Unfinished Business: Guerrilla Teens - "I Cyclops"/"Pride of the Savanna"

As I was closing out the year and looking for review drafts that for some reason never got published, this Guerrilla Teens piece from October caught my eye. How in the world did I forget to finish this thing? Back with their first new release since 2023's fantastic long player Under the Dagger, Guerrilla Teens totally rip it up with a pair of tracks that fit the mood of the spooky season. But in a way, it's nice to listen to this single again with fresh ears. Even with the horror theme, this is by no means a strictly seasonal release. 12 months a year, these tunes will melt your face off. Guerrilla Teens remain one of the finest rock 'n' roll bands going, and "I Cyclops" is as good as anything they've done. Out on Heavy Medication Records, this is an absolute monster of a single (no pun intended). On the A-side, the band gets into the head of a perceived monster. What's it like to be feared and misjudged by a world that won't even try to understand you? Scott "Deluxe" Drake turns in a powerful vocal performance on this track — a fierce and ferocious shot of old school punk rock 'n' roll. On the B-side, "Pride of the Savanna" stays on the horror theme and manages to evoke wild '60s garage rock without coming off overtly retro. The guitar work and rhythm playing are inspired, and Drake delivers his vocals with a chilling conviction. I believe there are still vinyl copies left, so be sure to grab one if real rock 'n' roll is your cup of tea! 

-L.R.

https://heavymedicationrecords.bandcamp.com/album/i-cyclops-pride-of-the-savanna
https://guerrillateens.bandcamp.com/album/i-cyclops-b-w-pride-of-the-savanna
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057052313560
https://www.instagram.com/guerrillateens/

The Idolizers - KA​-​BOOM!

Before I've even wrapped up the year, I'm already looking ahead to the next one! New York punk rock 'n' rollers The Idolizers have an album titled KA-BOOM! coming soon on Sioux Records. This will be the band's third release and first on vinyl. In a way of a preview, they have shared four of the tracks via Bandcamp. Of course you can always expect raw, high-energy rock 'n' roll from The Idolizers. But these new songs hint at the variety of sounds that KA-BOOM! will have in store for us. "All Those Things I See" brings fast and furious heat. "Gasoline" is fully in action rock territory and a smasher at that. But on "Gimmie Gimmie Your Love" and "Apocalypse Kids," you can hear the band leaning more into '70s-style poppy punk. If Ryan Meyers is putting it out, you know the album is gonna be crackling! Be ready for a KA​-​BOOM! in 2025!

-L.R.

https://idolizersnyc.bandcamp.com/album/ka-boom-2
https://www.facebook.com/IdolizersNYC/
https://www.instagram.com/the_idolizers/

Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin - Records/Split with Shake Some

Man, do I ever feel like a knucklehead for being late to the party on Rob Moss's third and latest album. I'd been meaning to do a write-up on this release for a while, and quickly the weeks turned in to months. A tendency for procrastination is clearly one of my worst character traits. Thankfully the release of a new split with Shake Some has provided the occasion for me to atone for my goof and bundle a couple of reviews. 

Records is the follow-up to 2022's Now with More Rockets, and it's even better than its predecessor. Moss, who is well-known for being a member of Government Issue and Artificial Peace in the '80s, is now in the midst of an impressive second act fronting his band Skin-Tight Skin. On Records, he again works with drummer Danny Frankel. Tom McNally (bass, backing vocals, Hammond C3 organ) rounds out the band, and a huge cast of guest stars contributes lead guitar and backing vocals. Moss repeats the concept from the last album where each track features a different lead guitar player, and why mess with a winning formula? The only thing better than having an amazing lead guitarist is having eleven amazing lead guitarists! As is sometimes the case with a follow-up album, Records takes everything that was good about Now with More Rockets and makes it even better. As a songwriter and singer, Moss is really settling in to a signature style and point of view. His love for first wave punk and proto punk is palpable, but he's not doing an imitation of past greats. And lyrically, he's really got something to say, and he does so with a mix of truth-telling, self-reflection, and sarcastic humor. If you enjoy old school punk rock with songwriting that's relevant to the present day, you're going to love this album. The rhythm section is a powerhouse, and all the guest lead guitar work is positively scorching. Moss shows an even greater command of his unique voice — sometimes taking a classically "snotty" approach and other times mixing singing and speaking in a very cool way. You can tell this guy has been listening to punk rock music for as long as it has existed. 

