simon/Linda Ronstadt voice that would rule the charts.
Everyday Things - S/T EP (No Front Teeth)
It’s one thing
to be heavily influenced by The Jam, which is always a great choice, but
Everyday Things have taken a step further and gone for the mod-pop goldmine.
This S/T EP is a ’79 mod revival of
bands like Circles, Purple Hearts and The Lambrettas. It’s not just the
influences that are so right, but it’s the songwriting and sound too. Whether
you’re going to out in your nice parka or defending your own Brighton Beach, this
is the soundtrack.
Fashionism – Smash the State
(With Your Face) 7” (Hosehead)
Fashionism
is made up of a bunch of Canadian all stars from bands like New Town Animals,
The Jolts and Tranzmitors and they play like it. This is one of the better-reviewed
bands of the year and it’s really no surprise. Smash The State is a mix of mod-pop and UK power-pop; think the
Circles meets The Jam with some early Squeeze and Rezillos thrown in just for
fun.
Hakan – S/T LP (One Chord Wonder/Rufus) Hakan features Andrea
from The Snookys. The band name is a tough one. It’s origin is Turkish and is a
combination of two titles for rulers. In pop-culture, Hakan is a fighter on the
Street Fighter game. So, what about the band? This S/T records reminds of a cross of early Descendents, Ramones and
Queers. I have a feeling that Hakan flew too low under the radar and didn’t get
its deserved rewards because this is a really good punk-pop LP.
Los Pepes – And I Know EP (Wanda)
This has really
been a good year for power-pop and Los Pepes is one of the reasons why. This
band has just been putting good records year after year and And I Know is no different. And I Know collects a mix of ’77-’79 UK
and Northern Island influences to make this 4 songer a standout.
Mama – Speed Trap EP(Hozac)
A common thought
for movies is too give them fifteen minutes to hook the viewer; I was never
really sure what the musical equivalent is. At first, Mama might seem like a
guitar exercise, but they reveal themselves to be a melodic rock band that
plays it like a punk band would. Speed
Trap is Cheap Trick/Thin Lizzy/Stooges all rolled into one powerhouse of
’74 – ‘77.
The Mandates – In The Back Of Your Heart LP (Hosehead)
The Mandates have
taken the New York Dolls, The Dictators, The Saints and Generation X’s penchant
for guitar hooks and melody to make In
The Back Of Your Heart stuck on repeat. The Mandates have been doing their
’77 rock n’ roll for a quite a few years, but the band’s years together have
only made them a tighter more powerful unit. In The Back Of Your Heart has something for everyone, tough riffs
that lure listeners in before the pop hooks deliver a musical KO.
Maniac – Chola Queen 7”(No Front
Teeth)
This band is not
starving for accolades. Maniac, L.A.’s Gentleman Punks, are an all-star
combination of Clorox Girls, Cute Lepers, LA Drugz and Images. “Chola Queen” is
a brilliant remake of Harpo’s “Teenage Queen” that sounds as if Maniac wrote
the song originally. So if that’s not good enough “Calamine” is what Maniac
does best which is effortlessly blend early LA punk (Dickies/Weirdos) with UK
punk (Rezillos).
Nervous Talk – S/T LP (Hosehead)
Nervous Talk
takes all the best parts of Undertones, Teenage Head, Nick Lowe and Pointed
Sticks and creates an undiscovered late ‘70’s punk/power-pop/rock n’ roll gem
mixed with some garage-punk. Nervous Talk is another power-pop missile from our
neighbors to the north, Canada from members of B-Lines, Ballantynes, and
Timecopz.
Night Birds – Mutiny on Muscle Beach LP (Fat Wreck)
Who says older bands
have to mature? In some ways they should be angrier because they pay bills, pay
taxes, and work time sucking jobs while the kids are glued to their phone and
complaining about first world problems. Night Birds are really on fire and
scorching earth with Mutiny on Muscle
Beach. This So-Cal punk/hardcore (DI, Adolescents, Posh Boy) NJ/NYC
powerhouse plays with the reckless abandon of a band putting out their debut
release. Night Birds maturity memo got lost in the mail and we are all
thankful.
Patsy’s Rats – S/T Cassette (Burger Records)
“Rock & Roll
Friend,” the leadoff track on S/T, is
a classic that the Nerves would have written and that’s just the opener! Patsy’s
Rats is like Debbie Harry and Peter Case joining The Cars. It’s power-pop meets
new wave from members of Mean Jeans and Scavenger Cunt that nestles it’s way
into your ears and never needs to be removed.
Phylums –
Phylum Phyloid LP (Dirtnap)
Milwaukee may be more know for the Brewers and its’ hometown beer, but
it should start becoming known for the Phylums too. Phylums are a fun ‘60’s
garage influenced pop band that feature members of The Goodnight Loving and
Jaill. Phylum Phyloid is like
Trashmen meets ‘60’s California beach pop with some clean tone surf riffs
thrown in on top. Phylums may live by a large lake, but you would think they
hang out at the beach all day.
Pronto – S/T LP (Slovenly)
Much like
Two-Face in Batman, Pronto has a spilt personality. One side is Protex and The
Undertones while the other side is Saints meets KBD punk. Pronto hails from
Australia and plays a ’77 punk that has a hard outside, but a softer inside
much like a good candy. While Gotham City may lose depending on Two-Face’s flip
of the coin decision-making, Pronto’s musical influences do no harm on their S/T LP.
Radioactivity – Silent Kill LP (Dirtnap)
Silent Kill was one of the more anticipated punk
records of the 2015. Radioactivity
set the world on fire with their debut LP. If you were expecting a repeat of
the S/T LP you would be both right
and wrong. Silent Kill has their Marked
Men, Ramones and Buzzcocks trademark sound, but incorporates more of the darker
pop elements that the debut only hinted at. Silent
Kill relies more on melody than velocity and isn’t afraid to let the moody
pop do the talking this time.
The Role Models – The Go-To Guy LP (Glunk)
When I started
compiling this year’s top twenty list, Role Models was my first choice. Go-To Guy is for all the fans of Beat
Angels, Replacements, D Generation, Cheap Trick, Johnny Thunders solo stuff and
American Power-pop. If you want punk, it’s there. If you want power-pop, it’s
there. If you want rock n’ roll, it’s there. Role Models write and play the
songs from a band that not only understands this music, but bleeds it as well.
Sweatshop Boys – Always Polite Never Happy 7”(Twintoe/Crapoulet/SP)
I can’t recall
many Isreali bands that come to mind, but if they are in the same ballpark as
Sweatshop Boys we have a new player in the game. Always Polite Never Happy is a mix of ’77 UK power-pop-punk mixed
with ‘80’s melodic punk while songs like “Special Mood” that all comes together
so nicely.
