The Fat Wreck Chords Episode!

You guessed it! In this episode we do indeed bask in all things Fat!  We welcome once again blogger extraordinaire Lord Rutledge to discuss our favorite Fat stuff! Plus we tell the tale of the first time we all tasted the sweet sweet Fat and why we feel the label has had such long lasting success. 

Our featured song this episode is called "Human Potential" by none other than long time Fat band Swingin Utters! This here tune can be heard on the band's latest LP called Peace and Love. Check it out below on the band's Bandcamp page or get yourself a physical copy from the fine folks at Fat Wreck Chords at their site
https://fatwreck.com/

Thank you so much for listening to our humble show!  Keep your ear holes on high alert for more upcoming interviews and discussion on our favorite punk and rock n roll bands, labels, books, movies and documentaries that we love and we're sure you will too!

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Thank you again and stay safe! 

Check out this episode!

Sights and Sounds Making The Rounds

Hi all! In case you haven't heard, we here at Audio Ammunition love videos!  Here are a dozen or so pretty cool ones we feel deserve your viewership.  Remember, if you're jarred by what you saw, if you swoon to what you've heard, hit the little "thumbs up" and then subscribe to that there channel! It really, truly does help!
Now on with the show!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There you have it! We are going to try to gather up some cool vids we see from time to time and post them all in a happy bunch for all to pluck, sweet and ripe.  So send us your videos, message the links or drop us an email at audioammunitionmag@gmail.com

Again, thanks so much for coming to our humble blog.  Hope to see you here again soon!  Take Care! - The Audio Ammo Apes

Record Reviews: More Cheers For Your Ears

Alpha Hopper – Aloha Hopper LP (Swimming Faith/Radical Empathy)

Buffalo’s Alpha Hopper channels their noise punk heroes on their second LP, Aloha Hopper. Alpha Hopper is a four piece made of two guitars, vocals and drums. Alpha Hopper pulls from Jesus Lizard, Drive Like Jehu, ‘90’s heavy alternative and Am Rep bands. Alpha Hopper penchant for noisy, edgy, rough raw guitar rock is on full display on Aloha. – Ed Stuart

Antagonizers ATL/CRIM/NOi!SE, Rude Pride – 4 Way Split EP (Pirates Press)

Pirates Press has put out this sampler of four newer bands from different parts of the globe in the street punk scene. Antagonizers ATL and CRIM are side A. Both bands play a melodic street punk in the same vein as The Briggs. NOi!SE is a raw fast punk that has more of a melodic hardcore sound. Rude Pride plays a melodic mid tempo that might be most the anthemic of the bunch and could fall into Briggs category as well too.  – Ed Stuart

The Aggrolites – Reggae Now LP (Pirates Press)

Rock, what? Rocksteady or as The Aggrolites call it “dirty reggae.” The Aggrolites are back with their sixth LP, Reggae Now. Los Angeles’s Jamaican heir apparent contender took some time before writing and recording. The Aggrolites mix of rocksteady, Motown and ‘70’s funk is all on display on here. For a band that had been on hiatus for eight years, they haven’t lost a step.  – Ed Stuart

Bauwaves – U R Everything LP (Salinas)

Wipers meets Fall in this noisy, rough edged, off kilter art damaged world. Bauwaves features members of The Fall and Wild America. U R Everything is the debut LP for this Austin band that mixes art-punk, ‘80’s/’90’s noisy alternative and with pieces of early Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth. – Ed Stuart

The Beatpunkers – Those Years Songs LP (Kool Kat)

The Beatpunkers are a trio from Spain. Those Years Songs sounds like a mix of clean ‘60’s pop with Paul Collins influence, some jangle guitars on a Merseyside street. The songs are pretty straight ahead pop that doesn’t stray from its three chord core.  – Ed Stuart

Bracket – Too Old To Die Young LP (Fat Wreck)

Bracket’s ninth LP, Too Old To Die Young isn’t taking any chances and that’s good for Bracket fans. Bracket is still at their old tricks of playing ‘90’s So Cal pop-punk with outsider lyrics. Yes, Bracket was part of that ‘90’s pop-punk scene and on Too Old they don’t stray from that sound. Instead, they have given their pop-punk a bit of Beach Boys and sharpened some of the edges. – Ed Stuart

Brat Curse – Brat Curse II LP (Anyway)

Brat Curse is made up of members of DANA, Sega Genocide, Good Shade and WV White. Brat Curse II is made up of punked up art rock with angular riffs, driving bass lines that stretch from Sonic Youth to New Bomb Turks. Brat Curse, from Ohio, do cover a lot of ground on this LP. There are odes to ‘90’s indie and alternative through this LP without being hero worship. – Ed Stuart

Brave The Sea – The Kraken LP (Self-Release)

Brave the Sea is a Celtic punk rock band that pulls from the same Irish influences that Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly do. The Kraken is full of numbers that are in the vein of a punked Dubliners, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. I these guys from Newark, OH don’t really care about the close proximity of influences. Brave The Sea seems to be having fun and enjoying themselves in their songs that I don’t think they care. If you’re a fan of punk and Irish with a touch of pirate, you should check out Brave The Sea.  – Ed Stuart

Charger – S/T LP, EP or 7” (Pirates Press)

Rancid and Guantanamo Baywatch come together as Charger. Tim and Lars have side projects so I guess it makes room for Matt to try his hand at one too. Charger wasn’t what I was expecting. In Charger, Matt has positioned in a Lemmy role and the other members help form his Motorhead. Charger S/T is a mix of early Motorhead, NWOBHM and heavy riffs, riffs and more riffs. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Charger, but when I heard “Crackdown”, the opener, I was a little surprised the conviction and commitment to the Motorhead mantel. Listen to “All Kings Must Die” and it feels a new Motorhead is reborn as Charger.  – Ed Stuart

CJ Ramone – The Holy Spell LP (Fat Wreck)

CJ Ramone is not afraid of still being influenced by his Ramones heritage. Yes, he was a Ramone for about seven years and it still informs his songwriting today. The Holy Spell, CJ’s fifth LP, is a better-produced and more modern sounding Ramones LP with an acoustic, some country influence and a punked version of “Crawling From The Wreckage.” CJ doesn’t feel the need to play punk-pop like a 20 year old would. Instead, he pulls from his heroes and stays true to his core musical belief.  – Ed Stuart

Corner Boys – Waiting For 2020 LP (Drunken Sailor)

Hot on the heels of two amazing singles comes this amazing LP. Corner Boys are like the Undertones dirty cousins who have been dabbling in Simpletones LP’s. Waiting For 2020 is a mix of Northern Ireland and snotty So Cal. This band never takes themselves seriously as you can hear with songs like “Norman” and the current arguable classic, “Joke Of The Neighbourhood.” If you are fan of Undertones, Pointed Sticks, Rudi, Good Vibrations and Simpletones, buy this LP now. Vancouver’s Corner Boys have the fix you need.  – Ed Stuart

The Cowboy – S/T 7” (Drunken Sailor)

The Fall didn’t care and neither do The Cowboy. Both bands were fine with the audience peeking behind the curtain. What do I mean? While listening to S/T, I feel like I’m at a practice session or listening to a very rough demo, but this is the finished product. Now, don’t confuse The Cowboy with The Cowboys because they are two different bands. “What you talking about Willis?” The Cowboys are part of the Lumpys. Cowboy is part Pleasure Leftists and Homostupids. The Cowboy play a loose art punk that goes for The Fall with parts Minutemen. – Ed Stuart

Dark Thoughts – Must Be Nice LP (Stupid Bag/Drunken Sailor)

Philadelphia’s Dark Thoughts are back for round three with more of their brand of Ramones meets early Thermals meets lo-fi garage. Dark Thoughts keeps it simple in songwriting and in production, which is a good thing. Sometimes band overproduce for no reason and the songs don’t justify it, but not Dark Thoughts. Must Be Nice is full of one Ramones ripper after another. In many Dark Thoughts songs, the vocals serve as the main melody line that lays overtop those buzzsaw guitars propelling the songs along. Third verse, same as the first aren’t just lyrics, but a credo that Dark Thoughts gladly adheres too.   – Ed Stuart

Death Lottery/Hardship Anchors – Split 7” (Freetime Boys)

Florida and California together on one spilt. The two states with the most beachfront property battle it out, well not really. Death Lottery (Florida) and Hardship Anchors (California) are friends and the got the opportunity to do a split. Death Lottery plays a sloppy, garage that is raw and fast and loose. Hardship Anchors play a sped up ‘80’s So Cal think Agent Orange/Social Distortion. – Ed Stuart

DFactor Pop – Anthems For The Active Set LP (Self-Release)

DFactor is a one man machine. Anthems For The Active Set is his latest and again DFactor plays all the instruments. DFactor also plays in the Action Jets. He might be solely responsible for the Phoenix power pop scene. If you haven’t listened to DFactor pop, he pulls from The Jam, Replacements, Guided by Voices and others in that pop range. Anthems is pure pop where DFactor doesn’t hold back his love of the genre.  – Ed Stuart

The Exbats – I’m A Witch 7” (Jarama)

The Exbats play ‘50’s/60’s garage punk stomp on this three song single. “I’m A Witch” is the ‘50’s/60’s garage influenced lead track. “2027” is more punked up Sonics and “Doorman” is more garage-y punk. This is pretty stripped down that’s more in tuned with the Burger crowd than the Rip Off crowd.  – Ed Stuart

Heterofobia – Queremos Ver El Mundo Arder LP (Drunken Sailor)

Heterofobia, whose name gives you a window into their politics, is a dark goth-punk band from Mexico. Queremos Ver El Mundo Arder, sung primarily in Spanish, is the brand new LP from Heterofobia. Based of an interview with the band, Monterrey is a politically oppressive town especially for a band that supports gay rights. In some ways, this band is like The Horrors or Bauhaus with a punk rhythm section.   – Ed Stuart

Hound of Love – Comin Thru 7” (Drunk Dial)

Hound of Love better known as Andrew from Mean Jeans is back with another helping of his ode to ‘80’s radio pop. If you’re not familiar with Drunk Dial, when the label releases your songs, there are a few rules. First, you must cover a classic and write one original. The second, you must be drunk while recording the songs. “Comin Thru” is an homage to bands like Flock of Seagulls, Human League and other ‘80’s band that unashamedly went for radio hits. The cover is Rancid’s “Journey To The End.” The Hound plays this, I’m guessing as straight faced as possible, as a synth pop rendition which fits all things considered. – Ed Stuart