What really impresses me about Records is how strong the songs are from start to finish. My initial reaction to "We Just Don't Know" and "Hey You (We're Sick of You)" was "Wow, what a 1-2 punch to start an album!" But I quickly realized that there's zero drop-off from there. "We Just Don't Know" is truly an anthem for our times — a song that blends serious commentary about the secrets kept by the powers-that-be with some of the funniest lyrics I've heard this year. "You and Time" is a very profound reflection on how time is perhaps the most precious thing in life. "So let's all make the best/Of the time we've got/Enjoy the ones we love/And let the haters rot" ought to be everyone's new mantra. "The World (Is a Playground)" is a duet with The Shang Hi Los' Jen D'Angora that also features Danny the K on lead guitar. It has more of a classic new wave feel to it and is definitely one of the highlights of the album. Moss and D'Angora sound great together, and the joyful vibe of this track really appeals to me. "I Got Lots of Problems" is another choice slice of '77-style punk rock 'n' roll that pokes fun at those folks who never take any accountability for the things that go wrong in their lives. "Right Hook" is in a similar vein. We all know some of those people who are completely full of themselves and so certain that they're on top of the world. And then, boom! Life punches you in the face. "The Next Time (I See You)" is a very relatable song about struggling to stand up to that person who knows how to make you feel small. "What Happened (to the Rock 'n' Roll​​​)​​​?" is dedicated to the late, great Jack Lipton. The title says it all, doesn't it? Closing the album with a dub version of the opening track definitely feels like a nod to first wave punk. But here's the thing. I've skipped "Wild Dub" many times when listening to the first Generation X album. But I actually like "We Just Don't Dub." I think it's a very clever and skillful arrangement of the song, and it closes a fantastic album on a really fun note. 

While I'm clearly a lame-O for being two months late on my Records review, I am happy to report that Moss also has a brand-new split single out with Bordeaux, France–based power pop trio Shake Some. This particular concept for a split is a favorite of mine. Each band covers one of the other's songs and puts it own twist on it. So you've got Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin (on this track featuring Moss, McNally, Gil Leigh, and Steve Naff) covering Shake Some's 2023 single "Slow Down" while Shake Some does its own version of "I Got Lots of Problems." Any fan of either band will want this single in their collection. If you enjoy this collaboration, you're in luck. Moss has some more splits lined up for 2025!

-L.R.

https://skin-tight-rock.bandcamp.com/album/records
https://www.facebook.com/RobMossAndSkinTightSkin/
https://www.instagram.com/rob_moss_and_skin_tight_skin/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWoIBUaKzCO6Jzuqf3khVPA

The Circulators - Insufficient Fun

It was nearly two years ago that San Francisco's The Circulators seemingly came out of nowhere to melt the faces off of garage geeks and old school punks across the globe with their smash hit debut cassette release. Total Punk Records took notice and now proudly presents The Circulators' proper debut album, Insufficient Fun. On this ripping long player, the band tears through 14 tracks of '77-style punk rock 'n' roll that spews attitude and hooks in equal abundance. This, my friends, is pure, unadulterated, no-bullshit punk fucking rock. If you like your punk snotty, rockin', and catchy as hell, this record is going to be in heavy rotation in your bedroom, garage, basement, party pad, beer garden, sex dungeon, or wherever else your turntable might reside. Only one track exceeds three minutes, and the majority don't go far past two. When it comes to this style of music, Insufficient Fun is about as good as it gets. Play this fucker loud and remind yourself why you fell in love with punk rock in the first place.

-L.R.

https://totalpunkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/insufficient-fun-2
https://thecirculators.bandcamp.com/album/insufficient-fun
https://www.instagram.com/thecirculators/
https://totalpunkrecords.com/

