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Dying Scene Album Review: The Bruce Lee Band – “One Step Forward. Two Steps Back.”

July 20, 2022 | 3:02 pm

When I think of ska, one of the first names that comes to mind is Mike Park. You might know him as the founder of an iconic label called Asian Man Records; a venture he has operated out of his mom’s garage for over 25 years, helping break bands like Alkaline Trio, Less Than Jake, and The Lawrence Arms. You may also know of his work as a brilliant singer, songwriter, and performer who has played in bands like Skankin’ Pickle and The Chinkees.

As of late, Mike Park has returned to his role as frontman of The Bruce Lee Band, a project which had been mostly dormant since its 1995 self-titled debut LP. In 2014, Park revived the band seemingly out of thin air with Jeff Rosenstock‘s help, releasing a ska-punk masterpiece titled Everything Will Be Alright, My Friend. And while I’m sure following up an excellent album like that can be a daunting task, the Bruce Lee Band’s all star lineup passed the test with flying colors on 2022’s One Step Forward. Two Steps Back.

The band’s new record boasts a 12-song track list ranging in style from bouncy keyboard infused two-tone songs like “Did You Find the Money Farm”, “So Nice for Me and You”, and “Dance Dance Revolution”, to up-tempo anthems in “Lie Big and Do it Often”, “Putting Up With All My Crazy”, and “I’ll Feel Better”. This is a quintessential ska-punk album that will have you skanking from start to finish if your stamina permits. I loved the last Bruce Lee Band record, and I can say with confidence this one will be staying in my regular rotation for a while.

Mike Park’s soothing baritone voice sounds as great as ever, and after all these years, he still has quite the knack for writing great choruses. His All Star caliber backing band featuring Rosenstock on bass, keys and the saxaphone, MU330‘s Dan Potthast on guitar, and former Chinkees bandmate Kevin Higuchi on drums delivers the goods as well. There is not a skippable song to be found on this record. Keep an eye out for One Step Forward. Two Steps Back. on plenty of “Top 10 Albums of 2022” lists; it has definitely earned a spot on mine.

Listen to One Step Forward. Two Steps Back. below, and head over to Asian Man’s webstore to grab the LP.

by Staff Writer Screeching Bottlerocket

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Dying Scene Record Radar: New punk vinyl releases & reissues (No Use For A Name, Gogol Bordello & more)

July 20, 2022 | 1:03 pm

Good day, fellow humanoid beings! Welcome to another installment in the Dying Scene Record Radar. If you’re new here, thank you for joining us! This column provides a weekly round up of all things punk rock vinyl. We highlight new releases, as well as all the ultra limited reissues that get the collector nerds’ palms […]

Fat Wreck Chords gets us started with an awesome full discography box set for the almighty No Use For A Name. Black Box includes 13 LPs and a bonus 7″, and for $275 this beast can be yours. Lots of pretty colors, lots of great tunes. Grab it here.

Hot Water Music has repressed their latest record Feel the Void. Three new splatter variants (each limited to 250 copies) are now available here. The yellow and red one is my favorite 🙂

SBÄM Records will be releasing California hardcore punks Dead Fucking Last‘s 1997 album Grateful on vinyl for the first time. There are two variants, limited to 200 copies each. Grab it here.

Gogol Bordello has announced a new record! Solidaritine is due out on September 16th. You can listen to two songs from the album below, and pre-order the vinyl here (split blue/yellow), here (solid yellow), or here (yellow w/ blue splatter).

Sound Speed Records has a new release up pre-order. It’s the debut LP from Los Angeles melodic punk band Failing Up. Check the record out below, and buy it on vinyl here.

Hardcore punk supergroup Dead Cross have announced their sophomore album II. For those who are unfamiliar, this band features Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle, Faith No More, etc.) and Slayer’s Dave Lombardo, among others. The record’s first single can be heard below. Links to pre-order all the different vinyl variants can be found here.

The good people at Pirates Press Records are having a summer sale! Tons of great records for very, very cheap. I’m talkin’ dirt cheap. Seriously, head over to their webstore and just look at how cheap this shit is!

