Sounds Like: The Damed, Distillers, Bikini Kill, Babes In Toyland, and the Lunachicks
Denver’s Battle Pussy pulled out a giant surprise this morning with their new single release, “Vote”. The new track is super catchy, Suzy Slade’s vocals are riveting and tight, while Judy’s bass thumps. Betty’s drums feel like they are channeling the ghost of Tommy Ramone.
This politically driven track reminds me of how important it is to vote! Most Colorado residents should be receiving their mail in ballots soon. If you need to register to vote please go here, https://vote.gov/. I don’t want to hear anyone complain about the election results if you didn’t vote! And if you don’t Battle Pussy will kick your ass! Ok maybe they won’t, or will they?
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Mike Waterhouse Jim Wilcox Allen White Fred Bear Chad Gilbert
Favorite Tracks: Sacrifice
Sounds Like: TBR, Nofx, Sunset Silhouette, Descendants, MxPx, The Unindicted Co-Conspirators, Authority Zero, All Out Helter, and Boldtype
One of our favorite small labels, Thousand Islands Records, just got a little bigger with their addition of Denver’s new punk rock supergroup, Record Thieves. The Record Thieves just released their newest single, “Sacrifice” a few days back. I personally cannot wait for their debut album, ‘Wasting Time’ out November 24, 2020.
I love the guitar solos, drums, vocals, in fact everything about this track hits home. By listening and not knowing one may think the Record Thieves were a 90’s Fat Wreck band. So be sure to download this now through your preferred format,https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/recordthieves/sacrifice. I’m hoping there will be a vinyl release!
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We are anxiously awaiting the release of Denver punk icon, Luke Schmaltz, new book, “The Belcher” which is due out September 30, 2020 via Mutiny Press aka Mutiny Information Cafe. After listening/reading to a few chapters this writer is officially hooked on, “The Belcher“.
Oh and if you have never heard of Denver’s King Rat. Be sure to give them a listen here, https://kingrat1.bandcamp.com/. Be sure to pre-order “The Belcher” here, https://lukeschmaltz.com/ or pick up on on 9/30/2020 from Mutiny!
Favorite Tracks: To Catch A Thief, Counterfit, La Mentirosa, D-Days In Pacific, and Koi Tattoo
How many records can you say you had a straight impulse buy with? I’m guessing not many. In this day and age we have to be careful where and when we drop that hard earned cash. So to my surprise I noticed a new Denver band, The Unindicted Co-Conspirators released a 4 track EP called, “Colfax Confidential”. From the very start to the very end I was hooked. So what makes this record so rad? Let’s take an in depth look.
The record starts with, “To Catch A Thief”. There’s something I really love about Fletcher’s vocals. Not only are they very well done, but feel more like a storytelling experience. Don’t get me wrong I love me some Danzig, yet sometimes I can’t understand him. Thill’s saxophone on this track is wicked and totally unexpected.
The next track is “Counterfit” and starts out with a kick ass rockabilly feel. This track has a Cold War theme with legendary Felipe Patino on bass. Patino’s bass, Barrow’s drums and Fletcher’s vocals come together for a wonderful sound. I love the story line and lyrics. How many punk tracks talk about spies?
“She was set up at some sketchy punk rock dive bar just off of East Melrose and 101 And the suitcase from a spooky looking g-man by the Pan Pacific Auditorium We made love in the bed of her director guess that she was trying to settle some old score Then he burst in I fired twice and hit him one time That’s when we left him bleeding on the floor”
“La Mentirosa” is up next and translates to “The Liar” in English. The guitar on this track is on point. This love song is aggressive and fast and retains the storytelling element of the EP. The next track is “D-Days In The Pacific”. The Japanese were a well oiled machine before and up until the very end the Pacific Theater in WWII. It took two atomic bombs to stop them from continuing the war. This track is frantic till the very end!