Joey Cape – Let Me Know When You Give Up LP (Fat Wreck)

Lagwagon and Bad Astronaut’s front man has just released his fourth and most recent effort, Let Me Know When You Give Up. Lagwagon were one of the original Fat bands, but Cape solo is nothing like those ‘90’s skate/punk/metal mainstays. Cape channels his melancholy and observations as a seasoned musician over a mix of pop, alt-country and Americana.   – Ed Stuart

Lagwagon – Railer LP (Fat Wreck)

On Trashed and Duh, Lagwagon wrote a musical template what would help dictate and define ‘90’s skate/punk/metal. Over thirty years, Lagwagon has wavered slightly from this sonic sound print, but Railer is a return to form with bit of Hoss thrown in. Sure there are some acoustic guitars in part to expand the sound, but this a Lagwagon that isn’t afraid of their past and still enjoys playing this style even it’s not the flavor of the month.  – Ed Stuart

Locate Your Lips – For Kenny CD (Happy Growl)

This is a real labor love project. Locate Your Lips started over 30 years ago in Milwaukee. During the initial recording of this LP, the band had split up and went their separate ways. In 2015, Kenny, who the LP is named for, passed way, which spurred ex-Shivvers guitarist Jim Eanneli to release these never heard before songs. Locate Your Lips is mid ‘80’s melodic pop that when you listen to has a myriad of the decade’s influences. – Ed Stuart

Make War – Get It Together LP (Fat Wreck)

I’m late to the Make War party. Get It Together is the bands third LP, but the debut on Fat. Make War, from Brooklyn, was found/discovered by Brendan from Lawrence Arms after a superb acoustic set by the singer/guitarist Jose. Make War, on Get It Together, play a very slick anthemic melodic punk with socially charged heart on their sleeve lyrics that puts them right in line with Face To Face, Menzingers, Gaslight Anthem and Against Me.  – Ed Stuart

Mean Jeans – Gigantic Sike LP (Fat Wreck)

After living high on the hog after the Jingles Collection and supposedly “trying too hard” on Tight New Dimension, Mean Jeans gets back to basics with Gigantic Sike. Mean Jeans the self-proclaimed dumb band writes some pretty catchy Ramones/Queers influenced punk-pop. Yes, there are a zillion Ramones influenced bands, but I think Mean Jeans has something special about them with their catchy hooks and their quest for the essentials of punk-pop. They pull from all over the Ramones catalog to keep the party going, but on Gigantic Sike the party has a little darker side with tracks like “Party Line” and “I Fell Into A Bog.” There is only so much Mountain Dew one band can drink and maybe Mean Jeans reached their fill or stopped to write and recorded this LP.  – Ed Stuart

More Kicks – More Kicks LP (Wanda, Adrenalin Fix, Dirt Cult, Snap, Beluga)

Sulli from Suspect Parts has enlisted members of Los Pepes to help round this London power trio that deals in pop. In Suspect Parts, Sulli is a member of an international pop brotherhood, but with More Kicks is the lead man in charge. More Kicks mixes ‘60’s pop, ’70 punk with garage flair and attention to melody. In some ways, More Kicks is a little garage-y punked up Kinks that doesn’t shy away from the pure pop. Instead, they run right toward it. – Ed Stuart

Omnigone – No Faith LP (Bad Time)

Members of Link 80 and Rx Bandits are back with their new band Omnigone. Hailing from East Bay, Omnigone is picking up the mantle of ska/punk/hardcore again. This isn’t a retread, Omnigone mix up the songs quite a bit through punk, reggae, ska and fast punk/hardcore. Sure there are songs that will lead to skankin’ (yes, I threw it in there), but instead of being a tribute band or a Johnny One Note, Omnigone is trying to keep it as fresh as possible.   – Ed Stuart

Radioactivity – Erased 7” (Wild Honey)

Two brand new songs! Well, sort of. Both songs were written years ago, but took a while before seeing the light of day. Sure these songs have been aged like a fine wine before being released to the general public, but don’t let that distract you. “Erased” is a punchy, catchy upbeat song that you come to expect from Radioactivity. “Fear,” the B-side, is where Burke and company really shine. This song is a like a dark, melodic Buzzcocks that drips in bittersweet emotion with a hook riff that not only hooks you, but digs in. – Ed Stuart

Ramoms – Problem Child EP (Pirates Press)

The life of a busy working mom is one of the busiest schedules on the planet. Yet, the Ramoms have made their lives busiest and more fun at the same time. The Ramoms, four working moms from Philadelphia, decided to start a Ramones tribute band, but changed the words to more child friendly topics. On this three song EP, “Rockaway Beach” is the only true cover with the original lyrics intact. The other two songs are reworked Ramones classics about Gritty, the Flyers mascot and Boogers. – Ed Stuart

Screaming Targets – Carbon Copies LP (Recess/This Is Pop)

Edmonton’s Screaming Targets don’t do much screaming, but seem to be targeting late ‘80’s/early 90’s college rock mixed with punk pop. For some reason Carbon Copies makes me think of Sludgeworth if they were a Merge records band. Screaming Targets features members of Real Sickies, Slates and Blame-Its and is full of fuzzy punk pop with single note melodies that cut through and drive an earworm into your head.  – Ed Stuart