The Plane Crash - Nostalgia For The Gutter

The Plane Crash, hailing from Portland, Oregon, is the type of band I used to write about frequently back in the day. This is a no bullshit, down and dirty, blood & guts punk rock 'n' roll band that worships at the altar of Johnny Thunders, Chuck Berry, and The Stooges. This group wears its influences on its sleeve and sticks to the business of playing three-chord rock 'n' roll with force and feeling. Mark Death (The Hot Lz's, The Halfways) is on vocals and lead guitar. He's joined by Harry Gadd on bass guitar and backing vocals, Rich Peterson on lead guitar, and Erik Haines on drums and lead vocals. The band's LP Nostalgia For The Gutter makes me nostalgic for all those 1990s American punk rock 'n' roll bands that pumped new life into the OG punk rock of Detroit, New York, and Ohio. Lean and mean at just nine tracks in 23 minutes, this album is chock full of raw energy, ripping guitar solos, and fuck-off attitude. There was a time in my life when I would come across a record like this three or four times a month. Now I'm lucky if that's three or four times in a year! So it's great to hear The Plane Crash pull off this style so well. Any band with Mark Death in it is going to be awesome, and he has found himself some kindred spirits with serious chops. Nostalgia For The Gutter is full of killer tunes and well worth exploring if real deal punk rock 'n' roll gets your heart racing.

-L.R.

https://theplanecrash.bandcamp.com/album/nostalgia-for-the-gutter
https://open.spotify.com/album/1tU5orD0KKO0QQQpzHVtkH
https://www.facebook.com/theplanecrash

Premiere: Moron's Morons - "Slash Dance" b/w "I'm Afraid You Will Die"

I am honored to premiere the new single from Moron's Morons, Warsaw's most dangerous punk rock 'n' roll band! "Slash Dance" b/w "I'm Afraid You Will Die" will be releasing next week on Sweet Time Records, a label which has been absolutely killing it over the last couple years. And speaking of killing it, these two new tracks from Moron's Morons are not for the faint of heart! I've always admired this band for its commitment to keeping some shock value in punk rock yet never letting that be secondary to writing great songs. This new record just might be the best thing the Morons have ever put out. It's a raging double shot of blood & guts '70s punk rock 'n' roll that's tailor-made for the 7" format. "Slash Dance," with its wonderfully demented vocal, buzzsaw guitars, and powerhouse drums & bass, is seductive in the most sick & twisted way. Ya gotta love it! On the B-side, the blistering "I'm Afraid You Will Die" absolutely lives up to its title. If you're a longtime fan, you know you're gonna need this record. And for anyone interested in the very best of today's garage/punk/rock 'n' roll, I highly recommend this release along with the full catalogs of Moron's Morons and Sweet Time. Stay tuned to Sweet Time's Bandcamp for updates! 

    

-L.R.

https://moronsmorons.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/moronsmoronspunk
https://www.instagram.com/moron.s_morons
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OvWgNbVXuTbKSZwbdlVAr
https://sweettime.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sweettimebooking/
https://www.sweettimerecords.com/

Intrusive Thoughts - "Daytime Drama"

Today I've got an absolute ripper for you from the new international punk rock band Intrusive Thoughts. The band is based in Harrisburg Pennsylvania and Freiburg, Germany and features our friend Greg Lonesome on lead vocals and Oli W from Trenchkoat on guitar and bass. Zack Olsen (Recoils, Preacher Boy Trio, Slow Gherkin, etc.) plays drums. The band's debut single "Daytime Drama" is a ferocious shot of rockin' old school punk with a very important message. Greg wrote the lyrics as a reflection of how he felt before starting therapy. These lyrics are very raw and intense, and that's really the point. He has put this song into the world in hopes of breaking the stigma surrounding men's mental health. Of course "Daytime Drama" is a dark song, but it ends with a glimmer of hope. Of all the things that are disheartening about modern-day society, few are more disheartening (or damaging) than this popular notion that mental illness is a weakness and that seeking help makes you a weak person. Clearly the opposite is true: I'm awed by the courage Greg has to put himself out there like this, and I know the main reason he's doing it is to encourage people who relate personally to the song to seek help if they haven't already. He brings these lyrics to life with a powerful vocal, which is matched in intensity by Oli W's guitars. What a great and urgent debut! And it's a free download from Bandcamp. A little birdie told me this band may be releasing a cover of "Obsessive" The Vicious featuring an extra-special guest star vocalist, so stay tuned! 