“Koi Tattoo” is sadly the last track. It opens with a traditional Japanese tune, before launching into madness. To sum all of this up, “Colfax Confidential” by the Unindicted Co-Conspirators is EP that deserves the full album treatment. The mix of different genres, talents of the players, and incredible storytelling make this record stand out among others. It’s only $4.00 over on Bandcamp right now, but I have a feeling the price will go up. Pick it up right here, https://theunindictedco-conspirators.bandcamp.com/
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Sounds Like: Sunset Silhouette, Bury MIA, Came And Took It, Filthy Hearts, Mixed Kid Fridays, The Swifts, Modern Baseball and Stray The Course
Photo by Lola Marie
The Mazlows have been making headlines within the pop punk world for the last year or so. You can read our posts about the Mazlows here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/tag/the-mazlows/. From the first time I heard I heard their single, “The Wolf Inside”. I knew this band was going places. I’ve been bugging them since day one for a new album. Today my wish came true with the release of “Community Locker”.
Photo by Lola Marie
Back when I reviewed “The Wolf Inside” and “Leaving Town” I mentioned you needed to listen to this band so you could be proud to say, “I knew about them before they got big”. I realize now that is straight up music snobbery. Am I sorry for this? Nope, I’m proud of this and that’s why we started CPRA to share new music with those looking for it. So why Skabones did you say, “Best Pop punk album of 2020? Let’s dig into The Mazlows ‘Community Locker’.
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The album is a whopping 14 tracks long. That’s impressive as hell! Some of my favorite tracks are “Best Days”, “Where Were You”, “Leaving Town”, “Here To Stay”, ”Thrown Away”, “Head First” , “Say Yeah”, “Were Not Dead Yet”, and last but not least, “Night Caps And Goodbyes”. All of these tracks have major potential to break the music airwaves.
“Best Days” reminds me of my teenage years. I dated a girl at the one one would consider an “Alternative Girl” or “Punk Rocker”. Boy did I feel super cool at the time. We both moved on, but when a song can trigger a memory like that. You know it’s good. “Where Were You” also has a youthful tone with some great riffs from bass and guitar. Beatmaster D kills it on the drums. The overall harmony is amazing. This is not another “Pop Punk Love Song”.
Pete. Photo by Rick Kooker
I reviewed “Leaving Town” a few weeks back. This track is exactly about leaving town. As we get older our desire to grow often leads us out of town. You may leave town, but you always return back to the community locker. “Here To Stay” has some wicked hooks and change ups. Nate’s vocals are amazing as the rest of the band joins into the fray. I love Hodel’s bass lines as they are unexpected. This track will surpass 1,000 plays within a few months or maybe sooner. Who knew punk rock could make you dance?
Colt. Photo by Rick Kooker
Now “Thrown Away” actually threw me for a giant loop. Here I’m thinking the track will maintain the catch pop punk formula. Nope it didn’t happen. This track is dark, with a AFI like sound. The bass is wicked, Beatmaster D’s drums are insane! “Head First’ returns to back to the pop punk. It’s very addicting. It wouldn’t surprise me if “Say Yeah” does become the next pop punk anthem of the decade. The bass and drums with the “Say Yeah” chorus is awesome!
Nate. Photo by Rick Kooker
Next up is another personal favorite, “We’re Not Dead Yet”. It goes to the dark side fast with a progressive melodic hardcore tone. The drums are nuts. The chorus is ultimate perfection. My last favorite track is “Nightcaps and Goodbyes”. This is a great ending track to an overall incredible album. We’ve all been there as we leave the bars at 2am. We all hope this won’t be the last time we can be together.
Beatmaster D. Photo by Rick Kooker
In closing, The Mazlows, ‘Community Locker’ blew my expectations away. This crotchety old Misfits loving punk rocker now believes in the power of The Mazlows. The tracks will not only will make you dance, make you cry, but most of all provide a deeply needed sense of hope. This album is definitely getting added as a nominee for best pop punk album of 2020. Don’t wait till you hear them on the radio, check them out right now, https://themazlows.bandcamp.com/.
