Moonraker – The Forest

In this cursed golden age of music availability, it’s not hard to find a band or record that suits your taste. I feel like I’m always sifting through countless Bandcamp pages of stuff that’s ok, but never really gets me to stick with it after a couple listens. Part of this problem is that you can listen to basically any band on earth whenever you want to, often without having to pay any extra money. It’s a mixed blessing, because even though you can find a new band every day that sounds like your favorite music, if anything it becomes more challenging to find something that really grabs you. Then sometimes you get lucky, and Jerry sends you a link to review the new Moonraker record.

Moonraker describe themselves as “The Michael Jordan of baseball of punk rock”. It’s not a very useful descriptor, but I like it, so I’ve decided to include it here. Stylistically, I would say Moonraker are a blend of UK bands Reverse and Stay Clean Jolene, crossed with Banner Pilot. I also hear some 1995 throwback SoCal punk, a la Rhythm Collision. Their most redeemable quality, however, is that they can really write a fucking hook. This collection of songs have some huge choruses, and take plenty of interesting turns. Some bands have that extra gear where they can turn a decent song into an excellent one with a special little bridge or something, and Moonraker definitely have that ability. 

The subject matter seems to mostly be of a dark, personal nature, but the lyrics are well written and only add to the quality of the songs. I had intended to reference specific tracks here, but I’m writing this at work and cannot stretch the illusion of doing my actual job any thinner than it already is. Alas, Upstarter is a budget operation and we are required to maintain day jobs. Listen to the entire thing, I won’t spoil it for you.

I found time to listen to this all the way through pretty much every day during a week where I’m working a ton, have young children, a new Superchunk record that I enjoy, and am also studying up for the Jawbreaker/Jawbox show this Sunday. It’s that good. If you like catchy punk rock, I can’t imagine how you won’t be pumped when you hear this.

–Zach Akenson

Tracks:
Incendium
My First Rodeo
Mouth Full of Rust
Vanishing Act
The Great Glass Elevator
Autumn
Crickets
Fogdancing
I Really Wanted To
In Confidence
The Better Man
Soot

Ease Up – Return to Sender

I’m giving a quick listen to the new three track EP by ska/punk/reggae band Ease Up. I suppose that two and a half songs may be more apt. There are certainly three tracks, but two are very distinct versions of the same song, “Return to Sender” (not a cover). Bear in mind, the order that I am listening to the tracks is not the order that they will be on the release. (See below)

If you are down with any of the above mentioned genres, I think you’ll be pleased with the results of the band’s efforts. The two versions of “Return to Sender” alternate between a decidedly 3rd wave initial take into an sun-drenched island reggae version, heavy on the sleepy ganja-laced vibe. The final track cuts back to the faster and heavier vibe of the first, but with a rather Sublime vs. Less Than Jake appeal.

At the end of it all, this is quintessential SoCal summer beach music. Ska and Reggae vibes mixed with a decent dose of punk swagger.

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Track Listing:
1. Return to Sender (2:43)
2. Turnaround (2:58)
3. Return to Sender (Mix) (3:35)

Get some: http://www.easeupmusic.net

MUSINK 2015

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MUSINK-2015---Poster

BLINK 182, RANCID, BAD RELIGION & YELAWOLF TO HEADLINE 8TH ANNUAL
MUSINK TATTOO & MUSIC FESTIVAL
MUSINK Returns To OC Fair & Event Center On March 20-22 with Performances From Blink 182 w/Matt Skiba, Bad Religion, Rancid, Yelawolf, Sick of it All, OFF!, Ignite and More!
January 26, 2015 – Los Angeles, CA – Southern California’s highly anticipated music and tattoo festival MUSINK will return to the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, CA on March 20th-22nd with an impressive lineup of musical acts including Blink 182 w/Matt Skiba, Bad Religion, Rancid, Yelawolf, OFF!, SIck of It All, Ignite and more! Presented by Blink 182’s Travis Barker, MUSINK will also feature hundreds of world renowned tattoo artists including Robert Atkinson, Jojo Ackermann, Corey Miller, Eric Jones and BJ Betts among others. Tickets for MUSINK will go on sale at 10:00AM PT on Friday, January 30th at http://www.ticketfly.com/search/?q=musink.
Over the last seven years, MUSINK has become the pinnacle festival in Southern California and throughout the country for celebrating music and tattoo culture. Some of punk rock’s most influential bands have graced the stage like The Descendents, Pennywise, Tiger Army, Alkaline Trio, Against Me!, New Found Glory, Suicidal Tendencies, Thrice, The Used, The Cult, NOFX, Danzig, Gorilla Biscuits, H20, Transplants and Rev. Horton Heat, to name a few.
This year MUSINK ups the ante with three nights headlined by punk legends Blink 182 with Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, Rancid and Bad Religion! In addition to the music, MUSINK will host hundreds of tattoo artists, local punk rock vendors and a bevy of food and drink.
Fans can also purchase special VIP tickets to the NEW Johnny’s Saloon & 2nd Floor VIP area in the Baja Bar & Grill. Tickets include in & out privileges, side stage viewing area, access to a very nice VIP area next to the band area with complimentary drinks (21+ only) and discounts on food by the 2nd floor. Single day general admission and VIP passes are available, as well as 3-Day general admission and VIP passes.
Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, January 30th at http://www.ticketfly.com/search/?q=musink.
Stay tuned to http://www.musink.org/ for additional news and updates.
MUSINK 2015 LINEUP:
March 20, 2015
Rancid
Sick of it All
The Interrupters
March 21, 2015
Bad Religion
OFF!
Ignite
March 22, 2015
Blink 182 w/Matt Skiba
Yelawolf
Prayers
Featured Tattoo Artists:
GTC’s Tattooland, Robert Atkinson, Jojo Ackermann, Corey Miller, Eric Jones, Spotlight Tattoo, BJ Betts, Nikko Hurtado, Small Paul, Juan Puente, Baba, True Tattoo, Yushi, Tom Moser, Carlos Torres, Bob Tyrrell, Franco Vescovi, Luke Wessman, Civ, Todd Noble, Tommy Montoya, Little Linda, London Reese, Alexis Vaatete, Kyle Crowell, Latisha Wood, Zero, Picasso, Shuryu, Gold Rush Tattoo, Jamie Schene, Carlos Rojas, Elm St. Tattoo, Chuey Quintanar, Big Sleeps and many more…
For More Information: