Favorite Tracks: Just A Dream, Toxic Mirror, Snowball, Frontiers Of The Wasteland, Trains, Lies, Searching, Suicide Note, and The Past is Torched
Sounds Like: The Briggs, The Drowns, Buzzcocks, Good Riddance, Stiff Little Fingers, and Face To Face and Get Dead
Denver based punk rock band One Time Crime released their new record “Kill The Lights on January 4, 2022. It’s been almost 5 years since their last release, “The Finale E.P.”. A whole lot has changed since 2017. The world has pretty much gone to as Ozzy Man say’s, “Destination F#cked”. Since then, I find myself needing more things to use as a pick me up, like music, movies, and time with friends.
We lost an entire year due to Covid and it’s still going! Denver lost some iconic music venues, bars and bands even broke up. So, when I found out One Time Crime dropped a new record. I knew I had to listen immediately. “Kill The Lights” did not disappoint. In fact, it blew my mind. That serotonin I needed was there. It just needed a good healthy trigger. Although the subject matter may be dark. It sparked a fire deep inside me. I love the combination of 90s punk. OI, and modern punk rock.
(Pic courtesy of the Oner Time Crime website)
Here are some tracks you need to listen to immediately! “Just A Dream” – This track defines my thoughts on 90’s punk. It’s like it was ripped out of a Fat Wreck catalog from 1996, but better. My next favorite track is “Toxic Mirror”. The track goes hardcore off the bat. Hey kids, if you wanna piss off your parent’s play this. “Snowball” is next. This track has almost a metal feel to it. “Trains’ is absolutely a badass track. We all want and need to get away sometimes.
“Searching” is slower than some of the other tracks, but has some very deep lyrics, and rad work on guitar. This is the kind of track you need to play for the bar. And last, but not least “The Past Is Torched” is about letting go and moving on. The bass and drums are the real stars on this epic track. So what are you waiting for? Go add “Kill The Lights” to your kickass playlist. It’s out now on all major music providers.
Favorite Tracks: Heartsick, Lovestuck, Classwar, So, Brother (Stalemate mix), Sugarcane (Remix), Papa Tells me and Fauxhawk
Sounds Like: Bad Religion, Descendants, Thrice, Flatliners, Sunset Silhouette, Shell Corporation, Propagandhi, and Against Me!
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It’s spooky season here at Colorado Punk Rock Army. All of our admins are wearing their Halloween gear and listening to nonstop local punk rock albums. I decided I’d give Poor Me’s latest release, “Stalemate” a spin. So the big question remains is “Stalemate” a trick or treat?
The first track is “Heartsick” . It starts off slowly like a nightmarish lullaby. It quickly goes from zero to hundred in mere milliseconds. Per the band’s website this song is about moving on from an unforgettable past. Next is my absolute favorite track on the album, “Lovestruck”. This track is a tribute to Denver punk rock legend Johnny Bender. I’ll never forget where I was the night I heard Johnny passed. This beautiful tribute is so fitting for anyone who’s suffering the loss of a loved one.
“So, Brother” (Stalemate Mix) follows and originally appeared on the band’s 2018 “Sugarcane” release. This new remix version hits harder with heavier chords and Delany’s sometimes gutter-like vocals. I have always loved the lyrics of this track.
“Let’s sacrifice it all. There wasn’t much for saving. We’re welcoming your tired eyes – we’ll give you back your sight. Although you’re broken, you still dissent? So brother, why aren’t you changing? The truth is bright. We share all the answers to fear the night.”
“Sugarcane” (Stalemate Remix – Originally appeared on “Sugarcane”) follows and this track seems much heavier than its counterpart. The gang vocals seem more polished. The drums and melody seem more powerful and yet the track still sends a great message. My third favorite track is up next and is called “Class War”.
Honestly if I didn’t know this song was by Poor Me I would have to guess it was by Propagandhi or The Shell Corporation. This track is an absolute killer. We all know how divisive the last 5 years have been. It sure does not appear to be getting better anytime soon.
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“Papa Tells Me” (Stalemate Mix – Originally appeared on “Sugarcane”) is up next and has a strong message. As sons and daughters, we are always living in our parents’ shadows. Of course, this isn’t always a bad thing, but sometimes there’s so much pressure put on the child’s shoulder even at a very young age. The first child is usually considered a “Golden Child”. The one child to change the family’s name in the social and political circles. I for one can easily identify with this track.
This version again destroys the former with more emphasis on a heavier sound edging the fine line between punk rock and hardcore. The track reminds me of something you would put on in a grungy rock bar before racking up the pool cues. “Mistakes Can Be Made” (Stalemate Mix – Originally appeared on “Sugarcane”) is up next. Pick up your air guitar and play along. The guitar is perfect for skatepunk fans and accompanies the vocals like magic.
