Punk – Page 12 – Upstarter

Headspins – Spinister

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[rating:8/10]

Here’s a fun little rocker from the mean streets of Chicago. (or rather maybe the poppy and arty streets) Spinister the debut album by Headspins snaps out 11 quality tracks of really peppy rock and roll in the no-frills necessary manner that only trios seem to be able to muster. This isn’t to say that the music lacks variance or range. The band gets a major boost of sonic diversity by splitting vocal duties between the ⅔ male, ⅓ female cast (in addition to some guests)

The tracks are clearly rock and roll, but there’s an unmistakable punk, surf and alt-rock quality to them all, ranging from Pixies and Primitive vibes to near Tom Waitsesque vocal stylings, all along making me think of the Go-Gos joining forces with The Groovy Ghoulies. The lyrics are clever, “I gave her cash. I gave her more. She spent it all like a drunk sai-lor”, for example. I’m on my second round of listening and I’m damn pleased to say that this release is fun and I’m proabably going to have it one rotation for the next few weeks.

I’m on break from my day job at the moment, so I’m going to keep this brief and say that if you like poppy fun rock and roll, you should take a listen to Spinister by Headspins. I know that I look forward to hearing more of them. headspinsrock.com

–Jerry Actually

Tracks:
1. My Way or the Highway 02:47
2. Fallen Down 02:10
3. Star of the Show 02:53
4. Broken Man 02:46
5. Don’t Worry 01:55
6. Miner 05:36
7. Headspins Go! 02:39
8. Paper Street 02:32
9. Keep It Forever 04:51
10. Problematic Tendencies 02:37
11. Anxiety 04:15

The Lumber Jerks – First Three E.P.

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What’s up friends? Craving something new in your ear holes? Bam! Done. I’ve got a tasty little EP here from Joliet, IL (yeah, like as in the prison town, and Joliet Jake for you older kids) band The Lumber Jerks. I humbly present the “First Three E.P.”

As you might expect, there are three full tracks. All of which are fast paced punk rock. The songs are sweet and short and chock full of the fervor that is rarely found outside of youthful three piece combos. Not coincidentally, The Lumber Jerks are such a combo.

If I were to try to compare the sounds being kicked down by this EP, I’d mash it up somewhere around 7 Seconds, Newbomb Turks and The Humbers. It’s a great effect. You should check it out.

I guess the fellas recorded on full analog reel to reel. That’s pretty sweet. As much as I’m a proponent of the modern digital studio, there’s something just so straight up badass about rocking the analog. Of course, I’m listening to mp3s on half good PC speakers, so a lot of that is likely falling on deaf ears.

Anyways, here’s some brand new fresh faced punk rocks for you all to get your grubby little hands on.

http://www.thelumberjerks.com/
http://lumberjerks.bandcamp.com/

Cheers!
-Jerry Actually

Braincell Graveyard – The F*cking EP

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[rating:6/10]

You may recall (you likely don’t) that I reviewed a previous release by Braincell Graveyard. Well, I get the distinct (dis)pleasure of coughing up some more words for this new(er) release. “The F*cking EP) came out about a year ago and I’ve had it sitting on my desk. To be honest, I wasn’t even going to review it, but at the band’s insistence and/or persistence, I gave it another listen.

This new recording doesn’t deviate far from the thematic elements of the previous “Drunk Punk Anthems”. Shooting pornos, blowing loads, and rampant sex are the topic du jour for the “The F*cking EP” as well. I’m certainly not surprised given the title. At this point though, I’m past the sophomoric schtick. It’s kinda the Andrew Dice Clay of punk, only less funny and with far more misogynistic overtones.

The “EP” offers eight tracks (which is a lot for an EP) running between 30 seconds and three and a half minutes. Maybe it’s like an maxi-EP? At any rate, once again, the talent of the performance far outpaces the quality of the concept. I was hoping that the lads had perhaps matured a bit, but alas it’s not to be. Maybe I’m missing out on this whole “Porn Punk” thing and I just don’t get it.

They made the effort, so I appreciate that, but overall, I was left feeling like this is just something that I can’t subscribe to.

If you’re curious, you can find out more about the band here: http://www.facebook.com/braincellgraveyard
–Jerry Actually

Bum City Saints – Spirit of the City

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[rating:8.5/10]

Spirit of the City is fast becoming one of my favorite releases. The disc came out in 2013. I’m just getting around to reviewing. My laziness often betrays me. As a saving grace, I had this CD in my car for a couple weeks and kept listening to it on my daily commute. The more I listen, the more hooked I become.

For those that don’t know about this band, (including myself) They hail from the bay area and have been rocking the fuck out since around 2007. Like many other badass rock and rollers, they’re a trio. And, as if you didn’t already know it, the triangle is the strongest geometric shape found in nature. Don’t believe me? Look it up.