-L.R.

https://intrusivethoughtspunkrock.bandcamp.com/track/daytime-drama
http://rnrmanifesto.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rnrmanifesto

The Daniel James Gang - "Misery"

It has been over three years since I reviewed Indonesian Junk, one of my favorite bands of recent times. While I'm sad to say that IndoJunk has called it a day, I'm happy to report that Daniel James has revived their solo project The Daniel James Gang. New single "Misery" features Daniel teaming up with Logan Stang and Miski Dee, and it's an absolute monster of a song. It was originally written for Indonesian Junk, so you have some idea of what to expect. This is power pop for people who love glam-punk — or is it the other way around? This tune blends face-melting energy with ultra-catchy guitar hooks and powerful vocals that fully capture the anguish of the lyrics. Daniel sings the hell out of this song and rips it up on guitar as always. The vibe is a little like the Dead Boys and Johnny Thunders getting together to play power pop, and I am here for it! More singles are to come from The Daniel James Gang, so stay tuned!

-L.R.

https://indonesianjunk.bandcamp.com/album/misery
https://open.spotify.com/album/6f4J39lKd6nWr9ZfT36tzz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PTiTMZ-aqA
https://www.instagram.com/danieljamesgang/

The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs - Call the Dogs/Crazy Operator

Well it's April 1st, but I'm not fooling around. Today I've got not one two new EPs for you from one of the best rock 'n' roll bands out there. With these two new releases, The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs pick up right where they left off on 2021's killer long player One More Drink. Call the Dogs is a ten-inch record out on Warsaw's Heavy Medication Records. Crazy Operator is a 7" out on Madrid's Ghost Highway Recordings and limited to 250 copies. Both of these releases were timed to coincide with the Cheetahs' tour of Europe — which is still ongoing with several gigs in Spain over the next few days. Altogether, this is eight tracks of the Cheetahs doing what they do best: high energy rock 'n' roll in the classic punk style with hooks for days. Call the Dogs kicks off with a title track that's vintage Cheetahs. Channeling the primoradial ooze of punk music, this rocker is every bit the ass-kicker the title suggests. The band's recent digital single "Victim of the Service Industry" is next, making its vinyl debut. It's truly an anthem for these times. "'80s Baby" is a total ripper for fans of blood and guts '77-style punk. "Long Haul" closes things out on a slightly poppier note with hints of classic Bowie. Crazy Operator comes roaring out of the gates with the scorching title track, followed by the hooky glam rock 'n' roll of "Wake Up" and a wonderfully creative arrangement of Pete Shelley's synth-pop hit "Homosapien." "Let's Dance," an old Cheetahs' favorite, is pure fire and a perfect closer for this EP.  Needless to say, you need both of these records if you're a Streetwalkin' Cheetahs fan. Closing in on three decades as a band, the Cheetahs have never sounded better. They are the definition of aging like fine wine. They've got some hot tunes for us here — with many more to come in the near future! 

-L.R.

https://heavymedicationrecords.bandcamp.com/album/call-the-dogs
https://ghosthighwayrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/crazy-operator
https://open.spotify.com/album/7LJ5ojNZe3702pLB8dV8WF
https://music.apple.com/us/album/call-the-dogs-ep/1733161947
https://thestreetwalkincheetahs.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheStreetwalkinCheetahs/
https://www.instagram.com/streetwalkincheetahs/

The Von Dread's - Gotta Go!

Hailing from Valencia, Spain, The Von Dread's play high energy '70s-style punk rock 'n' roll with the emphasis on the rock. What's not to love about that? Gotta Go!, the band's debut EP, will be out later this month on Madrid's Snap!! Records. It's a ripper! The American punk influences (Dead Boys, Dictators, Real Kids) are obvious, but there's a discernible Aussie punk flavor to these tracks as well. If you dig snotty vocals, smoking guitars, and a rhythm section that refuses to adhere to the posted speed limit, you are in for a treat. Any way you slice it, this is very well-done punk rock 'n' roll with attitude and energy to burn. It's 2024, and bands like this still exist. I'll drink to that!

