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 Dying Scene Album Review: Forever Unclean – “Best”

Let’s give some love to the Danish punk scene. For years, the scene has become more and more noticeable and we have a lot of bands to thank for that. In September ‘19, when I was going through an insomnia-filled three days, I decided to go on a deep dive and that’s when I discovered […]

Let’s give some love to the Danish punk scene. For years, the scene has become more and more noticeable and we have a lot of bands to thank for that. In September ‘19, when I was going through an insomnia-filled three days, I decided to go on a deep dive and that’s when I discovered this band, and that might have been the second best thing to happen to me in that year. But let’s get on with this review. Back in January of 2022, a Danish skate-indie-punk trio called Forever Unclean released their first full-length LP via Nasty Cut Records (EU), Disconnect Disconnect Records (UK), and Hidden Home Records (US), consisting of 11 tracks. If you’re already familiar with Forever Unclean, they are pretty known for their short and one-worded title tracks, which we were introduced to on their EP’s Float, Woof, and Shreds. And that, much to my joy, is still the case with Best.

With Best, I took a different approach than starting from the top with “Dream.” When I first heard the record I decided to put it on “Shuffle” like some daredevil. The first song I heard, was “Kold” sung in the band’s native language Danish, and it became a favorite from the first guitar riff before the vocals come in. While it could fool one and sound uplifting and energetic, the lyrics do put another spin on the song. “Jeg er ligeglad nu”, translated to English “I don’t care right now”.  I’ll admit, speaking Danish myself, I do think it’s nice to see the band dabble in Danish, knowing that it might only be appreciated by their Danish fans. But they took a chance and it definitely paid off.

Next up is Mandy, a cute love note to someone special. “I really need a break from reality with you, with you”, this song is unbelievably catchy from the first verse, and then picks up its pace around the 30-second mark, once again showing off how the three-piece work so well together, from the supporting vocals laying a good background to Lasse’s raw, impressive vocals. This could become a fan favorite in no time. I’ll even go as far as saying, this song should be pushed a lot more; send it to someone you love next Valentine’s Day or Anniversary.

“Smile” is the penultimate song on Best, and opens with Leo’s carefree and rapid drumming. I find this song might be where he shines through, yet the way Lasse and Troels complement the drumming, with their talents on the guitar and bass, gives me at best, ‘90s grunge vibes towards the end, probably why it deserves a mention. While I love punk, getting that hint of grunge from anyone has me hooked when I pick it up.

While I could give a track-by-track review of the record, I believe you need to check it out yourself and not get too influenced by a review. I’ll say this: the record packs punch after punch and you’ll only be glad you heard it. Even from listening to their previous material for three years, it’s very clear how these guys have grown into the band and with each other, the raw emotions transferred in the lyrics, while the instruments play some more uplifting music go with them. Throughout the record, you will are met with short songs, but they pack a lot and there’s no dropping the ball on this record. The trio does know how to properly mash genres, borrowing from the early ‘90s rock, and fast-paced pop-punk, and showing how not all indie music has to be quiet and can take a punch to it. The emotional display that we are met with on the album really benefits the band lyrical-wise, as a few bands before them haven’t been shy of showing a different emotional range on their records. Forever Unclean does it differently, with shorter and more packed songs with lyrics that make you reflect since I could ask them if they were doing a lot of self-reflecting while writing.

From the first listening, I knew this record was going to be on my top ten AoTY List, and I’m glad to say it still is even with all the releases that came this year.

If you want to catch them, they are supporting ALLDEEPENDS and Sewer Cats on selected dates, starting already Friday, November 18th in Copenhagen!

by Staff Writer Karina Rae Selvig
Tags: 
denmark disconnet disconnect records forever unclean indie punk skate punk

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… And We All Die – “Static Age”

Static Age - …And We All Die

Release Date: October 31, 2024 Record Label: Unsigned Release Type: EPBandcamp Link: Listen on Bandcamp
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...And We All Die Hardcore post punk Static Age

It’s Halloween time, and what’s a better way to celebrate than with a couple of Misfits covers? Dark Alternative/Post Punk/Hardcore band …And We All Die have released a four-track EP, Static Age. The band presents us with their interpretation of the Misfits classics, “Static Age” and “TV Casualty,” just in time for the spooky season. The Static Age EP is their first release since 2018, boasting two versions of each song: a hardcore/post punk version, and an industrial take featuring Gost on synth.

