Category Archives: 80’s

00's, 80's, 90's, Columbus, Festival, Live Shows, Music, Punk, Review, Ska

CONCERT REVIEW: PUNK IN DRUBLIC FESTIVAL | LEGEND VALLEY | COLUMBUS, OH | JUNE 24th & 25th

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This review may have taken a minute to complete, mostly because of life, but also because of the high I was on from such a killer weekend of music and friends.

When I think of the band NOFX, I have so many countless memories, like seriously, it is probably unhealthy how much this band means to me.

I recall the first time my friend Mike put on “Linoleum” for me when we were teens. I fell in love almost instantly with them and have not stopped listening since. I have all of their albums, tons of their 7″s, plenty of ticket stubs, and a slew of merch including a 90s red bucket hat that is bleached from the sun and doesn’t even fit on my fat head.

I first saw them in 1996 at Warped Tour in Cleveland that was under the Valley View bridge at Cloverleaf, a former racetrack turned flea market on a gravel lot. Two years later they played with Hi-Standard and the Bouncing Souls at the Agora where after the show they asked me to take them to the local nudie bars, but my pals with me were underage so they moved on to the next bunch of fans and off they went.

Just like everyone else out there who appreciates this punk rock foursome, I was legit bummed out when they announced NOFX was going on one last tour.

Of course they wanted to finish up touring in style:

40 Years, 40 Cities, 40 Songs

They announced their final tour would be presented by Fat Wreck Chords Punk In Drublic and that they would be bring plenty of supporting acts with them. I about fell out of my chair when I saw the Columbus lineup and knew I had to be there:

June 24th

Bad Cop Bad Cop
Codefendants
Adolescents
Strung Out
Less Than Jake
Circle Jerks

June 25th

The Last Gang
Mustard Plug
Get Dead
Suicide Machines
The Bouncing Souls
Descendents

The added bonus was two nights of NOFX playing five of their albums in their entirety in addition to an entire set.

The albums they picked for Columbus were:

Punk in Drublic
Wolves in Wolves Clothing
White Trash, Two Heebs, and a Bean
So Long and Thanks for all the Shoes
The Decline

It is worth noting that the band was actually supposed to play Self/Entitled originally, but Smelly learned the wrong album so they just decided to go with it.

There was no way I was missing this weekend, and I did not. I lucked out and was able to join some of my pals who opted out of camping in favor of an AirBnB and, at my age, I was totally ok with that. What was even cooler is that I secured a photo pass and came out of retirement in a sense to shoot the set. Saying I was stoked was an understatement.

Legend Valley is actually about 30 minutes east of Columbus and is a stage, some gravel, and a hill of grass. It is like a bare bones Blossom Music Center and I was completely fine with this. It reminded me of Cloverleaf, that flea market grounds I first saw NOFX at.

Each day for the first three hours, breweries from all over handed out “10” samples of their hoppy goodness. The quotes are because it was more like unlimited. I am not a drinker anymore so cannot tell you what was the best out of them all, but my pals all were feeling pretty good by late afternoon before even buying their first over-priced can of alcohol.

Aside from the brewery tents, there was merch galore by Fat Wreck, Smart Punk, and others. There were a few food trucks too closer to the stage. Punk Rock Saves Lives was doing their thing and Dylan Flynn from Pass the Bass had a tent where he was raising money for the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) by taking donations and selling merch.

As an added bonus, Jared Gaines was selling his punk inspired flash on prints, pins and shirts. He even drew up limited edition flash specifically for the Ohio Punk in Drublic show:

Come 2pm, the bands started playing every hour on the hour. They played mostly 30-minute sets each to give enough time for the next band to get set up and have sound check.

Bad Cop Bad Cop started the festival off. This all-female band played as if they were head-lining the weekend and people were just eating it up. Linh Le’s energy was indescribable during their set. It should be noted that throughout the entire weekend, she and Stacy Dee could be seen on the sides of the stage singing loud and proud. I loved seeing this support for the touring bands as well as just two women living the moment just like all of the other thousands of fans in attendance.

Codefendants were the one act I really wanted to see, and I am glad I was able to. This punk/rap hybrid may not have fit the bill compared to the other acts, but they delivered and were just amazing to watch. Dee from Bad Cop Bad Cop came out to sing her verses in “Disaster Scenes” which honestly I was hoping for. Sadly, The D.O.C. did not join them on stage during “Fast Ones,” but goddamn that song sounded amazing live. I was overly impressed with their set and have the feeling the won over a ton of new fans.

Seeing the Adolescents live just incredible. Tony Reflex rocked a large black mask that covered his face and he tore through their set as if it wasn’t even there. I think the one thing that hit me while watching them was knowing that Steve Soto passed just around this time of the year in 2018. Hearing “Welcome to Reality” and “Amoeba” was an added treat.

Strung Out was entertaining as hell and they flew though some great tracks without slowing down one bit. Opening up with “Too Close to See” just started off their set with plenty of momentum. I was stoked to hear “Daggers” as well as “Bring Out Your Dead.”

Less Than Jake never disappoints. I absolutely adore this band and I was not the only one. Everyone was having a good time to this band, singing along to tracks like “Lie to Me”, “Look What Happened”, and All My Best Friends are Metalheads.” I lost my mind and sang as loud as I could when they played “The Science of Selling Yourself Short.”

The Circle Jerks had a bit of a longer set as they were the last band prior to NOFX taking stage. Keith Morris took some of this time just to chat it up with the crowd. Some of me wishes they played more songs, but at least I can say I got to hear “Wild in the Streets” and the version “When the Shit Hits the Fan” which may have been the best thing to happen day one to this aging punk rocker.

NOFX took the stage and Fat Mike admitted he was slightly under the weather and on some antibiotics but did not let that slow him down at all. I have to admit, they did it right by not playing the albums they planned to cover from start to finish. By mixing up the tracks from Punk in Drublic as well as Wolves in Wolves Clothing, this was more than night one of their last show, it was a straight up blowout.

They played so many great songs, but I was most stoked to hear “Theme from a NOFX Album”, “Don’t Call Me White” and obviously “Linoleum.” Hearing “Doornails” with Lee playing acoustic guitar was incredibly poignant. I was with my pals for most of the set and can honestly say I was in the best company possible. They took one break, caused many laughs, and did exactly what they said they were going to do by playing 40 songs.

Having made it to the end of the night, we opted to skip the Melvinator after show DJ set in lieu of heading back to the house we were staying at, but we screwed up and sat in a van in a field for likely the entire performance. At least there was A/C in there… I am kicking myself for missing that one as I heard it was a good time.

Day one was just what I was hoping for. I got to see tons of bands I appreciate and did so with pals I have known for almost 20 years. The crowd was awesome all around too and everyone really seemed to be enjoying themselves. I had thought I would see more drunken debauchery around the grounds, but maybe I was not looking hard enough. I also learned that a certain minivan had a kick to it and may have done an accidental burnout in front of a cop on the way out…

Day two came up quick and literally flew by. My pals went for the beer tents as soon as we arrived and I went for the merch booths and stood my ground preparing to take more shots of the bands.

I just have to add that out of all the shows I have shot in my life, this was the first show/fest that I buddied up with other photographers. If you guys are reading this, thanks for being rad and I enjoyed covering this weekend with y’all.

Ok, back to what most of you likely care about…

The Last Gang stsrted off the second day and completely won me over. I admit I sat on this ska punk band for years now, and that ended on a Sunday afternoon in Columbus. Brenna Red and crew played hard and promised the crowd they would come out and sign things after the set. I can confirm they did this for some super excited fans. Their set was just awesome and almost matched that Bad Cop Bad Cop-day-getting-started kind of energy. Their cover of “Guns of Brixton” was well received by many in the crowd as well as some of their originals like “Gimme Action” and “Noise Noise Noise.”

Mustard Plug literally pulled in a good crowd and as soon as ” Not Enough” started, the place went crazy. I am not sure security was ready for that one so early in the day. The energy these guys had was just outstanding and you could tell they were enjoying the response from the crowd. At one point they played their version of “Waiting Room,” and naturally everyone sing along. Their set was from start to finish just perfect and hearing “Aye Aye Aye” as well as “On and On” just ruled.

Get Dead was another band I was really excited to see. They played a great set full of old and new tracks including “Hard Times” and “Stickup.” Seeing them pull off “Abscessed” was just incredible. I loved that they also played “Fuck You” and I was not the only one as everyone joined in on singing duties.

