In 2022, Hamburg based punks The Gents released their ‘Chop The Rot’ EP. It’s three tracks were rough and ready, but always conveyed a great sound. By taking influence from garage rock, 80s hardcore and punk ‘n’ roll, their energy focused approach injected new life into familiar sounds, and a knack for a sharp musical hook gave their material a real bite.
Category Archives: Album & EP Reviews
GONE STEREO – I’m So Sick / Cool Kids
Following on from ‘Don’t Think About You’ – a single that got a huge amount of attention from online radio station SiriusXM (home of Little Steven’s Underground Garage) – this double hit from Long Island pop-punkers shows off their gifts for very strong melodies in a manner that’s just as effective. Armed with a massive love of early Sum 41, The Ataris and middle period MxPx, the band’s mix of sun-filled sounds and semi-angsty lyrics is in a classic mould, therefore instantly familiar, but that in itself very much works to the material’s strengths.
JOBY FOX – I Once Was A Hawk, Now I’m A Dove
Joby Fox began his musical career as a member of Belfast post-punk band The Bankrobbers, who released material on the legendary Terri Hooley’s Good Vibrations label. Musicians have to grow and change, obviously, and it’s impossible to remain angry at the world for a lifetime; but, that said, Fox’s 2023 solo album ‘I Once Was A Hawk, Now I’m A Dove’ is as different from his formative years as it’s possible to be. It doesn’t even align with his work as a member of Irish pop-rockers Energy Orchard. The album shares a soft, after hours vibe which, used to power songs which stylistically straddle folk, pop and jazz, makes it fit almost into an easy listening bracket. This is by no means a criticism; the laid back moods are perfect for Fox’s voice, which is just one of the record’s many strengths.
LOWER 13 – Deception EP
By mixing elements of thrash and prog metal, Lower 13 have always taken a more interesting approach to constructing huge riffs than a lot of bands, but on their ‘Deception’ EP, their aggressive style takes a giant leap forward.
SCARLATAMUSIC – Rough & Tumble EP
At the beginning of 2022, John Scarlata – aka ScarlataMusic – released his ‘Skatepunk’ EP. By dispensing with all vocals, his work immediately improved, and even though the release’s three tracks were presented with a demo-like quality, his lead guitar work was stellar throughout. In the main, his thrash-based melodies called back to albums like Jason Becker’s ‘Perpetual Burn’ and Marty Friedman’s self-titled disc, creating something very nostalgic.