by: Tommy DeSilva
Off! – Wasted Years – [Vice Records]
Off! is a 4 piece Punk Rock supergroup based out of Los Angeles, CA featuring Keith Morris (Circle Jerks/Black Flag/Flag) on vocals, Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides) on guitar, Steven McDonald (Redd Kross) on bass, and Mario Rubalcaba (Earthless/RFTC/Hot Snakes) on drums. Their new album Wasted Years is an awesome record that brings the feeling of ‘80s hardcore punk into the present and lets listeners know that Punk is definitely not dead! Wasted Years has all of the ingredients that a good Punk Rock record should have; it’s fast, loud, and aggressive! It also has the bonus of no song topping the 2 minute mark, which helps it pack a very big punch! Tracks to defiantly check out on this album include; “Void You Out,” “No Easy Escape,” “Over Our Heads,” and “Death Trip On The Party Train.” If you like what you hear on this record, you should out Off! live at the Roxy in LA on April 23rd.
Gnarwolves – The Chronicles of Gnarnia [Comp] – [Purenoise Records]
Gnarwolves are a 3 piece Pop Punk band from the UK. To gain exposure in the U.S., Purenoise Records released a compilation of the band’s first 3 EPs entitled The Chronicles of Gnarnia. Even though Gnarwolves are labeled as a Pop Punk band, they actually have a very diverse sound that roots back to that of ‘80s punk rock & ‘90s emo. Some of the sounds that can be heard in their songs of the past and present include twangy guitars, pounding drums, and catchy melodies. Tracks to definitely check out on this compilation include; “Party Jams,” “Reaper,” “History is Bunk,” “A Gram Is Better Than A Damn,” and “Coffee.” Gnarwolves are planning to tour the U.S. in the near future.
Impulse – Chula Violence – [To Live A Lie Records] **Re-Issue.
Impluse are a 4 piece Hardcore/Power Violence band from Chula Vista, CA. Because of their prominence in the Chula Vista hardcore scene, To Live A Lie records decided to re-release Impulse’s 2nd full length album Chula Violence, due to its limited release in 2012. Chula Violence is a fast, loud, and in your face record that launches 14 songs at you in just under 10 minutes. As you progress through the 10 minute furry of this album, the songs seem to become more and more aggressive, which makes you want to get up and start a pit! Tracks to definitely check out on this album include; “Alone,” “Monster,” “Chula Violence,” and “Wrong.” Impulse is a band that definitely takes pride in their city and who has earned the support of the people within their local scene.
Comeback Kid – Die Knowing – [Victory Records]
Comeback Kid is a 5 piece hardcore punk band from Canada. Their new album Die Knowing marks the band’s first new release in 4 years. After taking an extended break from the studio, Comeback kid returns with an even louder, faster and harder record than they’ve ever made before. The songs heard on Die Knowing feature elements that sound very similar to those used by various ‘80s and ‘90s New York Hardcore bands such as Madball, Sick of It All, and Judge. Influences of ‘80s thrash bands such as Anthrax and Megadeth can be heard in this record as well. Tracks to definitely check out on this album include; “Lower the Line,” “Should Know Better,” “I Depend, I Control,” and “Didn’t Even Mind.” You can catch Comeback Kid live at Chain Reaction in Anaheim on March 20th with Backtrack, Xibalba, Downpresser, and To The Wind.
Rust Belt Lights – Religion & My Ex – [Adeline Records]
Rust Belt Lights are an up and coming 5 piece Pop Punk band from Buffalo, NY. Their new album Religion & My Ex is a really catchy and upbeat record that is characterized by front-man Zach Dietsch’s songwriting ability. Chris Parker of Alternative Press described the sound of this record best where he said “[This] 12-song disc crackles with machine-gun drum rhythms and crashing hard-candy guitars bashing out pop-punk hooks.” Tracks to definitely check out on this album include; “Wasted Wishing,” “Old Ghost,” “Stay Young or Try Dying,” and “Parkside.” If you are a fan of The Swellers, Motion City Soundtrack, or The Wonder Years, I highly recommend that you check these guys out!
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