The Suicide Machines had the place going crazy the moment they tore into “Islands.” Jason Navarro admitted he too was partaking in the fun and was feeling good. I swear, he spent more time against the crowd letting them take turns singing than on stage. Aside from a slew of tracks, “Break the Glass” and “New Girl” were sung loud and proudly by yours truly, along with thousands of other fans. I loved the moment when he gave a shoutout to my dudes in the Toledo punk band, Shitty Neighbors.

The Bouncing Souls certainly had plenty of fans and one of them even had a gift for them. It was a small toilet with “TOILET SONG” written on it. It made its way to the stage and Bryan was happy to hold it up, but the band admitted it was not on their set. No one really cared because they played plenty of old and new tracks for all to suck in. “The Gold Song”, “Sing Along Forever” and “Hopeless Romantic” were the tracks I enjoyed the most. I honestly wish they took the stage longer and I know I was not the only one.

The one band I was most stoked to see play was the Descendents and they sounded perfect. They nailed every song and played a hell of a set. I loved hearing “Everything Sux”, “Silly Girl”, “Clean Sheets”, “.Merican”….I should stop here right? No way, not this time. They also played “I Don’t Want to Grow Up”, “I’m the One”, “Bikage” and even “Weinerschnitzel.” It was just freaking perfect.

So something happened to me before NOFX took stage that sadly I will never forget. I was catching up with one of the other photographers up my the merch tents and an inebriated, young man approached us and spotted our VIP tags and cameras. He asked us if we could get him backstage to which we explained to him this VIP was not really all access, but more of an opportunity to use a bathroom with AC. He put his hand on my shoulder and asked me if I could help him grant his dying wish. I told him it really depended on the ask and he told me he had cancer and wanted me to get his bracelet to Fat Mike in hopes Fat Mike would yell at him. I told him I was not sure I could commit to that and encouraged him to try and just get close and give it his all. I am not sure the truth behind the interaction, but I really hope the best for that young man.

NOFX took the stage likely for the last time in Ohio before the sunset. Just before this happened, the band, along with many performers over the weekend took a moment to do a celebratory shot behind Smelly’s drumkit. It was seriously bittersweet to see this moment. They came out son after just as they did 24 hours ago dancing to the “Time Warp Dance.”

Once again, they blasted through songs off the albums they promised to play in their entirety: So Long and Thanks for all the Shoes and White Trash, Two H–bs, and a Bean and well as tossed in some others including their cover of Rancid’s “Radio” and even “Can’t Get the Stink Out.”

I enjoyed their second set slightly more than the previous night’s. Mostly this was due in part to finally seeing NOFX play “The Decline.” For years when I would see them play shows since the song came out, they would tease it, but they never committed. I was happy and sad as they played this punk rock opus. In fact, at the very end, I was overcome with emotions, and I know I was not the only one. If this band never plays Ohio again, at least the last song I got to hear was the one I have been hoping they would play for me for years.

For two nights, NOFX played my favorite albums in their catalog and more. I was in great company and could not have had a better time. They brought on so much talent with them to make the festival even more special. I left that Sunday night on a high I have not felt in a long time. It was an incredible sendoff for a band I have been listening to for 30+ years.

As my friends and I left, I could not help but to think to myself how lucky I was to have been able to make this one. Fatherhood has changed life for me over the years in the best ways, and I was not sure I was going to be able to make this one work let alone cover it, but there I was, leaving Legend Valley with my pals about to do one more burnout in the mini-van just to get some last laughs by everyone with me.

Day 1 Photo Dump (more will be added soon):

Day 2 Photo Dump:

80's, Experimental, Interview, Music, Music Video, Punk

Interview: Kira Roessler (Black Flag, DC3, dos)

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For well over half my life, I have appreciated all things punk rock. This blogsite here really has stuck around because of that notion. I love listening to the genre, I love talking about it, and specifically I love being part of the community.

I find myself fascinated with 80s and 90s punk mostly perhaps as it was what I was solely focused on as a teen and just is a comforting reminder where I came from. I love learning of side-acts and projects from many of the members of these bands that have helped fuel my life.

A couple months back I was given an opportunity to chat with someone who I have always been a fan of since my early days of becoming obsessed with punk rock. It is no lie, she’s played in one of my favorite bands that I never was able to see back in their heyday.

Thanks to her releasing a debut solo album, Kira Roessler was available for an interview and I made sure I jumped on this opportunity.

