The much-anticipated new album from The Jasons, Blood In The Streets is finally here and it does not disappoint. The hockey-masked boys bring more horror punk goodness that would absolutely be at home on a Ramones-core album. Catchy as always, the album kicks off with the titular track, “Blood in the Streets”, which is a happy little song about the streets flowing with rivers of blood – and I’d expect no less from this band.
The Jasons have definitely evolved and grown as a band, without losing any of what makes them… them. The sound is fuller and slightly more polished than previous offerings, which makes for a great album that really highlights the lead vocals, as well as the stand-out backing vocals. It’s immediately apparent that this album is something special, and like the song says, it’s “Red Blooded American Punk Rock.”
As expected, there are Friday the Thirteenth themed songs. “It’s Still Crystal Lake To Me (No Matter What They Call It In Part 6)” particularly stands out (and damned right, it is still Crystal Lake!) “You Should Never Have Re-Opened That Camp” is one of the harder tracks on the album with gang vocals that stay with you as soon as you hear them – largely due to the unique timing of the chorus of the song.
Actually, sing-along choruses are part of what makes this album such an instant classic. I’ve been singing “Kay-Em 1” since I first heard it – it got into my head. This is a band where everyone can really sing, and it shows here.
There’s even a more hardcore-styled song mixed into the album – the short and sweet, “No Motivation”, which is an unexpected interlude nested in the middle of the album.
“Mark’s Legs Don’t Work Anymore” is just classic Jasons, as are “JJ Was a Headbanger” and “Dead Fuck”. With lyrics like “his penis isn’t broken/he’s so well-spoken” – it tells the unfortunate story of Mark, as many of their songs tend to be full stories. They even take a detour and get into the politics of punk with “Scene Police (Static)”, which is an interesting departure from the usual themes of blood and horror movies – and an awesome punk rock anthem. I’d argue that “3Ds Got Ramones Jeans” – is also a bit of a punk anthem – even if it is just a homage to someone’s new pair of pants that improved their life and looks.
The album closes off with “I Jacked Off to Dee Dee Ramone” – a song that could just as easily be by the Queers, only it’s… better. The same can be said of “Chili is a Stoner”. (If that’s sacrilege, so be it. Complaints are being accepted by the guy with the machete down by the lake.)
If you already are a fan of The Jasons, this album will be a much-welcomed addition to your collection. And if you’ve never heard them, it’s a great introduction – and the 14 songs of pop-horror-punk perfection will leave you wanting more. If anything, The Jasons are a band that consistently delivers the goods and hopefully will keep doing so for some time to come. The world needs more songs about Jason Voorhess and Camp Crystal Lake, after all.
5/5 stars