At any rate, Spirit of the City is an intense blast of punk rock channeling the energy of both West Coast punk and East Coast hardcore. The sound, while distinct is reminiscient of Rancid, Jughead’s Revenge and Agnostic Front (albeit with more whoa whoa whoas)

The release kicks out 13 tracks. You can check out their Reverb Nation (http://www.reverbnation.com/bumcitysaints) page for a sample.

Support local punk rock, kids! Go find some of this and go see them live if you can. And stay tuned, ‘cause I hear there’s some new music from Bum City Saints coming out in the next few months.

–Jerry Actually

The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute

I’m so late on this review that I hardly think it’s fair for me to even write this, so I’m going to clip the press release for you, and tell you that this is an inspirational album in tribute to a punk rock legend. The profits from this release go to the Tony Sly Memorial Fund, so please help if you can and pick up a copy of this release.

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PRESS RELEASE BELOW:

Legendary San Francisco-based punk label Fat Wreck Chords has announced the release of The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute. Set for an October 29 release, the 26-track covers album was recently compiled to celebrate the life of the late No Use For A Name frontman Tony Sly, who passed away on July 31, 2012 at the age of 41. Featuring bands such as Rise Against, NOFX,Yellowcard, Simple Plan, Bad Religion, The Bouncing Souls, Frank Turner and many more covering No Use For A Name songs, The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute is a unique showcase of Sly’s poetic and philosophical songwriting gift delivered through this varied assemblage of artists, fans and musical colleagues. Profits from the sale of the album will go towards the Tony Sly Memorial Fund(http://www.tonysly.org), which has been established to assist Sly’s wife, Brigitte, and their daughters, Fiona and Keira.

With over one million albums sold collectively throughout its 25-year career, No Use For A Name are one of the most successful and prolific acts to come out of the ’90s skate-punk scene. In 1987, at the age of 17, Sly joined No Use For A Name and immediately proved to be an essential part of the band due to his knack for effortless songwriting. He helped the band release its full-length debut,Incognito, in 1990, which was produced by Bad Religion guitarist/songwriter and Epitaph Records label head Brett Gurewitz and released by Bay Area record label, New Red Archives.

In 1993, No Use For A Name would go on to sign with Fat Wreck Chords for the release of their album The Daily Grind. But it would be the release of the band’s next full-length album, Leche Con Carne, in 1995 that would be credited for providing the band with an increase in wider popularity. This album featured the song “Soulmate” which was the first Fat Wreck Chords single to ever receive airplay on MTV. Collectively, Sly recorded nine studio and live albums with No Use For A Name and spent 23 years extensively touring the world, including five Warped Tour stints and countless music festivals throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South America.

Sly was loved and respected by a wide variety of artists and musicians, and nowhere is that more evident than the roster of contributors to The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute. Bands from the Americas, Europe, Australia, UK, and even Israel contributed to this final chapter in the storied career of No Use For A Name and serves as an essential body of work honoring Sly’s celebrated talent and memory.

The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute track listing:

01. Karina Denike – “Biggest Lie”
02. Mad Caddies – “AM”
03. Strung Out – “Soulmate”
04. Rise Against – “For Fiona”
05. Bad Religion – “Let It Slide”
06. NOFX – “The Shortest Pier”
07. Snuff – “On The Outside”
08. The Bouncing Souls – “Homecoming”
09. Old Man Markley – “Feel Good Song of the Year”
10. Lagwagon – “Discomfort Inn”
11. Teenage Bottlerocket – “Via Munich”
12. Frank Turner – “Keira”
13. Get Dead – “Premedicated Murder”
14. Pennywise – “Devonshire and Crown”
15. Alkaline Trio – “Straight from the Jacket”
16. Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem – “Capo 4th Fret”
17. Yellowcard – “Already Won”
18. Swingin’ Utters – “Not Your Savoir”
19. The Flatliners – “Fireball”
20. Simple Plan – “Justified Black Eye”
21. Useless ID – “Frances Stewart”
22. Jon Snodgrass & the Dead Peasants – “On The Outside”
23. American Steel – “Dark Corner”
24. Frenzal Rhomb – “Flying South”
25. Anti-Flag – “Toaster in the Bathtub”
26. Joey Cape with Scorpios – International You Day”

Booze & Glory – As Bold As Brass

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[rating:8/10]

Fresh off the presses! (as of 01/28/2014) “As Bold As Brass”, the brand new LP from London’s hard working Oi! band Booze & Glory. It’s a rollicking and rowdy one indeed and sure to be a hit with all you street punks and Oi! fans out there. To be honest, this is my first listen to the band, but I like what I’ve heard thus far.

Seriously though, as fans of Oi! and street punk know, any self-respecting band of the genre is going to have driving rhythms, blue collar themes, a whole lot of loyalty to friends and fans, and of course, choruses that are chock full of, “Oi! Oi! Oi!”. “As Bold As Brass” doesn’t disappoint in that department at all.

The songs are solid and well played. This is a band that, while admittedly crafts simple, straight-forward songs, does what they do well. You know what? There’s nothing in the world wrong with that. I like my rock and roll to have a little bit of street edge and a chorus that I can scream along with at the top of my lungs to the point where the next day I’m so hoarse that you can barely understand a word that I’m saying. That’s what the fun’s all about, isn’t it?