Sleave – Don’t Expect Anything LP (Engineer)

Two of the members of this band met at a party and basically formed Sleave soon after. That’s a little amazing since the “Hey, let’s a start a band” party conversation never amounts to anything. Sleave hails from Richmond, VA and mixes pop-punk’s muted chugging guitars, ‘90’s alternative melody and pieces of hardcore. Don’t Expect Anything reminds me of some of the Long Island bands in the way they mix emotionally draining hoarse vocals with a consistent single melody that runs underneath.  – Ed Stuart

Snuff – There’s A Lot Of It About LP (Fat Wreck)

It’s been a long time since Demussabebonk, but the Snuff sound marches on. On There’s A Lot Of It About, Snuff keeps plying their trademark punk-pop mixed with horns and shouty vocals. Duncan, also in Guns N’ Wankers, is still leading the charge. Snuff never reached the heights of the pop-punk like I would have figured. I don’t know if it’s because they don’t stick to a singular sound. Each song is a little bit of a different style and different tempo, which in the pop-punk world can hurt. I think Snuff does some of their best work when the horns and/or keys do the main talking like on “A Smile Gets A Smile” or “Dippy Egg.” If you’re down with listening to a band that’s still delivering, then listen to Snuff.  – Ed Stuart

Sore Points – Not Alright EP (Slovenly)

Sore Points don’t fuck around or waste time. Not Alright goes straight for the jugular. Sore Points fresh off their 2018 S/T debut LP, amps up their KBD meets early Kids and Saints sound. This Canadian power trio powers through this brand new EP with fast chainsaw guitars and rhythm section that’s on time like a train and pummeling down the tracks. By the time, you wonder what happened, it’s time to play this record again. Not Alright is an ode to first wave punk and something fresh again.  – Ed Stuart

Strung Out – Songs Of Armor and Devotion LP (Fat Wreck)

Strung Out has been together for 30 years now and show no signs of slowing down. Strung Out was part of the wave of punk bands that weren’t afraid to show their playing chops and metal influences. Both of these traits show on Songs of Armor and Devotion. Strung Out mixes ‘90’s – ‘00’s punk with metal riffs and melodic hardcore parts with confidence that has kept fans loyal for over three decades.  – Ed Stuart

Subhumans – Crisis Point LP (Pirates Press)

In an age of political upheaval and divisive party lines, Subhumans release their first LP in twelve years, Crisis Point. Years ago, SUB HUM ANS released The Day The Country Died and EP-LP in the mid-80’s and cemented themselves as a crucial fixture in the anarcho-punk movement. Subhumans certainly haven’t changed much in the last thirty years and maybe that’s a good sign. Crisis Point sounds reminiscent of their ‘80’s output, which was politically and socially charged over simple effective riffs with lyrics that were half spoken and half sung.  – Ed Stuart

  

The Whiffs – Another Whiff LP (Dig!)

There is something so satisfying about listening to a band that is a notch above the others. The Whiffs were already top of their game on their EP, 2017’s Take A Whiff. Another Whiff shows The Whiffs are no fluke. The Whiffs took their time, didn’t rush the debut LP and even added Joey from The Rubs for good measure. The Whiffs are writing power pop gems that range from ‘60’s, ‘70’s American power-pop, Big Star, Replacements, Exploding Hearts and Flamin Groovies. This Kansas City power pop powerhouse is on fire and hopefully no one puts them out.   – Ed Stuart

Wyldlife – Neon Nightmare 7” (Wicked Cool)

New York’s rock n’ roll party boys are back with another smoker. Wyldlife is easily one of the best bands right now and they are only getting better. “Neon Nightmare” is a 70’s inspired rock n’ roller that woulda, coulda, shoulda been a hit, but it’s not. I know, I know, I’ll leave it at that. Wyldlife is at the top of their game with this A-side that has a big meaty hook riff, catchy chorus and a verse that never drags. “I’m Just Losing That Girl” is Wyldlife’s faithful rendition of the Dogs punk/rockabilly original. Wyldlife does have a penchant for finding more obscure songs to cover like how they did with The Brats a couple of singles ago.  – Ed Stuart

Wyldlife – Another NY Christmas (Piss The Season) 7” (Wicked Cool)

Two Wyldlife singles in two months! Happy holidays to me! If you want to read what I think of Wyldlife, read the Neon Nightmare review. This time around, Wyldlife tackles the Christmas song for their entry into the seasonal catalog. “Another NY Christmas” is a power pop gem detailing a lonely Christmas spent in New York City. “Peppermint Schnapps,” the more melodic of the two is a good counterpoint. What makes Wyldlife different than your typical raucous punk rock n' roll band is their attention to melody, which they don’t shy away from in their songs.  – Ed Stuart

The Yolks – Get Back 7” (Randy)

Primitive garage stomper on one side and an Everly Brothers influenced song for the flip side. Get Back from Chicago’s Yolks showcases the band’s Jekyll and Hyde. “Get Back” is primitive rudimentary punk that is Ramones meets The Spits. “Vampire” sounds like a ‘50’s inspired melodic throwback that is played straight without a hint of irony. – Ed Stuart