-L.R.

https://snaprecordsspain.bandcamp.com/album/the-von-dreads-gotta-go-ep-fun-7089

Angel Face - "I Can't Go Back" and self-titled LP

Out today on Slovenly Recordings, we get the debut album and the second single from Tokyo punk rock supergroup Angel Face. This is the latest band from guitarist Fink (Teengenerate, Firestarter, The Raydios), and it's in the same vein as his previous groups. In other words, you need to own these records! Toyozo from The Fadeaways is on bass. Hercules (vocals) and Rayco (drums) round out a red-hot lineup. If, generally speaking, Firestarter was always like a more power pop Teengenerate and The Raydios were a more '70s punk leaning Teengenerate, then Angel Face is the best combination of all those bands. The sound is vintage Japanese trashy garage punk with first wave punk influences and pop hooks for days. The new single "I Can't Go Back" and self-titled full-length will disappoint absolutely no one. If you like your punk rock 'n' roll raw, catchy, and brimming with attitude and energy, you might as well stop reading now and go smash those "buy" links. Every time Fink comes out with a new band, we wonder if it will be Teengenerate-ish. Well, Angel Face most definitely is. "I Can't Go Back" and album cuts like "Bad Feeling," "Bring Me Back," and "USA" definitely give me the same thrills I got from hearing Teengenerate for the first time. The album is limited to 666 copies, and the single is limited to 333 (with supplies dwindling!). So hop to it if want that Angel Face vinyl!

-L.R.

https://slovenly.bandcamp.com/album/angel-face-angel-face-lp
https://slovenly.bandcamp.com/album/angel-face-i-cant-go-back-b-w-new-generator-ep
https://www.instagram.com/angelface_band/
https://www.facebook.com/p/ANGEL-FACE-100075900317764/
https://www.slovenly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/slovenlyrec
https://www.instagram.com/slovenlyrecordings/

Perilous - YEAH​!​!​!

When it comes to the debut album from Buffalo, New York's Perilous, the title YEAH​!​!​! tells you pretty much everything you need to know. Right off the bat, you can expect high-spirited music that begs to be played as loudly as possible. When the email came in from guitarist extraordinaire and punk rock lifer Bob Cat, I knew the band was going to be good. Also in Perilous are Pauline on vocals, Renee on bass, and Paul on drums. YEAH​!​!​! delivers ten tracks of high energy old school punk with a big rock sound and massive pop hooks. This band isn't trying to reinvent the wheel here. It's throwing it back to the heyday of punk rock 'n' roll and doing so with tremendous power and maximum enthusiasm. Imagine taking everything you liked about the Dead Boys, Ramones, Blondie, Joan Jett, the New York Dolls, and Stooges, mixing it all together, and turning it loose in a big old ball of fire. That, my friends, is Perilous! Of course these four have a great vision for what punk rock music ought to be, but they've also got serious chops and top-quality songs. If you long for the days when rock 'n' roll was wild and dangerous, songs like "Rock & Roll Kiss," "Last Of The Dying Breed," and "Hey Baby" ought to get your heart racing and your fist pumping. YEAH​!​!​!

-L.R.

https://perilousny.bandcamp.com/album/yeah
https://www.facebook.com/Perilousrocks
https://www.instagram.com/perilousbuffalony/

The Gee Strings - Speed Soul Racer

I'm always happy to hear new music from The Gee Strings, who have been one of the world's preeminent '77-style punk rock bands for three decades now. Ingi, Bernadette, and the gang have released their sixth LP, Speed Soul Racer, on Wanda Records, Ghost Highway Recordings, Dangerhouse Skylab, KOTJ Records, and Tape or Die. At just eight tracks, this is truly an all-killer, no-filler affair. In typical Gee Strings fashion, these songs ride the more rock 'n' roll side of punk's first wave. Bernadette absolutely kills it on lead guitar, and the band has never sounded tighter. On this release, the influence of 1977 Northern California punk rock is also quite palpable in original songs like "Creature" & "Fire" and in an excellent cover of Mary Monday's "Popgun." All in all, this is an absolute ripper of a punk rock record. There is not a weak track in sight. 30 years in, Ingi still belts it with authority and conviction. The band's cover of Soda Fraise's "Rock​´​N​´​Rolls" will just about set your hair on fire! If you like real deal old school punk rock 'n' roll, Speed Soul Racer is not to be missed!

