It’s almost difficult to remember what punk music from the second wave sounded like. Since that wave hit way back in the 20th century, it seems like punk rock has undergone change after change, warping into pop-punk, emo, hardcore, and about a million other subgenres. So when listening to a band like Fableway, nostalgia kicks in. This is what punk used to sound like, and damn was it ever good back in the day.

Despite the unfortunate album name (“FUCKSEXBBQ” sounds more like Charlie Sheen’s typical Saturday), Fableway’s debut is a solid one. Channeling bands who made punk awesome back in the 90’s, Fableway sound like they grew up listening to bands like Pennywise, Lagwagon, No Use For A Name, and countless other bands. The album is speedy, catchy, and hearkens back to a time when overproduction and over-screaming were unheard of in punk rock albums.

“FUCKSEXBBQ” starts off with a bang with the track “Here They Lay,” an ode to freedom (or a lack thereof) and to destruction of the powers that be. Sure, the idea might not be original- pretty much every band has their version of this idea by now- but Fableway pull it off by sounding like they actually give a damn about their music. Of course, the band have their sillier moments, like with the ode to the mundane, “Chronicles of A Shitty Day,” but tracks like this prove that no band can take themselves too seriously.

Tracks like “Jonesin Ghost” still display some personal growing pains- is it better to grow up and give in, or to grow old fighting? There is no definite answer, and no punk song will change that; rather it is an issue that everyone can relate to at some point. From the sounds of it, Fableway haven’t given up the fight, and continue to search for their voice in a world that favors conformity over rebellion.

Fableway definitely won’t be changing the world, but rather will help restore faith to those who have witnessed the ever-changing punk rock scene. It’s refreshing to know that there are still bands like Fableway out there: bands that remind us all why we started listening to punk rock in the first place.

**The Album Reviews published on Dying Scene are written and submitted by fans of punk music, just like you. If you disagree with an album’s rating, feel free to voice your opinion and give it your own rating in the comments. If you’d like to submit your own review do it here.

Cover songs are like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.  We here at Dying Scene love hearing punk bands do their own take on other band’s songs.  Sometimes they pull off amazing interpretations of old classics, sometimes they’re not much more than humble tributes to a fellow artist, and other times they’re just downright laughable renditions of otherwise great songs.  Good or bad.  Intriguing or mundane.  We’ll let you be the judge.

This week you can check out Chicago punk act Rise Against covering the Descendents song “Bikeage.”

Check it out and compare it to the original here.

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Georgian rockers Ninja Gun have given a release date for their upcoming 4-song EP, “Roman Nose.” The EP will be available digitally and on vinyl from Sabot Productions, and is slated for an April 12th release.

Ninja Gun last released “Restless Rubes” on Suburban Home Records.

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If you’re curious about the many bands who are set to play Rebelfest at This Ain’t Hollywood on March 12th and 13th in Hamilton, Ontario, today is your day. Rebel Time Records have posted a free compilation for download, which features one track from each band that is set to play Rebelfest this weekend. The festival will include The Rebel Spell, The Decay, The Class Assassins, and Farler’s Fury.

You can check out the tracklisting here, and download the compilation here.

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Gainesville punks Hot Water Music have released another 7-inch via No Idea Records. This is the fifth installment of a series of six total collectible vinyl releases, all of which were recorded at Chicago’s Metro in 2008. This installment contains three tracks, “Just Don’t Say You Lost It,” “I Was On a Mountain,” and “Moonpies For Misfits.”

Like its predecessors, this vinyl release is limited to 1000 pressings. This release is on snazzy purple vinyl with a die-cut cover. You can order your copy here.

Hot Water Music last released a split with The Bouncing Souls earlier this year.

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New York’s Star Fucking Hipsters are apparently taking a short break from recording their upcoming album, and have announced a handful of U.S. tour dates. The tour will kick off later this month and run until the beginning of April. You can check out the tour dates here.

Star Fucking Hipsters are hard at work in the studio with newcomer Mikey Erg on drums, and their next full-length is tentatively slated for a Fall 2011 release on Fat Wreck Chords. The band last released “Never rest In Peace” in 2008 on Alternative Tentacles.

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Chicago punk outfit The Arrivals have announced tour dates with labelmates Toys That Kill. This is not the first time that these two bands have come together for a tour- in fact, the end of last year saw both bands hitting the road together. Certain shows will also see appearances from bands such as Marked Man, The Soviettes, This is My Fist, the Spits, and High Tention Wires.

The tour is in support of The Arrivals’ latest album, “Volatile Molotov,” which was released last year on Recess Records. you can check out the new tour dates here.

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Green Day‘s Broadway show American Idiot will be going dark next month, after running for just about a year. Ticket sales have been sagging since Billie Joe Armstrong left his role as St. Jimmy, and casting other stars like Melissa Etheridge and Davey Havok didn’t help.

Armstrong will reprise the role starting April 5, and the final performance will be April 24. The show will go on tour in the fall.

My Chemical Romance has posted a fan based question and answer video interview from their recent trip to the Grammy Museum.  The band touches on topics such as inspiration and songwriting among other things.

Check out the interview here.

My Chem’s latest, “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys,” was released last November on Reprise Records.

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Senses Fail have released a music video for their song, “New Year’s Eve.”   The song is featured on the band’s 2010 effort from Vagrant Records, The Fire.

They are releasing the video in support of their tour beginning today alongside The Ghost Inside, Man Overboard, and Transit.

You can view the tour dates and watch the video here.

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