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More, more, more, more reviews

Allvaret – Skam Old Sculd LP (Dirt Cult)

Sweden’s Allvaret are back with the second LP, Skam Old Sculd, which translates to shame and guilt. First of all this LP is not sung in English, which does make it lyrically tough to get into too. Musically, the band is in the same vein as the new wave of Sweden and Denmark bands like Terrible Feelings and Masshysteri. In some respects, Allvaret remind of a mix of punk and post-punk much like early Samian did taking elements of both worlds into their sound.  – Ed Stuart

Bad Mojos – I Hope You OD LP (Voodoo Rhythm)

The title alone should clue you in that this LP will be no Hallmark movie. Swiss ski mask wearing aficionados play some mean ultra simple punk in the vein of Spits. Bad Mojos really sticks to the influence on I Hope You OD, which isn’t bad because sometimes punk isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s just to release some frustration, which three guys who are landlocked in the Alps do on this LP. Straight ahead lo-fi influenced punk that gets the party started and the keg drunk. – Ed Stuart

Bazooka – Zero Hits LP (Inner Ear)

Greece’s Bazooka is definitely not afraid to mix it up. On Zero Hits, they cover the spectrum of indie rock from more psych influenced to peppy angular indie pop. Bazooka, on their third LP, sings entirely in Greek so good luck to you. There is always Google translate, if that does the job. Bazooka has been kicking around since 2008 and don’t show any signs of stopping now.  – Ed Stuart

Boss  – Steel Box 7” (Goner)

This is an unexpected find. Jonah from Fucked Up and Career Suicide and Maxime from Rixe lead us into a world of bootboy glam like early Cocksparrer and Slade’s sleazy ‘70’s glam rock n’ roll. It’s a pretty bold move to name your band Boss, but on this single they deliver. “Steel Box” is NY Dolls dirty glam rock n’ roll meets Slade’s gritty glam. “I’m The Dog” is a sped up ’77 track that could easily be on a Slaughter and The Dogs LP with bits of early Cocksparrer’s street glam.  – Ed Stuart

Brendan Kelly and The Wandering Birds – Keep Walkin’ Pal LP (Red Scare)

If you’re expecting The Falcon or Lawrence Arms, keep walking. I know; I went there. Brendan Kelly of Lawrence Arms and The Falcon, writes an entirely different record with The Wandering Birds. Keep Walkin’ Pal is more of a singer/songwriter LP with synth influence and appeal. In some ways, it reminds of Hold Steady especially on “Bottle and Tray.” The title track is straight acoustic singer/songwriter, but “Shitty Margarita” is keyboard fueled slower punk.   – Ed Stuart

Clowns – Nature/Nurture LP (Fat Wreck)

Originally starting as a hardcore band, Clowns on Nature/Nurture, their fourth album, have slowly morphed into something else. Now the common thought is that Fat is split into two camps. First are the NOFX influenced bands and second the bands that aren’t like Dead To Me, Night Birds, Pears and Clowns to name a few. Fans of Clown’s discography shouldn’t be surprised by the continued progression. Does Clowns still have some hardcore parts? Yes, they do, but they also mix in more melodic parts and straight ahead punk anthems to get their message across this time.   – Ed Stuart

The Cool Greenhouse – Landlords 7” (Drunken Sailor)

Casio fueled Fall meets Los Microwaves arty coolness. Both tracks are swipes at their titled tracks and both are incredibly British. “Landlords” takes a swipe at you guessed it, Landlords. I get landlords are an easy target and they seem to be a worldwide problem. 4chan, the notorious image site gets their treatment as well. “4chan” satirically goes after a typical 4chan user. Both tracks are simple, minimal and snarky. – Ed Stuart

Death Lottery – EP II (Self-release)

Florida’s Death Lottery is a lo-fi dirty garage punk n’ roll that channels early Stooges with Brian James from the Damned playing lead guitar instead of an Asheton brother. Death Lottery has five tracks in all played in this style, but with a party feel on the vocals.  – Ed Stuart

DFactor Pop – The Bang Session 7” (Self-release)

Phoenix’s prolific power pop songwriter is back with The Bang Session. The A-side is power-pop played like Newtown Neurotics and The Carpettes. It’s rudimentary power-pop with a heavy touch of minimalism. The B-side, Mission of Burma’s “How I Escape My Certain Fate” is played looser than the original.   – Ed Stuart

Freak Genes – III LP (Drunken Sailor)

Round three is here and remember Freak Genes have released three LP’s in 20 months. Charlie (Red Cords) and Andrew (Proto Idiot) continue making their Devo meets 154-era Wire with a stripped down Gary Numan feel. III is fueled by more synth than previous releases and skews post-punk, but Freak Genes mix a variety of influences from ’77 – ’79 to make this a treat.  – Ed Stuart

The Gala – Bad News LP (Dead Beat)

When you’re puking up hearts, it’s definitely bad news. The Gala plays a hard rock n’ roll with keyboards. A lot of reviews compare them to Blondie, which I don’t see at all. Bad News is far dirtier and sleazier than anything Debbie and the boys would ever get into. The Gala take a no frills approach and let the keyboard do the melody talking.  – Ed Stuart