-L.R.

https://thegeestrings.bandcamp.com/album/speed-soul-racer
https://wandarecords.bandcamp.com/album/speed-soul-racer
https://ghosthighwayrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/speed-soul-racer
http://www.geestrings.de/
https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Gee-Strings-100027308817248/
https://mailorder.wandarecords.de/
https://tapeordie.bigcartel.com/product/tod-124-the-gee-strings-speed-soul-racer
https://www.facebook.com/wandarecords/

Norcos Y Horchata - "Live, Laugh, Toaster Bath"

Ahead of a Midwest fall tour that's commencing later this week, Detroit's Norcos Y Horchata have dropped a surprise single that ought to have you all dancing in the streets. "Live, Laugh, Toaster Bath" was recorded in Fort Wayne last month. It's a bonus track of sorts from the same sessions that produced the band's next 7" (due out early next year). In typical NYH fashion, this song is an anthemic shot of energetic sing-along punk rock 'n' roll with lyrics perfectly suited to my pitch-dark sense of humor. What a banger! I've got a feeling this song will be a crowd favorite on this upcoming tour, which will find the band going through Chicago, Minneapolis, Iowa City, St. Joseph, Missouri; Lawrence, Kansas; Carbondale, Illinois; Louisville, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. If you enjoyed NYH's fantastic 7" Aloha Motherfuckers, "Live, Laugh, Toaster Bath" is a mandatory purchase that's more than worth three of your hard-earned dollars. Hit up the band's social media for tour dates! 

-L.R.

https://norcosyhorchata.bandcamp.com/track/live-laugh-toaster-bath

https://www.facebook.com/norcosyhorchata/
https://www.instagram.com/norcosyhorchata/
https://open.spotify.com/album/7N3GN4g7vU3nrZXxIuXZkX

The Uppers - Manic Melodies

The Uppers, a band I first wrote about three years ago, are back with a sophomore 7" that could not be any more up my alley. Out on Spaghetty Town Records, Boulevard Trash, and Wanda Records, the aptly-named Manic Melodies features four tracks of tuneful power pop meets '77-style punk with a swaggering rock edge. Producer Tuk Smith helps The Uppers attain a more powerful and polished sound, but otherwise little has changed from the band's debut single Get Down With... All four of these tunes are catchy and melody-forward yet still pack a serious punch. One listen to "Stimulation" will give you a jolt equivalent to three cups of coffee. "Madam Please" is sure to be stuck in your head all day and for at least half the next one. And there's no drop-off on Side B. It's certainly a bad pun to say that this band's songwriting has been "upped" for this release, but it's no lie. If the likes of Wyldlife, RMBLR, Biters, and early D Generation float your boat, you will definitely want to snag yourself a copy of Manic Melodies on Coke bottle clear vinyl!

-L.R.

https://wandarecords.bandcamp.com/album/manic-melodies
https://open.spotify.com/album/0292wW2RA42LQFW0MSP3Gi
https://spaghettytownrecords.bigcartel.com/product/the-uppers-manic-melodies-ep-clear-vinyl
https://theuppers1.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GetDownWithTheUppers
https://www.facebook.com/SpaghettyTown
https://www.instagram.com/spaghettytownrecords/
https://boulevardtrashpunk.com/shop-1/ols/products/preorder-the-uppers---manic-melodies
https://www.facebook.com/boulevardtrashtulsa/
https://www.instagram.com/boulevardtrashtulsa
https://www.instagram.com/the_uppers__/

Girl Drink Drunks - After 9pm

It's hard to believe that it was already six years ago when I first wrote about Portland, Oregon's Girl Drink Drunks. In my book, Joel Jett (The Flip-Tops, The Minds, Jetpack) is an all-time great in the garage punk universe. When I discovered he had a new band going with members of The Hot LZs and Piss Test, I was super stoked. And when I heard Girl Drink Drunks, I totally flipped (no pun intended). I consider the band's 2017 debut long player one of the most underrated punk albums of the previous decade. It is my hope that new album After 9pm will be properly rated and hailed as one of 2023's most essential punk rock releases. This album (which marks the triumphant return of Jett's record label Sonic Jett after a decade plus pause) is an absolute monster. Obviously this band has a huge garage punk pedigree, but the record sounds too good to be classified as budget trash. The band rips through 13 tracks of aggressive but catchy punk rock with a rock n' roll influence and a hardcore intensity. Jett, as always, belts out his vocals with fury and force. The rhythm section is tight & powerful, and the lead guitar is pure fire. Simply put, this is a killer punk rock record. Lyrically, it's very in tune with the tenor of the crazy times we live in. While the band name comes from one of the greatest comedy sketches of all-time, you can be assured that these songs are no joke. With the majority of the tracks coming in under two minutes and the longest running just two minutes, twenty seconds, After 9pm is like a series of punishing blows that will leave you battered and still begging for more. The vinyl release is a 12" record spinning at 45 RPM. Grab a copy now along with a download of the first album if you don't have one already!