Melodic hardcore vets Stretch Arm Strong are reissuing their 1999 LP Rituals of Life. There are a bunch of variants for this one, but Revelation Records seems to be the only place that still has any in stock. Hit up their store to get it on yellow vinyl.

Independent record store chain Zia Records has announced a new exclusive pressing of Millencolin‘s classic Pennybridge Pioneers. It’s limited to 300 copies, so act fast and grab it here.

Modern Baseball‘s 2016 LP Holy Ghost has been repressed. This one’s also limited to 300 copies on “olive green smoke” vinyl. It’s also a Zia Records exclusive, so if you want it, that’s the only place you’re gonna get it!

Now, for the segment where I show you what records I got this week! I’m putting my collection’s expansion on hold for a bit. Rent’s going up fucking 18% and having shelter is slightly more important than collecting colorful music discs. But I did get some stuff I ordered a while ago in the mail, including 1-2-3-4 Go! Records‘ reissue of my favorite Pinhead Gunpowder record Shoot the Moon, and an awesome repress of Satanic Surfers‘ skate punk classic Hero Of Our Time from Chase the Glory Records. Both of these look and sound fantastic, and will be in my regular rotation for a bit.

Time for me to get outta here! I’ve got places to go and people to meet (not really, but you get the point). Anyway, I’m sure there’s some stuff I missed, but hey, nobody’s perfect. As always, I need your help to make these weekly recaps of new colorful plastic discs to waste your money on. So if there’s a new record you think should be highlighted in the column’s next installment, send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll look into it. Thanks again for tuning in to the Dying Scene Record Radar. See ya next week!

by Staff Writer Screeching Bottlerocket

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dead cross failing up Fat Wreck Chords gogol bordello No Use For A Name

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Dying Scene Announces Resurrection Show in Los Angeles

July 19, 2022 | 5:01 pm

Our first round of ‘Resurrection Shows’ were a smashing success and raised juuuust enough money to keep the site up and running for a whole year in it’s current state. Hooorraaaay! Bad news though, is that it’s current state still isn’t fully functional. Boooooooo! #fuckgutenberg Since there’s still quite a lot of work left to […]

Our first round of ‘Resurrection Shows’ were a smashing success and raised juuuust enough money to keep the site up and running for a whole year in it’s current state. Hooorraaaay! Bad news though, is that it’s current state still isn’t fully functional. Boooooooo! #fuckgutenberg

Since there’s still quite a lot of work left to be done to get us ‘up to snuff’, we’re going back to the panhandling game. For our next round of shows, we’re kicking things off in Los Angeles (Tarzana to be exact) at Corbin Bowl! So, grab a friend, go early and bowl a game, drink some drinks and donate some of them hard earned dolla billz to a good cause while jammin’ out to some extra tasty tunes from Casuist, The Calidoras, Raptors and Moonraker!

by Staff Writer AnarchoPunk.LA

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DS Photo Gallery: Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, The Bronx, Pet Needs in Nashville, TN 7.5.22

July 18, 2022 | 4:03 pm

I have a confession to make. Although I am greatly ashamed, and I’m probably going to be shunned by all of the Dying Scene faithful, I must admit that this was my first time seeing Frank Turner. I know, I know, the guy tours nonstop and frequents Nashville and the surrounding cities. Not to mention that I have been knowingly committing punk rock sacrilege by not having attended at least once, but, excuses aside, I finally made it. And man did it live up to all the hype.

Pet Needs, traveling from across the pond to the US for the first time, was a phenomenal opener. The Bronx reminded me why they might very well be my favorite live band. And Frank Turner was, well… Frank Turner. The dude was a true professional and was as classy and entertaining as I had heard.

Like I said, Pet Needs was enjoying their first trip to the states, and as soon as they started their set, they made me a fan. They’ve got some catchy tunes, most notably ‘Tracey Emin’s Bed’ and ‘Punk Isn’t Dead, It’s Just Up for Sale’, and guitarist George Marriott can down-right shred. In a way, they reminded me of some of the early English punk acts that made their way over to the states: the Buzzcocks, The Clash, etc. After seeing them live, I could not have thought of a better opener for the king himself.