Good Riddance – Thoughts and Prayers LP (Fat Wreck)

Good Riddance was one of the original crop of Fat bands way back when the label started. I think that really dates me, but oh, well. Good Riddance had called it quits only to make a comeback in 2012. Thoughts and Prayers is the second LP since the reforming and ninth LP overall. The opening quote is Gordon Gecko from Wall Street, a movie full of arguably prophetic dialogue. Good Riddance was never one to shy away from social and political topics and they don’t on this new LP. The Good Riddance staples of galloping drums, heavily chunked guitar and octave filled melodic leads are showcased through out. – Ed Stuart

Hakan – III LP (One Chord Wonder)

If you’re a fan of Ramones meets Marked Men style punk-pop, than why haven’t you been listening to Hakan? Who is Hakan, you ask? They are ex-members of Snookys from Italy who really, really like Turkish culture. III delivers the goods just like their first two records did. C’mon take a chance, you punk-pop self won’t be disappointed.   – Ed Stuart

  

He Who Cannot Be Named – The Good The Bad and the Brutal LP (Spaghetty Town/God’s Candy/Beluga)

The most mysterious man in rock and roll is back with his fourth album. On this LP, half of the songs have the word “good” and the other half has the word “bad” in the title. He Who is still playing punk rock with a heavy Ramones influence on The Good The Bad And The Brutal. It’s pretty amazing that He Who has been in the punk game for over 30 years. He Who is most notably known for the riffs he supplies The Dwarves with. Although, according to song lyrics, he doesn’t give a fuck, he writes songs with pop hooks to lure his fans regardless of the song’s velocity.   – Ed Stuart

Lee Corey Oswald – Darkness, Together LP (A-F)

Portland’s Lee Corey Oswald writes straight to the heart of the late 80’s/early 90’s alternative scene. In a weird way, this is Weezer/Everclear, musically, mixed with Bright Eyes, lyrically. Maybe a more current band would be Menzingers. Oswald started as an indie folk duo, moved to Portland and released their debut LP four years ago. Darkness, Together is their follow up LP. Oswald isn’t afraid to put their vulnerability out front, but balance it with crunchy power chords and melody. – Ed Stuart

Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One – All Are Welcome LP (Pirates Press)

Lashley has been involved in the Boston scene for over twenty years now. He has been playing with Street Dogs recently and his long running band Darkbuster. Are All Welcome showcases street punk ethos, blended with Americana. Lashley got some all star help to record this LP with members of Bouncing Souls, Street Dogs and Mighty Mighty Bosstones to help round out his recording band. Lashley does draw from Billy Bragg and adds folk, country and punk touches.  – Ed Stuart

The Lizards – Inside Your Head LP (Adrenalin Fix)

Is hard punk rock n’ roll is making a comeback or did I just have a lot of these bands to review this round? The Lizards are a hard driving punk n’ roll power trio from Spain. Inside Your Head, the band’s third LP, is a mix of faster Joan Jett with bits of later Donnas backed with whoa’s and oh’s vocals. The Lizards aren’t reinventing the wheel, but fans of this genre won’t mind.  – Ed Stuart

The Lost Tapes – Inconvenience LP (Rockstar)

I guess there is a band by the same name in Spain. Spain’s version is very poppy. This Lost Tapes from Germany draw their influences from ‘80’s melodic post-punk and darker bands of the new wave. Inconvenience displays the band’s Joy Division meets Wipers sound. – Ed Stuart

Jacques Le Coque – Positively LP (King Pizza)

What if the Modern Lovers and Television were more power pop? It might sound something like Jacques Le Coque. Positively pulls from all the good ‘50’s, and ‘60’s rock n’ roll and ’70’s power pop influences all rolled into one. This is the band’s third LP after a three year hiatus. This is definitely in Whiffs and Gentlemen Jesse territory for fans of both bands. – Ed Stuart

Miscalculations – Sharp Solution EP (Rockstar)

London’s Miscalculations are back with their new 5-song EP, Sharp Solutions. If this is your first exposure, this is a good place to start. Miscalculations feature Marco of Gaggers fame, No Front Teeth Records and numerous other bands on vocals, but instead of pure ’77 UK punk mayhem, he channels his post-punk side. Sharp Solution is more synth heavy than previous releases, but the musical cocktail is basically unchanged. Wire, Joy Division, Tubeway Army, New Order, Depeche Mode with a touch of Screamers for an late ‘70’s early ‘80’s post-punk romp.  – Ed Stuart

Motosierra – S/T LP (Spaghetty Town)

Uruguay’s Motosierra has been at it since 1999 making a name for themselves in Brazil, Argentina and their home country of Uruguay. This S/T release is their first LP in ten years. Motosierra play a hard rock punk that is greatly influenced by Motorhead and Turbonegro. Unlike previous releases, which were sung in English, this S/T is sung entirely in Spanish.  – Ed Stuart

Mystery Girl – Bad Vibrations 7” (Self-release)

Mystery Girl plays a trashy NY Dolls with a touch of rock n’ roll glam soaked pop that oozed out the local dive bar. Mystery Girl hails from Albany, New York and features members of Bourbon Scum, Neutron Rats, Scuzz, The Rigs, and The Mistake. If these guys lived in Atlanta, they would be playing shows with RMBLR, Ravagers and the rest of the crew. There are bits of The Cry and the dearly departed Barreracudas in the songwriting. Don’t sleep on them, this is just one of four singles they already have released.   – Ed Stuart