-L.R.

https://girldrinkdrunks.bandcamp.com/album/after-9pm
Sonic Jett Records on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/girldrinkdrunks

Dennis Cometti - Suburban Condition

Oh boy! Here come the Aussies again! Suburban Condition is the new album from Perth's Dennis Cometti — yet another band from down under playing blistering old school punk rock n' roll straight out of the pub. Released on Bargain Bin Records, this is a stone-cold banger of an LP which is without doubt one of the best punk rock records of the year. There is nothing fancy or innovative going on here: just pure punk rock that zealously punches you in the mouth. These 11 tracks deliver attitude and energy for days. It would be so easy for a band like this to sound run-of-the-mill, but Dennis Cometti have tapped into what is timelessly great about punk rock songwriting. These guys know their way around a sing-along chorus and a beat that gets the toes tapping. Suburban Condition is a super-fun record to sing along with, and of course it begs to be played loud. If you (correctly) maintain that the Cosmic Psychos are one of the most important bands to ever exist, this latest generation of Aussie garage/punk groups is providing vehement confirmation.

-L.R.

https://denniscometti.bandcamp.com/album/suburban-condition-2
https://denniscomettifc.com/
https://www.facebook.com/dcometti/
https://bargainbinrecords.bandcamp.com/

Guerrilla Teens - Under The Dagger

Here it is, my friends: the long-awaited debut album from Portland, Oregon's mighty Guerrilla Teens. Comprised of Scott "Deluxe" Drake on vocals, Jeff Fieldhouse on guitar, Saul Koll on guitar, Tim Connolly on drums, and Anna Andersen on bass, this is one of the most impressive band lineups you'll ever come across in the world of rock and roll. Just as Lovesores were never The Humpers, Guerrilla Teens are not Lovesores. This is a new band for a new time. But if you've followed the career of Scott "Deluxe" Drake over the decades, you should have a pretty good idea of what to expect from Guerrilla Teens. This band first surfaced during lockdown times and released several demos on Bandcamp which have long since disappeared. Last year saw the band's first official release, a superb 7" called "Halfway To Maybe." And now the long player Under The Dagger has been unveiled, with CDs available soon and a vinyl release from Sioux Records also in the works. 

The album's ten tracks were co-written by Drake and Fieldhouse — one of the most legendary songwriting duos in the history of punk music. While the sound of this record is definitely more polished and refined than anything ever released by The Humpers, it still lives in that sweet spot where '70s punk meets sweaty, raucous rock and roll. Drake still hollers with a conviction and venom that most punk screamers half his age could only hope to muster up. You hear that voice on record, and you know exactly who it is. And my god, Fieldhouse and Koll form a guitar tandem that just can't be beat in the punk rock universe. In comparison to previous Drake–fronted albums, Under the Dagger is probably the most mature but by no means tamer. Pure blistering speed has given way to a controlled, slow-burning fury that will consume anything in its path. I remember a few of these tracks as demos. And sure enough, they're way better as finished products. You can tell the band worked hard to perfect this material and produce a recording they could be proud of. There are certain songs (e.g. "Concrete Face" and "Black Weather") that will surely have longtime Drake fans screaming for joy. Other tracks hint at a more melodic sensibility without sacrificing any of the grit or ferocity. I won't quite say that "Tell Me What To Do" is "pop," but it's undoubtedly tuneful. "Tell It to the Wind" reminds me quite a bit of The Saints, and I'm sure not complaining. The title track, to me, can hang with just about any song that Drake and Fieldhouse have ever co-written. 

Having done the best they could with socially-distanced recording methods in pandemic times, clearly Guerrilla Teens were raring for the smoke to clear so they could hit the stage again and properly record some music that would capture their essence. Under The Dagger definitely captures their essence, and it's a master class effort of real deal punk rock and roll. If these ten songs don't get your heart racing, you may need to consult a medical professional. 