I’ve seen The Bronx a number of times and my love for them grows with every performance. These guys are about as professional as it gets and they throw one hell of a party. What made their set even more exciting for me was when I realized former Offspring and current Against Me drummer Adam ‘Atom’ Willard was behind the kit tearing things up, all with an ear-to-ear grin for the set’s entirety.

Seeing my favorite drummer absolutely kill it was just icing on the cake. Seeing the Bronx is always a treat, but this most recent show was long overdue.

There’s not a whole lot that I could write here that would be new to anybody reading this. This was Frank Turner‘s 26th show in the last 26 days (on the road to 50 shows in 50 days – editors note: you can see our coverage of the New Jersey show here and listen to our interview with Frank from just before tour was announced here) and show number 2653.

I haven’t been at this whole concert photography thing for too long, but I’m gonna go ahead and label Frank and the rest of The Sleeping Souls as the most photogenic group in punk. It was hard to get a bad picture of these guys, and that’s saying something for a guy who takes photos that are normally 90% complete shit. Thanks to these dudes, this was the most fun I’ve had watching a show in a long time

Down below is the full gallery from all three bands. Had a lot of fun with this one and it would be much appreciated if you took the time to check these out. Until next time, Cheers!

by Staff Writer NastyNate

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brooklyn bowl england Frank Turner frank turner and the sleeping souls nashville

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Dying Scene Presents – Artists Beyond the Chords: Chris Shary

July 18, 2022 | 1:53 pm

When art and music collide! “Artists Beyond the Chords” is a Dying Scene series highlighting stories from various visual artists in the scene. Our first installment showcases the work and wisdom of Chris Shary. Chris Shary is one of the hardest working artists, who’s been a hard hitting staple in the punk community for decades. […]

Chris Shary is one of the hardest working artists, who’s been a hard hitting staple in the punk community for decades. Based out of Stockton, California, Shary is also a dedicated drama teacher, father, husband, and self-proclaimed dork. He truly does it ALL (pun intended). Best known for his depiction of “Milo” (Descenedents), his works have also supported the likes of ALL, The Damned, Devo, Blink-182, The Meatmen, Circle Jerks, 7 Seconds, The Dead Milkmen, Agent Orange, Melvins, The Lillingtons, Chemical People, Masked Intruder, and so many more. His output ranges from album art, concert flyers, t-shirts, specialized merch items, and even action figures. With such an impressive resume, one might think it’s all done for notoriety, but deep down he’s just a huge fan expressing his undying love for music.

Shary’s artistic journey began when he was first able to hold a crayon and pencil, but really became serious at the tender age of 6. At 17 years old, he started creating pieces for different bands and has been going strong ever since. He often teeters between different portraiture styles such as vibrant pop-art induced color blocking and black and white sketch realism. His current art-weapons-of-choice are pen and ink, mainly sharpies, but he recently started working with acrylic paints again. Consistently creating is key to his process.

“I try and draw every day, but I do a lot of thinking prior to starting commissioned work, or if I am getting ideas together for a band I want to work with. I walk my dog for a half hour every morning right when I wake up and that’s time I devote to thinking of ideas of what I might create,” said Shary.

Another way he searches for ideas is by experiencing live music. Oftentimes you can catch him at some of the biggest shows snapping shots for his latest creations. Not many can rock a phone camera in the photo pit without getting a boot from security, but he has clout, and for good reason.

“I use the photos as reference when I’m working,” Shary explained, “but it also connects me with bands on a much closer level.”

As far as his true artistic motivation, Shary does not look outside of his own home. Family comes first, and it lives in the heart of each piece he creates.

“My family is the thing that inspires me the most. My wife Lori is also an amazing artist and she is constantly making incredible pieces and kinda pushes me because of that. My son is also a big fan of the work we do, so I always want to impress him.”