Speaking of “about”, as a sidebar, the band’s vocals and syncopation reminds me subtly of Scottish/Canadian punk rockers the Real McKenzies. Odd perhaps, but I guess not entirely out of the vein. At any rate, this an album worth checking out for fans of both Oi! and punk rock.

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Tracks:
1. Off We Go!
2. Leave The Kids Alone
3. Down and Out
4. Waiting For Tomorrow
5. One of Them
6. Julie
7. Only Fools Get Caught
8. Sick of You
9. Farewell Goodbye
10. I Hope You Still Remember
11. Cock & Bull Story
12. We’ll Stick Together
13. Always on the Wrong Side (Bonus Acoustic Track)

Gold Daggers

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[rating:8.5/10]

Here’s an interesting one. Gold Daggers are a two piece self-described “alternative/punk/shred” band from Los Angeles, CA. The new self-titled release is largely as described: “drums, bass, and yelling, which is rad.”

I’ve got to tell ya, I was both concerned and intrigued by the description. I’m glad I took the chance to give it a listen. The combination of sludging distorted bass and frenzied drums really works. I’m also happy to report that despite the description, there yelling isn’t omnipresent. The band mentions Fugazi, Deftones, Mastodon, Black Flag and Retox as references, but at the moment, I’m really thinking a more punkish Sonic Youth (with considerably less Kim Gordon), Helmet, and definitely some Motorhead bass influence.

Sometimes working with a minimal palette yields incredible results. By forcing the medium, the overly derivative and trite can sometimes be overcome. Not to gloss over things, but I’m writing this as I listen, and trying to play catch up (as always), so I’ll keep it to this: Great stuff with a refreshingly different sonic profile. Bass heavy with some amount of yelling, albeit less yelling than anticipated.

Check out the new self-title release from Gold Daggers here: golddaggers.bandcamp.com

Looters – s/t 45

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I’ve got my hot little hands on some new vinyl; the self-titled 45 from Brooklyn New York’s Looters. The band is a four piece consisting of Eliot Pride on guitar/vocals, Shane E. Kerton on drums/backing vocals, Gerard Smith on bass/backing vocals, and Dante Tuxedo on guitar. As mentioned, the band is outta Brooklyn NYC. The 45 showcases two tracks of Looters chops, with Fall Alone on the A-side and Looters on the flip.

The cuts on the record are very heavy rock influenced as much by punk as by 60s garage and 70s heavy metal. The 70s can be distinctly heard in both the bass lines and the guitar solos. Perhaps oddly, the vocals, at least in the way words are drawn out and certain line breaks, I find reminiscent of Danzig. Not the style/tone mind you, just a certain approach. Combined, it adds up to a pretty decent sound. It’s fresh and new. Not in a new car smell sort of way, but in a full on restoration way. New paint on old parts if you will.

If you’re interested, you can listed to seven full tracks on their Bandcamp site.

Cheers,

Jerry Actually

The End of 2013

Just wanted to drop a quick note to say thanks to all the bands, promoters, and labels who have submitted material for review to !upstarter in 2013. I’m humbled that you appreciate our reviews enough to send your hard work in for critique.

Thank you too to fans of the site and music in general. We wouldn’t keep doing this without you.

It’s been a rough slog this year and I apologize to all the bands that we were unable to review. I promise that we will make a better effort in the years to come.

Thanks again for your support and have a brilliant new year!

-Jerry Actually

Szewska Pasja – trzy, dwa…

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[rating: 8/10]

It’s been a bit since I’ve done any reviews. I guess I kind of hit a wall with words. Occasionally, something shows up in the mail box that makes me remember why I keep doing this. A few weeks ago I received a CD from Poland. Here’s some more words about that experience:

Szewska Pasja is a four piece punk band from Łódź Poland. If you are from the USA, chances are you’re saying Where the hell is that? Well, I looked it up, ‘cause I didn’t know either. It looks to be about smack in the middle of country. Since we’re taking a bit of an instructional turn, Google Translate indicates that the band and album are: Shoemaker Passion – three, two … Take that with a grain of salt. I don’t speak Polish. Enough with the lesson though.

Szewska Pasja seems like a pretty rocking band with a mix of surf and street into their brand of punk rock. All the vocals are in Polish, which is pretty rad. It gives me a sense of how it feels to be a kid rocking out and singing along phonetically to some big pop hit from another country, well minus the pop part I guess.

Trzy, dwa provides 11 tracks of fun and often bouncy punk, heightened for me by virtue of understanding nothing but the language of the music. The musicianship is solid and the recording is quite acceptable for what, as far as I can tell, is a DIY effort from a seemingly young band.

I wish I had some mp3 links for you, but alas, all I have is this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/szewskapasja.12 Perhaps if you speak Polish you can find some on your own.

The takeaway: Sweet Punk Rock from the (former) Eastern Bloc!

–Jerry Actually