-L.R.

https://guerrillateens.bandcamp.com/album/under-the-dagger
https://www.facebook.com/Guerrilla-Teens-103324881410665/
https://www.instagram.com/guerrillateens/
https://siouxguitars.com/records/

Split System - self titled 7"

The Aussies' domination of punk rock music in 2023 continues with a double A-side banger 7" from Melbourne's mighty Split System. Still fresh off of releasing one of the best albums of last year, this fab five (Jackson Reid Briggs on vocals, Arron Mawson on guitar, Ryan Webb on guitar, Deon Slaviero on bass, and Mitch McGregor on drums) tears into what could very well be its strongest release to date. Both tracks — "Bullet" and "On the Street" — rip hard and fast in the storied Aussie punk tradition. These dudes are not fooling around. They are here to smash it up, and they waste no time getting down to business. If relentless chainsaw guitars, a steamroller rhythm section, and a singer screaming his guts out sound enticing to you (and why wouldn't they?), consider this single a no-question-about-it must-own. Limited colored vinyl is available now from Legless Records! 

-L.R.

https://splitsystem.bandcamp.com/album/spliit-system

The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs - One More Drink (Deluxe Edition)

Hot on the heels of the The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs' epic two-disc compilation All The Covers (And More) comes Rum Bar Records' deluxe reissue of the band's most recent studio album One More Drink. Originally released by Dead Beat Records in 2021, One More Drink wasn't just the Cheetahs' first proper album in 20 years. It's also one of the band's very best albums — probably the most essential thing the Cheetahs have put out since the release of Overdrive in 1997. In my book it's the one release that's most representative of what The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs are all about: combining the primordial ooze punk style the band is best known for with elements of power pop and classic hard rock/metal. Lots of bands claim to transcend genre, but the Cheetahs walk the walk on this release. "Ain't It Summer" sounds so much like Cheap Trick that I'm still not sure it isn't Cheap Trick. "Fast, Fucked and Furious" is what you'd call "vintage" Streetwalkin' Cheetahs, while "Bad Vacation" nails that poppy '77 punk sound that I'll never tire of. "We Are The Ones (We've Been Waiting For)" brings to mind the mid-'80s heyday of British new wave/classic alternative. "The Rejected" is old school SoCal punk and even features Rikk Agnew on guitar. "Rumblin' Train" is pummeling Motörhead-inspired rawk at its absolute finest. You'll find yourself wondering if there's anything The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs can't do. And that's just the first side of the album! 

As I listen to One More Drink, two things hit me. One is that The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs are really underrated as songwriters. Songs like "Ain't It Summer," "Bad Vacation," and "We Are The Ones" demonstrate that the Cheetahs' melodic side not only exists but it is also a strength. My second big takeaway is that this current lineup (Frank Meyer on vocals and guitar, Dino Everrett on bass, Bruce Duff on guitar, Mike Sessa on drums, and Geoff Yeaton on sax) is a total powerhouse. As the band embraces its '70s/'80s hard rock influences like never before, it definitely has the chops to pull if off. If you're going to worship at the altar of peak era AC/DC, you better have some monster riffs, killer solos, and tight grooves in your bag of tracks. "Warzone" delivers all of that and then some. As a lifetime AC/DC fan, I happily give this song my seal of approval. The final two tracks of the original LP clock in at a combined 12 minutes, yet there's not a dull second in either song. 

While "bonus tracks" on a reissue can often amount to a whole lot of nothing, the songs newly added to One More Drink make a great album even greater. "Escape From New York City" and "Fuck The Future (I Want Now)" (both from a single released in 2014) are blistering shots of punk rock and roll adrenaline. The Red Kross-ish "Victim of the Service Industry," exclusive to this release, is truly an anthem for these times. Altogether, One More Drink is a perfect blend of punk rock, powerful pop, and kick-ass rock and roll. There's something on this album for everyone. The title track is my favorite song ever from The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs. It features a guest appearance from Dramarama's John Easdale, one of the greatest living songwriters in American rock and roll. It manages to be a little reminiscent of Dramarama's "Last Cigarette" without being a copy. And honestly, that same level of songwriting is sustained all throughout the album. There are bona fide hits all over the place. If you've never heard The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs before, One More Drink would be a fine place to start.

-L.R.

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/one-more-drink-deluxe-edition
https://thestreetwalkincheetahs.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/streetwalkincheetahs/
https://www.facebook.com/TheStreetwalkinCheetahs/
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords