The Uppers’ debut EP ‘Get Down With…’ introduced garage rock fans to a high energy band whose stock sounds often sounded like a souped up version of The Real Kids. Armed with a 60s twang and a CBGB’s punk energy, the St. Louis four piece immediately sounded ready to take on the world.
Tag Archives: punk
THE DROWNS – Just The Way She Goes / 1979 Trans Am
2023 was a particularly busy year for The Drowns. The US punk ‘n’ roll band – featuring ex members of The Shell Corporation, The Briggs, and Success – released a split with The Last Gang, another split with noise punks Wonk Unit, and a cover of Sweet’s classic ‘Ballroom Blitz’. The latter continued to show off their massive love for 70s glam fare, having already covered Slade’s ‘Know Who You Are’ the previous year. In addition, they toured extensively, and their live shows even took in a huge run of dates across Europe. It’s almost as if The Drowns had long given up on the idea of sleeping…
THE GENTS – Responsible Dog Walker EP
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.
THE BEATERSBAND – 52 Ways To Murder EP
The Beatersband’s third full length release – the aptly named ‘Vol Tre’, released in 2022 – was a really fun slab of punk ‘n’ roll. The Italian band put their own stamp on a variety of cover tunes ranging from Del Shannon to The Troggs, and although it could never claim to be “high art”, the DIY recording showed off some great bass work and enthusiastic vocals. In short, despite never aiming for perfection, the release made it easy to hear why fans of punk and high energy rock ‘n’ roll might love these guys.
MALADROIT – Real Life Super Weirdos
Back in February 2020, just before the world went utterly tits up and various things became far more important than punk rock, French band Maladroit released a great EP entitled ‘Steven Island’. Its four songs blended simple punk hooks with Spielberg obsessed lyrical themes, and although it was all rather silly, it showed off a band that could knock together a catchy tune or three. Obviously, that EP subsequently got lost in the noise, but as with all good music, it’s never too late to check it out retrospectively. You’ll be glad you did.