Like a machine, Shary regularly posts new works on his social media accounts. Whether it’s commissioned or perfectly juxtaposed doodles for his own pleasure. Music aside, subjects range from pop culture references, memes, movies, television, and comic books. He never lets himself falter or take long breaks away from art, and strongly believes no creative person should.

“I think the idea of an artist’s block is kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy. People tend to psych themselves out and then can’t get out of it. It just seems like an easy way to not work. I’m all about making things and hitting headlines. Just keep doing work and there is no need to slow down.”

For those who want to break into the music art industry, Shary preaches the importance of repetition while remaining open and to your true self.

“Do the work. Draw everyday and be happy to do it for yourself. No one owes you anything so be happy for whatever happens. It’s not always a quick process so do the work,” he advised.

When asking Shary what he would like to leave Dying Scene readers with he offered a pure sentiment of kindness.

“Be nice to each other, and try seeing things from other people’s point of view.”

View and support Chris Shary’s artwork at:

Chrisshary.bigcartel.com

Instagram

Facebook

Album cover and skateboard deck art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Art by Chris Shary
Shirt designs by Chris Shary
Shirt designs by Chris Shary
Shirt design by Chris Shary
Cover art by Chris Shary
Action Figure design by Chris Shary

Chris Shary’s Liner Notes

Do you have a favorite concert memory?
One of my biggest thrills was singing “Bloodstains” with DESCENDENTS in 97. I guess one of my all time favorite shows was one with Kevin Seconds, Steve Soto and Alyson Seconds in an acoustic setting. It was insanely beautiful.

What bands are you listening to now?
The Linda Lindas have been an obsession lately. Just saw Bleached and fell for them. Kinda been listening to the Lemonheads a lot lately and always Jawbreaker, and DESCENDENTS of course. Saw HoleHog in Sacramento the other night and they were rad!

What song best describes you as a person?
The theme from Shaft. At least that’s what I hear in my head a lot.

by Staff Writer Angela RoseRed

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7 seconds all angela rosered artists beyond the chords arts not dead

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Dying Scene Record Radar: New punk vinyl releases & reissues (NOFX, Danzig, Angry Samoans & more)

July 14, 2022 | 1:37 pm

Hello, friends! Welcome to the latest installment of the Dying Scene Record Radar. If you’re new here, thank you for joining us! This column provides a weekly round up of all things punk rock vinyl. We highlight the new releases, as well as those ultra limited reissues that get the collector nerds’ hearts racing. Open […]

Danzig‘s 6:66 Satan’s Child is getting its first official pressing since 1999. Cleopatra Records is handling this reissue, and there’s a bunch of different variants (some with the uncensored version of the cover art) available on their webstore (sign up for their mailing list and save 10%). Pay up, people! Glenn needs to stock up on kitty litter.

Fat Wreck Chords has announced European festival exclusive variants of some of their classic releases, including Good Riddance‘s For God and Country, No Use For A Name‘s Making Friends, and Swingin’ Utters‘ A Juvenile Product of the Working Class. The only place in the entire world these will be available is the label’s merch booth at SBAM Fest, Brackrock Festival, and Punk Rock Holiday. Think of it like an Easter egg hunt, but much more expensive! Follow Fat on Instagram for more info.

Keeping their recent hot streak alive, Epitaph Records is back at it with even more reissues! Up first is NOFX‘s White Trash, Two Heebs, and a Bean, which turns 30 this year. They’re pressing TEN new variants of the fuckin’ thing. Links to where you can purchase all of these can be found here.

Also from Epitaph: some new pressings of Dropkick Murphys‘ Do Or Die and Blackout, both on white vinyl. These are limited to 500 copies each, and are only available on their European webstore.

And their third and final reissue this week is a 25th Anniversary edition of the Refused album Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent, featuring bonus tracks and demos. This is available as a clear 2xLP on their webstore. There’s also an Indie Exclusive blue variant; hit up your local record store for that one.

Knock knock! Who’s there? Another god damn reissue, that’s who! This is a really good one though. It’s the Angry Samoans‘ classic Back From Samoa. You can grab this one on green vinyl from Puke ‘N’ Vomit Records, or from Garageland if you like you’d rather have an orange plastic disc.

Surprise! Here’s another new pressing of an old-ass record. The Vandals reissued 1988’s Slipper When Ill (also known as their country album) on red marble vinyl, available through their Bandcamp page. I’m not big on this one personally, but hey, maybe it’s your favorite Vandals record. If that’s the case, I urge you to seek professional help.

Okay, these are the last of the reissues… I promise. Psychobilly icons Reverend Horton Heat are repressing their first three LPs on colored wax. Due out on September 9th, this is the first time these records have been in print since their initial release in the early 90’s. Get ’em here.

Finally, some new music! MU330 frontman Dan Potthast has a new solo record out, and as the title suggests, it’s pretty good! Each LP has a unique outer sleeve, hand made by Dan P himself. You can give the album a listen below, and grab it on vinyl on his Bandcamp.

Next up we have another solo album, this time from former ALL frontman Scott Reynolds. Chihuahua in Buffalo is his first solo acoustic release, and it’s quite enjoyable! This came out on CD/digital last year, but Thousand Islands Records is now releasing it on vinyl. Listen below, and go here to get the wax.

Something To Do Records has announced a new After School Special LP titled Lost Episodes. For those who are unfamiliar, this was Enemy You frontman David Jones’ (RIP) original band. This release will be available to preorder on the label’s webstore starting Friday, July 15th.

And last but not least, Less Than Jake just released a new single titled “Fat Mike’s on Drugs (Again)”. The song is great, and it’s getting a physical release as a flexi disc. Watch the music video below, and preorder the flexi here.

Well, it’s getting late, so I’ll wrap things up. If you’re still reading this for some reason, thank you once again for tuning in to this week’s edition of the Dying Scene Record Radar! Is there a new record you think should be highlighted in next week’s column? Suggestions are always welcome – send us a message on Facebook or Instagram and we’ll look into it!

by Staff Writer Screeching Bottlerocket

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angry samoans blaze bayley wasn't that bad in iron maiden Dan Potthast danzig dropkick murphys

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DS Exclusive: Counterpunch debut video for “Judgement Day”

July 14, 2022 | 1:00 pm

Dying Scene is fired up to bring you the brand new video from Counterpunch! The Chicago punks put out their latest album, Rewire, last month via Thousand Islands Records and SBAM Records, and today they’ve unveiled the video for the featured track “Judgement Day.” Here’s what the band had to say about the video’s symbolism: […]

Dying Scene is fired up to bring you the brand new video from Counterpunch! The Chicago punks put out their latest album, Rewire, last month via Thousand Islands Records and SBAM Records, and today they’ve unveiled the video for the featured track “Judgement Day.” Here’s what the band had to say about the video’s symbolism:

So when I was writing this song I had sort of a comic book fantasy of what this song would look like and then what actually drove the lyrics. It was something along the lines of a god figure showing up to see what its creation has become. Disappointed, the being is trying to decide if it’s time to hit the reset button. Lyrically I wrote this song based on the observations of how folks engage on social media. Wake up, log on and start judging. What that process does to one’s self and how that same place we use to promote and explore is also being used to blame, manipulate and ostracize. The lyrics describe how that world drains on me mentally. “Defeated, beaten, broken and disturbed.” Asking myself over and over “who will save you now from yourself?” I’m trying to highlight the inner struggle to stay plugged in, or remove myself from that world altogether.