If you have no idea who Kira is, then I will give you the high-level recap. She once was the bassist for Black Flag, but that isn’t the only think you should know. Her punk roots go pretty far back to the point Pat Smear and her were in a band called Twisted Roots.

She actually was asked to join Black Flag while she played with DC3 – Mind you, DC3 was fronted by Dez Cadena, formerly of Black Flag,.. – Anyways, she later formed a dual bass band called dos with Mike Watt soon after and dropped a few albums before moving on to other avenues in the film industry. Where not completely removing herself from music, her priorities shifted.

Throughout her musical career, she matured into a more prolific bassist which in turn just continued to impress me. Her solo album is no exception and where it has been years in the making, it is everything I would have expected to come from her.

I had a million questions I wanted to ask Kira, but also did not want to be a nuisance so toned it down some which in turn became quite a great conversation.

Check it out:

BHP: Hey Kira, not going to lie, slightly freaking out over here given your musical history and the the impact your music had on me growing up.  I must say I am so stoked to have a moment of your time and promise I am not going to just ask about Black Flag from the get go.

Instead, I’ll start off asking about MinuteFlag.  I love that EP so much although hate that the music essentially was released because of Boon’s untimely passing.  I am just curious though, how did this collaboration come together in the first place?

Kira: Wow – not many dig this deep. Well Minutemen and Black Flag were obviously label-mates on SST.  For a while Mike worked at the office at SST. I am not sure what the deciding factors were, I know the Minutemen often felt a little competitive with the other bands – they did a double album because Husker Du did one. But Black Flag was jamming pretty regularly in practice, and playing instrumental material regularly. But I do not know who suggested the joint recording. Mike and I hadn’t done the two-bass thing yet and I felt like it was hard to find space during the jams with another bass wailing away. It didn’t really come out as well as he hoped and I think that was part of why they agreed to wait until one of the bands no longer existed to release it. But I like it, it’s pretty weird.

Photo credit Rachel Roessler

BHP: Ok, now that I got that out of the way, what took you this long do something on your own terms?  Given people you have surrounded yourself with throughout your life, many who have done solo projects themselves, I’d have thought you would have done something decades ago.

K: Well I have been recording my own music in my room for many years. Building songs virtually by sending ideas to other people who then would add their parts just became a good way to operate. Since I work a lot of hours sometimes, most of my bass work happens early in the morning which is not necessarily when others want to play. So I have had a body of work (so to speak) for a while. The intention was never really to release any of it. But Kitten Robot had a label and my brother Paul approached me and said they wanted to release a record. I turned 60 this year and it was somehow the right time. It doesn’t hurt to have someone ask. I will always be making music, though, whether it is released or not. That is where the joy comes, in the creation.

BHP: In a day and age of global pandemics, I assume a lot of what was recently recorded came from constant solitude.  What was differed this time for you about recording music?  

K: Actually much of the music was recorded before the pandemic.  Working alone in my room made sense to me long before 2020. The actual final phase of polishing and mastering happened in 2021, so very little of this record had it roots in the pandemic. I did write some songs during that time… and I actually mixed and mastered a record for my favorite guitar player Glenn Brown of his songs, that I had written bass lines. This material was created virtually as well. I just tried my hand at mixing and mastering since I needed an extra project during the pandemic. 

BHP: Your debut is very intimate and carries experimental vibes throughout.  When you started recording this did you have an idea of where you were headed, or was this more of a “let’s see where this takes me?”

K: My music always tends to be very personal. I am moved to write from a feeling or idea that comes from inside, and I try to capture it with my bass and then my voice. This particular group of songs tells a story – it is chronological – so I did not know exactly where I was heading because it was written across time as things were happening.

BHP: Who was “The Ghosts” about?  I really enjoyed that one and figured I would at least ask.

K: “The Ghosts” captures the story of the record the best in a way. It is a story about love and loss. “The Ghosts” was written at a time when I was facing a loss and all the losses that had come before in my life came into my head and heart like ghosts… appearing to torment me just as I was facing this new pain … 

BHP: Your brother helped with producing this release and dropped it on his label, Kitten Robot Studios.  It absolutely kills me by the way that he more or less hung out with Darby Crash and Pat Smear in high school by the way.  Anyways, what was it like to work so closely with him when putting things together?  