For you hardcore fans out there, Raymond Burton Estes and drummer Walter Lee are also members of 90’s Texas hardcore band Eleventh Hour. On the industrial version of Static Age, they’re joined by 90’s DC hardcore veteran Shelby Cinca of Frodus, Decahedron, Frantic Mantis, catbeats and so many other great bands. This makes for a special 90’s hardcore team-up!

According to bass player and vocalist Raymond Burton Estes this is the start of more music coming from the band. If these covers are a preview of what’s to come, there’s a lot to get excited about. Forget pumpkin spice season, it’s Misfits season. Check out …And We All Die’s Static Age EP here!

…And We All Die

…And We All Die formed to make dark music with friends and other artists. To date, …And We All Die has collaborated members of One-Eyed Doll, Knifight, One Against Many, and Skatenigs. …And We All Die songs have been remixed by: Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers), Daniel Ash (Bauhaus, Tones on Tail, Love and Rockets), Rodney Anonymous (The Dead Milkmen), Ben Weinman (Dillinger Escape Plan, Suicidal Tendencies), Frantic Mantis, Eleventh Hour, and others.  

Göners ÜK

Bozeman, MT

“Few bands consistently bring the energy that Goners UK brings; whether on record or live shows, the hometown heroes are unwavering in their delivery of fast paced, heavy handed, no-bullshit punk rock. Hailing from the snowy caps of Bozeman, Montana, the quintet stops at literally nothing to bring their storied tunes to every corner of the map. Self starting. Hard working. Relentless in their pursuit of progressing in every show, every album, every song; Göners ÜK is a force to be reckoned with.”

1000 Degrees

1000 Degrees is a Punk band from Genova, Italy. They have released 2 Albums “Back to a New Way” (2014) and “Has Already Past” (2011) for their label, IndieBox, and one EP, “A Little Beat Faster” (2009). They have toured all over Europe and are about to start a new Russian/Scandinavian tour to promote their new album. Check out the brand new video for “Sayonara”! 

1916

Hailing from upstate NY, Celtic rockers 1916 are an explosive concoction of the modern Irish Punk movement with an original mix of psychobilly which gives 1916 a sound that stands apart from other bands of the genre.

Starting as an acoustic duo in 2006, singer Billy Herring and original drummer Steve LaDue played the traditional Irish ballads of the Dubliners and Wolfe Tones in the local pubs in and around their home-town of Rochester, NY.  They decided to call themselves 1916 to get people interested in Irish history.  In 2010 they took the music to a new level with the addition of electric guitars, traditional instruments, and a full drum set.  Within a few months of trying their new sound, 1916 were opening for the likes of the Dropkick Murphys, 21 Pilots, and New Politics, among other national acts.

On St. Patrick’s Day of 2012, 1916 released their first studio album, A Drop of the Pure, to rave reviews.  That same year, 1916 became the first band from Rochester, NY to get their own Pandora station with the addition of their music to the Pandora genome project.  With their music now reaching a global audience, the boys would soon gain fans all over the world.

The following year, 1916 released their sophomore album, Stand Up & Fight.  This new album, featuring a collection of covers and originals, had a more polished sound than the raw punk feel of  A Drop of the Pure.  This new full length album also featured more traditional Irish instruments to give the new LP a fun and full sound.

As the band continued to evolve, they kept touring and playing as many shows as possible.  With bigger audiences came a larger fan base for 1916 to interact with.  The band has always enjoyed hanging out with the crowd both pre- and post- shows.

In November of 2014, the guys went back into the studio to begin recording their third album, Last Call for Heroes.  Released in December of 2015, Last Call for Heroes was met with great enthusiasm from critics.  Named one of the “best punk albums of 2016,” both home and abroad, the new album appeared to have given the band the momentum they needed to move forward.

Mandolin player Jon Kane joined the band in early 2016, just before the boys hit the road to join Flogging Molly on their Salty Dog Cruise.  After a whirlwind spring of touring through the Bahamas and Europe, Jon was just what the band needed as he brought his energetic and fun stage persona into the fold.

The sound had certainly become streamlined and unique, but it wasn’t until 2017 that upright bassist Ryan Hurley would join 1916 to give the band the final integral piece that gives the music its psychobilly flavor.  Ryan quickly found a new home in 1916 and the band now finds itself on the edge of yet another amazing year of recording and touring.

In 2019, the band welcomed the thundering drums of Tony Presutti to take over behind the kit. Soon after that, 1916 further expanded their sound by the addition of accordion player Sam Sarratori to the crew!