Mystery Girl – I Love Kissing 7” (Self-release)

I really should just have written read my other Mystery Girl review on Bad Vibrations, but I won’t. “I Love Kissing” is a sped up Chuck Berry ditty mixed their trashy Dolls meets glam pop rock n’ roll. The B-side, “Shattered Dreams” is more power-pop meets dirty rock n’ roll influenced with a big helping of The Cry and Exploding Hearts. Both songs are really good.  – Ed Stuart

Nasty Rumours – Straight To Your Heart LP (Wanda)

After a slew of singles and compilation tracks, Switzerland’s Nasty Rumours step up to the plate with their debut LP, Straight To Your Heart. Nasty Rumours channel Lurkers, 999 and add their touches of Buzzcocks, Briefs, later Boys, and even Duncan Reid’s solo stuff. All the songs range from ’77 punk to punk-pop with “I’m Not Okay” being the former and “Messed Up Girl” being the latter. It’s a pretty solid debut from these Swiss punks.    – Ed Stuart

Nicotine Pretty – Real Life Glories EP (Glunk)

Welsh glam influenced punk n’ rollers, Nicotine Pretty’s debut EP is also their last will and testament. Real Life Glories follows two digital singles that were self-released from a couple years ago. Nicotine Pretty, featuring members of Sick Livers, reminds me of ‘00’s era punk n’ roll like The Dragons. Heavy guitars mixed with melody. Earlier in the year, Nicotine Pretty did end up calling the band quits due to some member’s health issues.  – Ed Stuart

The Old Firm Casuals  – Holger Danske LP (Pirates Press)

Tim may be wearing the leather in Rancid, but Lars is the band’s street punk warrior. While these two make a superb partnership, Old Firm Casuals is clearly Lars vision. Lars, arguably, has been far more consistent in non-Rancid bands and this shows on Holger Danske. Danske is a Danish legend about a sleeping king who only wakes when Denmark is incredible danger and saves the entire nation. Old Firm Casuals are a combination of tough, gritty, Oi!, street punk meets AC/DC with touches of early British metal. Holger Danske is the band’s second LP and expands on the foundation The Casuals already laid down.   – Ed Stuart

Pale Lips – After Dark LP (Gods Candy / Spaghetty Town / Alien Snatch! / Waterslide)

Montreal’s Pale Lips are done wanting to be bad and now are causing trouble after dark. Their signature ‘50’s bubblegum meets early Ramones meets Chuck Berry riffs enveloped in ‘60’s girl group mystique is still there on After Dark. When the system is working, why fix it? Pale Lips don’t completely just press repeat for their follow-up. “That Ghost Don’t Lie” is a sultry ‘60’s pop number with a dark guitar line with a Motown blues feel. While the overwhelming mood is bubblegum fun in the candy shop, Pale Lips have a little more up their sleeve when needed. – Ed Stuart

Pandemix – In Condemnation LP (Dirt Cult)

Pandemix is definitely a band that refuses to be pigeonholed. In Condemnation, their second LP, is the follow up to 2016’s Scale Models of Atrocities. Pandemix mix ‘80’s hardcore, harder punk, bits of post-punk and goth without relying on any of the genre’s formula. What makes this more impressive is that the band members don’t live in the same state. Pandemix reside in Boston and Pittsburgh. It really does take a certain commitment to keep a band going when you don’t live in the same town.  – Ed Stuart

Pkew Pkew Pkew – Optimal Lifestyles LP (Dine Alone)

Can you party forever? Well, for the majority, sadly no. Someone has to work. If you party forever, where do you end up? Alcoholism? Swapping Starbucks for the local bar for that morning starter? I’m not sure. Optimal Lifestyles is the slightly more grown up companion to their S/T party punk debut. Pkew Pkew Pkew is still playing pop punk, but dealing with the after effects of the party as your body ages. Optimal Lifestyles takes the Pkew x3 formula and adds more Gaslight Anthem melodic style pop.  – Ed Stuart

Proto Idiot – Find Out For Themselves LP (Third Uncle)

Art damaged, it’s like the Fall in bed with Wire, UK art punk and NY no-wave scene. Manchester’s Proto Idiot aren’t only listening to art punk, they do add some garage and bits of ’77 and Gang of Four. Find Out For Themselves is equal parts noisy garage punk and equal parts angular riffs meets funk-ish bass lines.  – Ed Stuart

Rations Noise/Unknown River Driver – Split LP (86’d / Different Kitchen / Tor Johnson / Ersatz Reality / Farsot / Rad Girlfriend)

Both bands arise from the demise of Long Island, NY punk bands Rations who went on undetermined hiatus in 2014. Unknown River Driver plays a ‘90’s based guitar punk that relies on gritty tuneage like early Jawbreaker and Built To Spill. Rations Noise is pretty apropos title for this band. It reminds of late ‘80’s/ early ‘90’s industrial that is big on mechanized drone.  – Ed Stuart

Re-Volts – Leeches 7” (Pirates Press)