“I gave up on God and called for the nurse – a daydream had startled me. That smile on your face may never return to me. I couldn’t lie there and wait. I guarantee in this life that mistakes can be made. Guaranteed to challenge myself – but I can’t commit to a change. Or maybe I’ll quit – I can’t commit to a change.”
“Strawman” is a brand-new track and it hits home. We fill ourselves up on so much crap to make us whole. This song is a little slower than some of the former tracks, but it can probably still manage a decent and fun circle pit. It will make you start to question life and it’s meaning.
“Fauxhawk” brings in an energetically charged political message questioning organized religion and the church’s intention. Even though it has a super deep meaning. This song is so much fun! Maybe it’s the melody or or the chorus, but this track makes me wanna dance.
Well, we have arrived at our final track, “Perpetrators (Stalemate Mix – Originally appeared on “Sugarcane”. I have loved this song since “Sugarcane’s release. This version is so much stronger. You can feel the blood, sweat and tears pumped into the bass, the drums, guitar and vocals. You’re likely to bust a vocal chord by trying to match Delaney’s vocal styling.
Overall is “Stalemate” a trick or treat? Well it’s absolutely amazing on all fronts. The best part is feeling the impressive tempo changes and powerhouse of energy. With tracks like, Heartsick, Lovestruck, Class War, Papa Tells Me, and Strawman one is sure to keep this record spinning. I’m giving a ”Stalemate” my vote in CPRA’s Best Of 2021 Local Albums list”. See Poor Me with Cheap Perfume and Reno Divorce this Saturday (10/30/2021) at The Marquis Theatre for Stalemate’s album release party!
Sounds like: CHASER, I Am The Owl, Fine Dining, and Record Thieves
Todays the big day for Denver’s A Little Off as they release their brand new video for “The Space Between Us”. Sunset Silhouette’s Brian Bonsall makes a guest appearance on this video. I personally cannot wait to see A Little Off as soon as possible! This track comes from their latest killer EP, “Symptomatic”. Get it now, https://alittleoff.bandcamp.com/releases
In case you need more check out their video for “Cauterized”!
Todd Daigle on Bass and Backing Vocals Formally of King Rat and PrideBowl
April Schupmann on Drums and Backing Vocals from Sniper 66, OC45, and more
Adam “Bomb” Segal on Guitars and Backing Vocals of the Faction and Suburban Resistance.
Rob Rover Rushing on Vocals. Founder of Non Profit Punk Rock Saves Lives and formally Jigsaw, Exit 26 and Uncalledfor
Favorite Tracks: Positive Force, Give Up The Ghost, Stand Tall, Drinkin’n With Me, Sight (Began As A Dream), and These Roving Years
Sounds Like: The Faction, Pennywise, No Use For A Name, JFA, and Agent Orange
Today is a great day in punk rock history! These Roving Years has released their brand new self titled EP. This band is basically a punk rock super group with Rob Rushing (Punk Rock Saves Lives Founder, Jigsaw, Exit 26 and Uncalledfor), Todd Daigle on bass formerly (King Rat and Pridebowl), April Schupmann on drums (Sniper 66, OC45 and a ton of other bands), and Adam “Bomb” Segal on guitars (Faction and Suburban Resistance)
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The EP kicks off with “Positive Force”. It’s strong on bass which adds a nice cutting edge. Schupmann’s drums are killer. Adam’s riffs bring back an old school metal sound. The tracks message, “The punks are standing up for you”. The next track, “Give Up The Ghost” has a strong message of not giving up on life. Covid-19 has affected each and everyone of us. The ramifications will be felt for years to come. Check on your friends and family and make sure the don’t give up the ghost. The gang vocals kick ass on this one!
“Positive Force” is also appears on the limited edition vinyl comp, “Punk Rock Saves Lives…The Album Volume One”. This comp has wicked list of awesome bands such as Descendents Flogging Molly Anti Flag HR The Bouncing Souls The Bar Stool Preachers Face to Face Authority Zero Cigar The Faction – Official Band Mercy Music United Defiance Suburban Resistance Reno Divorce These Roving Years-TRY. The vinyl is almost sold out so pick it up in the IM Records Store soon!
“Stand Tall” follows with some epic sounds on guitar. Schupmann drums are powerful. I actually may have blown my car speaker on this track. The next song is “Drinkin’ With Me”. Well let’s face it. In punk rock there is no shortage of drinking songs. Wait does this make us country fans? Haha I hope not. TRY (These Roving Years) “Drinkin’ With Me” isn’t so much about drinking as it is about comradery felt when hanging out with our friends and the music is pounding. I LOVE this track!
“Sight (Began As A Dream)” slows it down and reminds of some the Ramones slower tracks. This track will make you rethink about your priorities. Are you focusing on the things that are important to you or just scooting by? The gang vocals are a blast to sing along with. Rushing’s vocals are on point.