Check out the video below!

by Staff Writer jaystone

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Chicago Punk counterpunch judgement day SBAM Records Thousand Islands Records

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Dying Scene Revisits: One Man Army’s “Dead End Stories”, an overlooked 90’s punk masterpiece

July 13, 2022 | 3:42 pm

One Man Army, in my opinion, is one of the most overlooked 90’s punk bands. Likewise, this album – their 1998 debut – is woefully underrated. Dead End Stories has the honor of being the first record Billie Joe Armstrong chose to release through his record label Adeline Records. And it’s easy for me to […]

One Man Army, in my opinion, is one of the most overlooked 90’s punk bands. Likewise, this album – their 1998 debut – is woefully underrated. Dead End Stories has the honor of being the first record Billie Joe Armstrong chose to release through his record label Adeline Records. And it’s easy for me to see what the Green Day frontman saw in the band; what isn’t easy for me to understand is why One Man Army isn’t held in higher regard.

Dead End Stories is one of the strongest debut albums I’ve laid ears on. Sure, some bands strike gold on their inaugural effort – the Ramones being one of the most notable examples. But let’s face it, more often than not, debut albums see a band getting their sea legs with an amalgamation of hastily produced, half baked songs. Having already recorded two EPs, One Man Army had their shit together when it came time to hit the studio for their first LP. I love everything about this record. The candid lyrics and jangly guitar of Jack Dalrymple, James Kotter’s infectious, busy basslines, and Brandon Pollack’s bouncy drumming – I love every bit of it.

The title track pulls you in right off the bat. Dalrymple makes a strong first impression with his unique, raspy voice, belting out sneering lines about being “just like the rest and part of the problem”. After that it’s full speed ahead, as the band reels off four more rapid fire punk rock songs. As Side A of the record winds down, we reach “Another Time”. This hauntingly beautiful song is without a doubt my favorite track. One Man Army takes their foot off the gas and delivers an uncannily somber story of two young boys who endure the untimely passing of their single mother. Jack’s simple lead guitar parts put an exclamation point on the song’s melancholy feel. This track delivers an unexpectedly powerful message that feels like a punch in the gut, yet it does not seem out of place in the slightest among all these rowdy punk songs.

And just as quickly as things slowed to a crawl, they rapidly accelerate once again. “Fate at Fourteen”, a cautionary tale of the pitfalls of growing up too fast, kicks off the record’s B side as the band launches into another 15 minutes of up-tempo punk. Other standout tracks include anthemic drinking song “Big Time” and the more bitter “Back Then”, in which Dalrymple expresses his contempt for an estranged friend who “used to be a punk back then”. The album culminates in “Downtown Lights”, a screenplay-like tale of a naive kid who moves to Hollywood to pursue his ill fated dreams of a musical career. A fitting end to a record called Dead End Stories.

This is one of those albums you can put on no matter your mood. If you’ve never heard this record, I can’t recommend it enough. If you have heard it but it’s been a while since you last gave it a spin, now’s the time. One Man Army kicks fucking ass.

by Staff Writer Screeching Bottlerocket

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adeline records billie joe armstrong Dead To Me green day Jack Dalrymple

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Boss’ Daughter Hits the Road for ‘Some Air’ Tour 2022

July 13, 2022 | 12:02 pm

After canceling their last tour nine days in due to catching Covid, Reno skate punks Boss’ Daughter are heading back out on the road for “Some Air Tour 2022.” The tour will find them in California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. So, if they’re coming to your ‘hood, go support ’em….but please don’t give them Covid […]

7/13 – Bakersfield, CA – Jerry’s Pizza
7/14 – Las Vegas, NV – Dive Bar
7/15 – Tempe, AZ – Time Out Lounge
7/16 – Prescott, AZ – The Attic
7/17 – Flagstaff, AZ – Flagstaff Brewing
7/18 – Durango, CO – The Hive
7/19 – Moab, UT – Paddle Moab
7/20 – Colorado Springs, CO – Triple Nickel Tavern
7/21 – Fort Collins, CO – Surfside 7
7/22 – Denver, CO – Eastfax Tap
7/23 – Salt Lake City, UT – Black Lung Society
8/6 – Reno, NV – Virginia Street Brewhouse

by Staff Writer AnarchoPunk.LA

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Chris Fox nevada pop punk reno skate punk

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In Retrospect: The Best Albums We Missed While We Were Away (Part 1: Dylan’s picks)

July 12, 2022 | 11:24 pm

Welcome back, friends! It’s been a while. Almost three years, in fact. It goes without saying that a lot of great music has been released in Dying Scene’s absence. To coincide with our little website’s “resurrection”, we’ll be highlighting some of the best albums we weren’t here to cover. Who knows? Maybe you missed some of them, too! Today’s list comes from longtime DS writer Dylan, aka “Screeching Bottlerocket”. Look forward to more entries in this series from some of our other contributors down the line.