Re-Volts are a San Francisco band that until recently had been dormant. In the last year, the band has released several singles and Leeches is one of them. Re-Volts is fronted by Spike (Filthy Thieving Bastards, Swingin Utters, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. Re-Volts musically sound like ’77 punk meets Hives garage.  – Ed Stuart

School Drugs – Relative Suffering EP (Hell Minded)

School Drugs is a New Jersey hardcore punk that draws from Rollins-era Black Flag and other mid-‘80’s punk like Dead Kennedys. Relative Suffering a quick EP that shows the band’s mix of hard punk with melodic vocals that burns straight to the heart of the era.  – Ed Stuart

Shrug Dealer – S/T EP (Self-Release)

These guys didn’t waste any time with the riffage. Shrug Dealer, from New York City reminds me of ‘90’s Fat Wreck era bands like Propagandhi, Lagwagon and early Strung Out. This S/T EP is full of that brand of skate punk/metal with all the quick riffs, start/stops and energy. – Ed Stuart

Sick Of It All – Waking The Sleeping Dragon LP (Fat Wreck)

Can you believe Sick Of It All has been around for over 30 years? That’s impressive for any band let alone hardcore. Waking The Sleeping Dragon is the band’s twelfth LP. Currently, depending on where you fall politically and or socially, I’m sure you can find something to be angry about and that’s where hardcore comes in. SOIA hasn’t seemed to lose a step over the years with their penchant gang vocals, bravado, pummeling drums and crunching guitars. – Ed Stuart

Sore Points – Sore Points LP (Deranged)

Canada is at it again. Of course they are. When Canada isn’t churning out some of the world’s finest power pop bands, they try their hand at KBD punk and guess what, it succeeds. Sore Points is made of members of Nervous Talk, Spectres and other Canadian pedigrees. Sore Points, debut LP, is quick brash amped up Ramones meets Blitz in a KBD knife fight. What kind of combo is that? Listen and find out.  – Ed Stuart

Stephen’s Ruin – Never Too Late LP (Kool Kat)

There is hiatus and then there is a hiatus. Stephen’s Ruin recorded their debut EP over thirty years ago in 1986. In the meantime, Stephen from Stephen’s Ruin ran a pub for over 30 years. Never Too Late is full of ‘90’s guitar pop or a little more mature power pop that isn’t short on melody that has been on a slow simmer for over three decades.  – Ed Stuart

Steve Adamyk Band – Paradise LP (Dirtnap)

Do I really need to write a review for this one? If you have been a fan of modern punk-pop than you have already heard Steve Adamyk Band. Paradise is LP number six for this hard working band. Adamyk is like a Ramones and Buzzcocks punch to the gut. Paradise is leaner and meaner than earlier releases, but they have stripped down to a trio with a brand new rhythm section. It doesn’t matter because the songs are solid as ever. – Ed Stuart

Suspect Parts – You Know That I Can’t Say No 7” (Dirt Cult/Wanda)

The international men of power-pop are back with their new three track single and it’s a banger. “You Know That I Can’t Say No” and “Song For Sadie” definitely carry the third track, which is a slight departure from their sound. The global quartet known, as Suspect Parts comprises of members from More Kicks, Maniac, Clorox Girls and a little band called The Briefs. Does Suspect Parts just simply take parts from all these bands and mix them into a stew? No. Suspect Parts plays a ‘70’s Nerves/early LA power pop meets Protex meets bubblegum. Don’t sleep on this one. – Ed Stuart

The Transgressors – They Made Her A Criminal LP (Super Secret)

The Transgressors summon their outlaw country; rockabilly and Telecaster twang to make They Made Her A Criminal. Now the backstory, the band recorded this LP in 2006, finally made a self-released CD ten years later, 2016, and one of the people that bought the CD was the owner of Super Secret. Super Secret decides to release this Texas twang-y, reverb drenched ‘50’s and ‘60’s era music that pulls from Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens as well as Johnny Cash.   – Ed Stuart

Urban Outfielders – Out Of This World EP (Hidden Home)

In the ever increasing, endless genre realms of punk comes another, baseball punx. Bands singing about baseball and wearing baseball jerseys isn’t entirely new. The Isotopes were one of the first bands I heard doing this. It’s grown into such a movement that there is a short documentary titled Baseball Punx about it on YouTube, but what about Urban Outfielders? Right. Out Of This World definitely fits the mold with songs about “Big League Chew” and Japanese pitcher Ichiro Suzuki. Musically, Urban Outfielders is playing ‘90s/’00’s pop-punk in the Blink 182 and Alkaline Trio vein.  – Ed Stuart

Urochromes – Beat Sessions 7” (Drunken Sailor)

Chaotic, not in a no holds barred way, but more like Jesus Lizard style punk. I couldn’t find a ton of info about Urochromes. Beat Sessions is a very hard driven guitar band, but more in a ‘90’s Touch and Go way.   – Ed Stuart

Vanilla Poppers – I Like Your Band 7” (Drunken Sailor)

One thing about the Vanilla Poppers is that they are committed. I mean three out of four members move from Cleveland to Australia, the home of their singer. If the Pagans played a more scuzzy punk, you’ll get the idea. They play a no frills, raw and dirty punk, which fits their new homeland as well s the city they left behind.  – Ed Stuart

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