Sadly we have reached the end of TRY’s EP with “These Roving Years”. This punk rock ballad is likely to make you raise your glass, cry a little and definitely make you smile a lot. I rank this track up there with my favorite punk tracks about friendship such as The Undertones – Teenage Kicks, Pennywise – Bro Hymn, Rancid – Fall Back Down, and The Interrupters – This Is My Family.
In closing, the freshman release from These Roving Years TRY is a journey of self discovery, insanely great sounds on bass, drums, guitar, and vocals, and best of all the music that will make you happy. My personal favorite tracks are “Drinkin’ With Me” and “These Roving Years”. I’m throwing this one into the best local EP of 2021 mix. Do yourself a favor and pick this up now, https://theserovingyears.bandcamp.com/.
These dudes will give you a hug and then destroy your eardrums.
photo credit / AnarchoPunk
Record Thieves are a bunch of incredibly talented goofballs with a killer fresh release and a new label, Thousand Islands records. After listening to the album, Wasting Time, about 1700 times I felt somewhat prepared to launch into a video interview. I was not prepared for the hilarity that ensued.
Amongst other tangents we explore a wild link twixt X-Men and the Olsen twins and a confusing moment when a baguette becomes mistaken for a plastic gem, followed by the music video for Work It Out.
Oh yeah, there’s a story arc AND Carole King! But everyone thinks she’s someone else. It’s a blast.
CPRA is so beyond grateful to Record Thieves for allowing us to film and pester them with questions, thanks guys!
Current Lineup: Justin – Vocals/Guitar Devin – Vocals/Bass Noah -Vocals/Lead Guitar Marcus – Drums
Sounds Like: Sunset Silhouette, Saves The Day and The Ataris
It’s Pop punk Release Day here at CPRA. Today we’re kicking it off with Denver based Bury Mia. We have been fans of Bury Mia for a long time now. Today they released a new single “Better Off”. Check it out below!
This track was recorded at the infamous Blasting Room in Ft Collins, Colorado. Per the band this is the first single from a new record out later this year!
Current Lineup: Aaron (guitar) Tim (guitar) John (bass) ben (drums) and me, griffin (vocals)
Sounds Like: Sunset Silhouette, Fine Dining, Four Year Strong, The Flatliners and Wilhelm Scream
Denver’s Years Down just released their first new single, “Better Off”. I don’t know about you guys, but I think another KILLER band has entered the Denver stage. We cannot wait to hear more from this up and coming band.
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Slap Happy has always been a fun band! Until now, they’ve pretty much stayed in their own lane, as a band that was strongly influenced by Green Day. Their newest album is a slight bit of a departure and an expansion.
I LOVE the 90’s! They had the best music, the best styles, the best economy (of my lifetime), and contained my “coming of age” years. They were a decade of growth, prosperity, and peace (for the most part). The sounds of the 90’s have always felt like “home” to me.
When I started listening to the new album, “Prophylactic Shock,” by Slap Happy, I was expecting something that was more or less in line with the rest of their catalogue. What I got was a much-needed mental vacation from the 2020’s!
The first track is the perfect introduction to the album. It relies heavily on their original sound, while giving hints as to what else is coming. It feels familiar, for those who have been acquainted with the band for a long time.
After the first track, however, it feels like I’m back at the Warped Tour with Skabones, back in 1996! The second track reminded me a lot of Goldfinger; a band I had almost forgotten about, but whom I really enjoyed back in the day. Also, one of the bands that played at the aforementioned Warped Tour.
(Side note: remember when Goldfinger was on Conan O’Brien, and the drummer dropped Conan on his head, after their performance? Good times!)
While listening to this album, I felt like I was 17 again, listening to KTCL (BEFORE they got bought out by Clear Channel), smoking pot in my parents’ basement, sitting in the leather chair that was in the living room until they got new furniture (sorry, Mom).
As the album continues, Slap Happy emulates a lot of the 90’s, channeling their inner Cobain on a few tracks; getting a little dirty, a little screamy, a little angry. It encapsulates the politics of the 90’s, combined with some of the more modern sentiment about climate change and other more modern problems.
In short, this is a GREAT album for anyone who loves the 90’s as much as I do, and a gereat move forward for people who have always liked Slap Happy! I fully expect to keep this album in my regular rotation of music that I regularly listen to!
Denver’s The Frickashinas have released their first new single, “You Seem Fine”. The track was produced by 10 Ft Pole’s Scott Hallquist. This skatepunk laden track will leave you wanting more. Personally I’m hoping for a new EP or album from the band in 2021. Don’t forget to attend the online release party for “”Are we not doing phrasing anymore?” on 12/29/2020 here, https://www.facebook.com/events/421189228919439/.
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