Giant Eagles – Second Landing

The pride of Rotterdam, Netherlands, Giant Eagles have been pumping out extremely catchy, synthesizer-laden pop-punk for a while now. Their debut album Giant Egos was released in 2014, and their sophomore effort Second Landing arrived in 2020. The latter is without a doubt my favorite album of the 2020’s so far. The production is excellent (just listen to those fuckin’ synths!), and the songwriting is somehow even better. If you’re a fan of 90’s pop-punk and looking for a change of pace, I cannot recommend Giant Eagles enough.

Standout tracks: The entire album, especially Evil Robot Nation
Buy it: Mom’s Basement Records (USA) / Shield Recordings (EU) / Stardumb Records (EU)

Kill Lincoln – Can’t Complain

After going on a hiatus of their own for a few years, Washington, DC ska-punk band Kill Lincoln released their comeback album Can’t Complain in 2020. And what a comeback it was! This record seems to have officially put the band on the map, if the constant stream of represses it has received is any indication (seriously, they’re having a hard time keeping this thing in print). It is their most polished release to date, and they seem to have really honed their brand of bouncy pop-punk infused ska. Can’t Complain is a very fun record, and the perfect soundtrack for your summer.

Standout tracks: Greetings from Inner Space & Last Ditch Denial
Buy the record: Bad Time Records (USA) / HHV (EU)

Chaser – Dreamers

Not many bands release their best music 20 years into their career, but Chaser isn’t like most bands. The Orange County melodic punk veterans made their triumphant return in 2018 with their first album in eight years, Sound the Sirens. They followed that with 2021’s Dreamers. I can safely say this is the definitive album of Chaser’s career thus far. It’s just really fucking good; melodic, fast, hard hitting skate punk. The cover art is awesome, too! Chaser is firing on all cylinders and isn’t slowing down any time soon.

Standout tracks: Good Times (just listen to that bassline!), The Ripper, Always With You & See You at the Show
Buy it: Sound Speed Records (USA) / Thousand Islands Records (Canada) / SBÄM (EU) / Pee Records (Australia)

The Putz – Rise and Shine

I’ve long been a fan of Indianapolis’ The Putz. Like most of the band’s previous work, their fourth full-length Rise and Shine checks all the boxes that I look for in a great pop-punk record. It’s a relentless 35 minute barrage of downstrokes, charmingly simple songwriting, and countless earworm hooks. If you told me this was a long-lost Lookout! Records release, I’d be inclined to believe you. This is a fantastic, well rounded album from one of the best pop-punk bands in the game.

Standout tracks: She’s a Brat, Kicked Out, Numbskull & Invitation Only
Buy it: Eccentric Pop Records (USA) / Stardumb Records (EU)

Victims of Circumstance – Five

One of the longest tenured bands in the Tampa Bay music scene, and the first local band I fell in love with, Victims of Circumstance delivered their aptly titled fifth album Five in 2020. It had been six long years since the ska-punk veterans’ last full-length No More Heroes, an album that would stay in my car’s CD player for months at a time. The good news is, the wait was worth it! Five is essential listening for any third wave ska fan. This album is brimming with grooving mid-tempo songs with chunky basslines, hard-hitting guitar driven punk anthems, and everything in between.

Standout tracks: Tonight We’re Getting Loud, Enemy, The Edge & Ready to Go
Buy it: vocska.com (CD) / Bandcamp (digital)

by Staff Writer Screeching Bottlerocket

Tags:

Bad Time Records Chaser Eccentric Pop Records giant eagles Kill Lincoln