K: Paul and I have a very close relationship. We have been in bands together and gone through this long journey together. But working on my songs at Kitten Robot Studio I feel that our collaboration has grown a great deal. Paul’s music tends to be very lush and layered and it doesn’t necessarily come naturally to him to leave the spaces. I am quite the opposite. So he will help me with ideas of layers to add, and I will strip away things I feel are using up too much space. It’s a dance. On my songs, he gives me ultimate decision making so in a way – he just works hard to facilitate what I am trying to do. He is an excellent producer in that way. His goal is to help people achieve their vision.

BHP: Do you think you’ll do a small tour to support this release?  

K: I do not have any plans to tour. I do not have any plans to play live. I will say that I am trying to find a way to share something, some kind of event, but I have not but a vague concept so far. 

Photo Credit: Jack Grisham

BHP: One thing I really have admired about you is once you parted ways from the L.A. punk scene, you started experimenting with sound in dos first from a far and then in person, contributed to some of the most essential releases in various ways.  and then managed to become a dialogue editor and sound editor.  How were you able to accomplish off of this?  Did you make any sacrifices to take leaps towards any goals you may have had?

K: Of course it can feel, at times, like it is a sacrifice having to put my musical life to the side in order to make a living… but the truth is that I have been nothing but lucky.

When Mike and I thought about having a two bass band – we were very clear that for us to have the space we needed, there needed to be no other instruments. I learned a lot during dos about leaving holes and spaces and also how to find the spaces in order to add something. It became my preferred sound or style, not to have everything on top of each other. My tastes became stripped down, because I could hear the emotion better. And after all, I love music when the people playing are felling something and then I get to feel it too. That became the goal. 

In terms of work, I studied computers at UCLA and then became a computer programmer to support myself after college. But working in the corporate world was kind of miserable for me. I am a non-conformist and the corporate world insists on conformity. I felt like an oddball the whole time. Then I met a guy by chance through Paul who was doing sound for a USC student film. Paul was composing for it and I played some bass. I became enamored with the idea of using my musical background and my computer background to work in sound editing for television or film. I twisted the guy’s arm to hire me and answered phones and did admin work until I could learn the skills I needed to contribute in sound. Just lucky – because it is work that suits me very well.

BHP: Luck or not, I am sure it was not easy, can you tell me about some challenges you overcame?

K: Well of course the biggest challenge is to achieve some kind of balance. To make a lot of music, work on a lot of great projects – but there are only so many hours in the day. I go through times when it is very hard to find time to create music because work is challenging. And I am not a prolific song writer. I go through very dry periods when the ideas just don’t come, or the ability to translate the ideas feels stuck. But I try very hard to just appreciate what I have – recognize how lucky I am, and not focus on what isn’t happening at any given time.

BHP: Clearly you have so many stories about your life from the mid-80s onward.  Have you ever thought about maybe writing an auto-biography?

K: I find writing to be a pretty challenging type of work. It does not feel natural, especially to blather on about myself. Then there is the problem of having to remember all those fascinating details that I should remember. And actually my life before the 80s had some pretty cool stuff too!!

BHP: If you could regroup with one band you played with in the past, which would be be and why?

K: Interesting question. Like go back in time? Or like the re-hash thing where groups re-form after years off and do a record or tour? The truth is that for me, the idea of re-creating something years after the fact is less appealing than doing new music and moving forward.  I do not regret any of the time I spent in any band … but that doesn’t mean I want to revisit them. For me there is always the journey forward, with new things to say, and potentially new people to say them with. So … I got nothing.

BHP: You know, I wanted to follow-up here and just say regroup with any band you ever played with and for the sake of nostalgic purposes, but I get what you are saying and understand sometimes dripping back isn’t as purposeful as looking ahead.

Finally, probably one of the more important questions.  You said in your bio you are a dog mom.  Tell me about your pups.

K: I currently have 3 rescued dogs … all seniors 14, 12, and 10 years old. They are 20 pounds and under, as I live in a 2 bedroom condo. For them, there is room to run if the mood strikes them. The oldest, Jim is in some ways the most active. But he has gone almost completely deaf … which is hard for him.

Hank, the middle child, is the problem child. He has bitten my husband and I on more than one occasion. Generally speaking he feels that he is under attack at times and those are dangerous times indeed. He is 15 pounds of fury in those moments. Luckily they are relatively rare.

Our youngest is our female, nicknamed Stinky … the reason is probably self-evident. She is a sweetheart, very calm and loving… she just prefers to wear a layer of yuck if she is able to find one. But we (my husband and I) love them all dearly.  I never had kids – so my dogs give me that opportunity to nurture and care for a being who loves me unconditionally (most of the time).

BHP: Thanks for your time.  I enjoyed the release a lot!

K: Thank you, and I am glad you enjoyed the listen.

Kira, the debut solo album by Kira was released on 19-OCT-2021 on Kitten Robot Records. Check out the video below for the song “The Ghosts”:

80's, Music, Reggae, Review

Album Review: UB40 – Signing Off [40th Anniversary Edition]

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I will preface this review with I never initially appreciated UB40 for all they were worth.

Growing up in the 80s/90s, certain hit songs played over and over on the local airwaves to the point I mistook them for a UK pop band. I basically wrote them off until the day I played Signing Off in the record store I managed years back.

At first, the album was tossed in the mix just to ensure everyone shopping in the store that day was not stuck listening to hip hop, metalcore, or punk rock music. Little did I know, I would soon appreciate and adore the entire album a mere hours later as it shuffled throughout the morning.

It was more post-punk than reggae at times, with strong political lyrics as well as just telling it how it is without holding back. As someone who loves ska and 2 Tone, I was just amazed of the music throughout. I started hearing other bands in them realizing how big of an influence they must have been for bands to mimic their style. I remember calling myself a fool for not getting into them earlier.

UB40’s debut release, Signing Off, was released 4 decades ago in the summer of 1980. To celebrate, the band has released a 40th anniversary edition double LP for fans old and new to adore. Featuring the singles “I Think It’s Going To Rain Today,” “Food For Thought,” and “King”, the release also includes three bonus tracks.

With the pandemic of 2020 causing a world of pain to so many, the politically-concerned lyrics throughout the album are more relevant today than ever. Case and point, “Tyler” easily could have been a modern day release based on the current events that seemingly remain unchanged.

“King” is as powerful as it was the first time I heard it. With this listen, I was reminded how poignant this track pertaining to Martin Luther King Jr. was. Last year’s actions by so many hateful people really proved nothing has changed as “they’re not ready to accept that dream situation, yet.”

Randy Newman’s “I Think It’s Going To Rain Today” remained an incredible cover. This was one of the tracks that helped UB40 get noticed as it hit number 6 in the UK.

I still adore “Food For Thought.” This hypocritical song about Christmas carried a chipper sound but the lyrics of suffering and poverty called out so many who fake their way towards the end of the year.

Title track “Signing Off”, still gets stuck in my head hours after I listen to it. That saxophone playing just is so likable that I find myself humming it randomly. There are plenty of ska moments in this track. I think the best part is how the lyrics pertain to today probably more so than they did 40 years ago when so of us just have reached our limits and need to log out of social media.

The translucent red 2LP release is just stunning to look at. The original album artwork remains the same. My only hope was that perhaps the band could have included more than three unreleased songs that honestly have already been released. I would be interested hearing some demos and alternative takes on some of these classic songs, plus a unused side of a record is always a sad thing to see.

Regardless, this is a great release that I feel more people need to give a chance and include in their collection.

Get past your feelings about their hit songs you may not agree with and dig deep into the UB40 catalog for their debut is monumental when it comes to music in more ways than one.

TRACKLIST

A1. Tyler 
A2. King 
A3. 12 Bar 
A4. Burden of Shame 
B1. Adella 
B2. I Think It’s Going To Rain Today 
B3. 25% 
B4. Food For Thought 
B5. Little By Little 
B6. Signing Off 
C1. Madam Medusa 
D1. Strange Fruit 
D2. Reefer Madness

You can purchase your own copy by clicking on the following link:

Signing Off Limited Edition 2LP
80's, Music, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: Subhumans – Crisis Point

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I have to hand it to the legendary Subhumans for dropping an absolutely amazing release this year titled Crisis Point.

It’s been over 10 years since the band even dropped a studio release and since the mid-eighties before that.

Was I concerned about this?  Not really, but I would be lying if I told you I thought I would be enjoying it nearly as much as I do.

Honestly, had one of these new songs dropped on a playlist somewhere, I might have took it in and moved on thinking it was just something from their past, but luckily I was made privy to the album thanks to Pirates Press Records and have been listening to it on repeat for months now.

Dick Lucas sounds the same when “Terrorist In Waiting” started, which is a good thing in my book, as honestly did the band.  Sometimes things are best left unchanged and the Subhumans proved this to me just one song in.  It was fast, angry, and exactly what I needed.

Tracks like “Follow The Leader” kept on with the band’s ethos I’ve appreciated for easily 30 years now and seemingly fit so well with today’s clamored current events.

“Strange Land” wasn’t anything I haven’t heard before by the band and was a nice reminder why I even became a fan in the first place.  It reminded me of something that should have been on the Repo Man soundtrack.  This track was just great as was the following track “99%”.

“Poison” wasn’t catchy, calling for attention, or anything of that nature.  It was an anthem of sorts for those who want to listen and take the ideology and make their own judgements.  This is what I have always loved the most about this band.

“Thought Is Free” closed out the album and is honestly about as classic sounding as something that came off of their debut release.  I was amazed listening to this track knowing it’s 2019 and this band that has been around almost all of my life sounds almost exactly same and carries that same energy.  This song alone blew me away.  I loved everything about it.

It’s not a rubber stamped statement toward a seasoned band. There really are not many acts out there that I can say have been able to do this.  What is “this” you ask?  Keep their roots, stick to their sound, and haven’t a care about results.

My hope is that the younger generation will pick up this album and it opens up doors musically enticing them to sit back and get lost in this band’s impressive catalog.

This isn’t meant to say you hanging punkers out there won’t appreciate this.

If you once listened to The Day Country Died and have the slightest hesitation to hear new music by them, don’t be a fool.  Get on it now.  Thank me later.

70's, 80's, 90's, Metal, Music, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

EP Review: Charger – Charger

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Not trying to prove my age here folks, but I have been a fan of Operation Ivy and Rancid for a good 25 years now.

Needless to say when I heard that Matt Freeman had a new project on Pirates Press Records, I had to stop what I was doing to check it out.

Freeman has been in so many punk rock bands since the late 80s aside from Rancid including MDC, Dancehall Crashers, Auntie Christ, and of course Devil’s Brigade.  He even filled in for Social D for a bit. His bass playing is undeniably amazing and his deep, raspy singing style is unforgettable.

Having known his history, I figured Charger would follow suit, but I was so wrong and beyond blown away at what I heard.  Sure, there was a Hellcat feel, but smashed up against pure hard rock a la Mötorhead and Black Sabbath.

I shouldn’t just speak of Freeman as two other talented-ass musicians put their heart and sound into the self-titled Charger EP.  Andrew McGee plays guitar and then there’s Jason Willer on drums and vocals.  He’s from Jello Biafra’s Guantanamo School of Medicine and some other band called U.K. Subs.

“Crackdown” started with the bass playing I have grown so fond of along side some serious guitar playing.  The moment Freeman took the mic, I knew this album was gold.

The breakdown in “Victim” is tough and ever so authoritative.  The band clearly tossed massive nods to metal bands of the 80s/90s without losing grip of their punk roots.  You know the band had all the fun playing this one.

“Damage” ripped.  Riffs, slapping bass, insane drumming, and Freeman bellowing into the microphone.  There was a huge Hawkwind and Iron Maiden nod on this one.  This track right here is proof that this band has a ton to offer.

“All Kings Must Die” pretty much was what would happen if Rancid and Mötorhead had a baby.  There’s really no other way to put it, and it works just so well.  Beyond entertaining to listen to as it covers metal, thrash, and punk rock without skipping a beat.

“Dragged Down” again pushed back to 70s/80s metal giants like Maiden and Metallica.  The chorus on this one was perfect and evoked serious headbanging opportunities.

The EP might have flown by, but it was flawless and left me wanting far more.  Here’s hoping for a full-length soon.  Freeman, McGee, and Willer easily have proved their talent in this release will surpass the expectations of many.  I foresee a lot of music lovers getting into this one.  It’s topped my best of 2019 list easily and I have listened to the EP daily for a few weeks now and not grown tired at all of it.

Side note, if Charger was the music that Fraser, Buscemi, and Sander would have played in Airheads, it would have been the greatest movie of all time.  I am not sure why I kept thinking of that movie while listening, but I couldn’t help but share.  Plus if you recall, Lemmy was in that movie…