After 12 years since their debut dropped, I have to admit I was shocked and overly stoked when Western Addiction announced that they were dropping a sophomore album on Fat Wreck Chords.
What got me even more stoked was to hear that Joey Cape was producing it and Dead To Me’s Chicken was back offering bass duties.
Once I heard all of this news, I was like a giddy little kid impatiently waiting to hear it. I loved Western Addiction’s debut album, it ruled on so many levels. Finally today, I was able to check out Tremulous and it does not disappoint at all.
“Clatter and Hiss” started things off well. The energetic track really proved to me that this album was going to be sick. “Masscult, Vulgarians and Entitlement” was just a rager of a song to listen to. I dug the vocal ranges throughout as it just added an enjoyable edge to it.
The tough “Taedium” was just perfect to listen to tonight after having a stagnate day at the paying gig. I could not help but to think about Mötorhead on this track, and that is not a bad thing at all. Add the fact that Propagandhi’s Todd Kowalski dropped some vocals in it make it even that much better for me. This was a hell of a track.
“Red Emeralds” was a short track, but one that left a mark. This hardcore track was full-forced from start to end.
The guitar playing on “Humming Bars of White Light” reminded me one again of Mötorhead, again, not a bad thing at all. This track ruled.
Then there was “The Rockery”. This track was all over the place with a hardcore feel that morphed into a punk rock jam that eventually all ended by a guitar solo like no other.
Album ender “Your Life Is Precious” was written in tribute to the band’s friend, and Enemy You frontman, David Jones. This track was not like the others and easily was my favorite cut off the album. I loved the different approach taken and really was reminded of something Danzig might have done in this prime. Not saying there are “woahs’ and “yeahs” being screamed, but I am saying a damn fine song took you on a ride.
Western Addiction really have dropped a killer release. This punk/hardcore act has delivered after a 12 year wait and did not cut any corners in doing so. If you are looking for something to listen to without smooth edges and loud, check out Tremulous.
