by: Tommy DeSilva
Epicycle – You’re Not Gonna Get It: 1978 – ’81 [Compilation] – [Hozac Records]
Epicycle is a 4 piece Punk band from Chicago that was a prominent force in the punk rock scene during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Although the band never had much mainstream success, they were still able to accumulate a large following throughout the Chicago punk scene. Characterized by sharp guitar hooks, simple melodies, and raw vocals, Epicycle’s sound is very reminiscent to that of many other mainstream punk artists such as The Damned, The Clash, and Cheap Trick. Hozac record’s release of You’re Not Gonna Get It: 1978 – ’81 showcases Epicycle’s unique sound and recognizes them for how important they were to the Chicago punk scene. Tracks to definitely check out on the compilation include; “Hardcore Punk,” “High School Junkie,” “Underground,” and “Residential Area.”
First Base – First Base - [Hozac Records]
First Base are a 3 piece Punk band from Toronto, ON. Their debut album First Base is just what a punk band’s first album should be like; fast, raw, and simple. The songs on this album feature elements that are very similar to those used by many other well-known punk bands such as The Ramones, The Dickies, and MXPX. Some of these elements include catchy guitar hooks, upbeat drumming, and lyrics about everyday teenage struggle. Tracks to definitely check out on this album include; “I’m All Alone Again,” “No Surprise,” “I Don’t Wanna Be Your Dog,” and “I Broke My Mind.” First Base is planning to tour in the U.S. this Spring.
Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues – [Total Treble Music]
Against Me! is a 4 piece Folk Punk band from Gainesville, FL. Their new album Transgender Dysphoria Blues is a concept album that is solely based around lead singer Tom Gabel’s (now Laura Jane Grace) transition from living life as a man to living it as a woman, as well the struggles that come along with this transition. Despite the controversial topics posed on this record, it is still as powerful and as catchy as any other Against Me! record. This album features a combination of many sounds that are reminiscent of different ‘90s rock bands such as the Foo Fighters and Jane’s Addiction as well as some of their former Fat Wreck Chords label mates NOFX, Propagandhi, and Bracket. Tracks to definitely check out on this record include; “Transgender Dysphoria Blues,” “Unconditional Love,” “Drinking With the Jocks,” “FUCKMYLIFE666,” and “Paralytic States.”
The Rebel Set – How to Make a Monster – [Burger/Silver Hornet Records]
The Rebel Set are a 4 piece Surf Punk band from Phoenix, AZ. Their new album How to Make a Monster is an interesting mix of classic 1960s surf music and 1980s punk rock. The band’s instrumentations on this record are very similar to those of The Ventures, Dick Dale, and The Surfaris through their heavy use of reverb, twangy guitars, and keyboards. Although, when the tempo of these songs speed up and the vocals get added in, heavy punk rock influence can be seen from bands such as The Ramones, The Damned, and the Germs. The artist that The Rebel Set can be compared to the most though is Surf Punk legends and Orange County natives Agent Orange. This is because like Agent Orange, The Rebel Set are able to create a pure mixture of punk and surf rock through their music. Tracks to defiantly check out on this album include; “Riddle Me This,” “Monster,” “Bubblegum,” “Ghost Writer,” and “Outta My Mind.”
Share
|
|