Track List (Subject To Change)
Best Days Where Were You Leaving Town Here to Stay Leave It All Behind Echoes Thrown Away Head First Breakfast Epiphanies Say Yeah Forever And We’re Not Dead Yet Last Call Nightcaps and Goodbyes
Sounds Like: Sunset Silhouette, Came And Took It, Mixed Kid Fridays, The Swifts, Stray The Course, and FIDLAR
Photo By Lola Marie
Denver’s The Mazlow’s dropped a fresh single this morning called, “Leaving Town”. Is it the best pop punk single to release this summer? It comes off the heals of some of their previous releases, which you can hear and read about here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/tag/the-mazlows/. This track was originally written 15 years ago when the Mazlow’s were angsty teenage boys.
Photo By Lola Marie
Per their recent article in Westward, “Leaving Town” is about just that. Seeking out those teenage desires to run free out into the world. Per guitarist Colton Kooker, “The song connects our young dreams of moving away, to the current realities of still having challenges in life,”. For me this track encapsulates that teenage feeling of wanting to break free and experience life as we know it.
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With COVID currently stalking us, it’s awesome to have something energetic and hopeful to sing along with. This writer couldn’t be more excited for their full album release in August 2020. You can pick up the single now from all the major music providers.
Production: Mixed and recorded at Room 101 PCP Studios
Favorite Tracks: Quarantina Wine Mixer, Amazon Primus, Sax And Violins, Lost In The Sauce and Jim Jones Slumber Party
Sounds Like: Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Sorry Sweetheart, Leftover Crack, Voodoo Glow Skulls and The Flaming Tsunamis
It’s no secret that we love People Corrupting People here at CPRA. They did our theme song for our podcast and our TV show. You watch the show and listen to the podcasts here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/. We’ve reviewed their albums so many times I’ve lost track, but if you want to read more go here.
With the Covid 19 pandemic sweeping the world, we all need a break from the sad headlines on Facebook and the news. So leave it to People Corrupting People aka PCP to release their brand new record. “Lounge Lizard” on April 20, 2020. So light up a bowl and and read along with Grandpa Skabones kids.
PCP is known for their antics, in fact as I write this they are holding a 4/20 Smoke A Thon right here, https://www.facebook.com/pcpsux/videos/2667722366673414/. If you enjoy passing around a dildo be sure to check it out. So let’s dig into “Lounge Lizard”. This album is 100% pure instrumental, which to be honest I was caught off guard at first. There’s something very different and very lovable that I shall get into.
The first track, “Amazon Primus” has some heavy Primus-like bass lines by Eddie Lindo. It resembles early Alice In Chains, but less heroiny. I’ll prob go to hell for saying that haha. The next track is “Casio No He Didn’t”, and for whatever reason it reminds me of Gene from Bob’s Burgers. But this track will be a hit for Gene. It has a great groove and perfected horns. Is PCP staking a claim into the 80’s new wave era?
Pic by Gingersnapshots
“Dewey Got Diddles” follows up and comes in with a heavy ska core rock edge. This track is more on the metal side, with some great skate punk sound. Jen’s viola play is remarkable. Mike brings the scifi in with work on the theremin. Dyl goes nuts on the drum kit. This is by far a favorite favorite track right here.
Pic by Gingersnapshots
My next favorite song is up next, “Jim Jones Slumber Party”. I’m not gonna go into detail about Jim Jones, but check it out here, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Jones. This track is beautifully written and delicious to the eardrums. This song needs to be on a soundtrack. For a band that plays a ton of antics, they are sure fucking talented. Expect this to be on a future CPRA Podcast episode!
Pic by Gingersnapshots
“Panflute Sexual” is next up and Jethro Tull is about to get a run for his money, This track is super heavy on bass, fast and gives the pan flute a brand new hardcore edge. Holy shit the panflute is hardcore now! The next song is “Pterodactyl Cunt Punt”. This track reminds of early Suicidal Tendencies, with aggressive Anthrax edge. This was totally unexpected. Rich brings the ska core to the limits.
Pic by Gingersnapshots
“Quarantina Wine Mixer” is next and the slowest track on the list. It’s a hot island track to help melt your cold heart, or does it warm up your cold heart? I don’t know if you caught my Southpark reference there? Dyl, Jen and Rick kill it on “Sax And Violins”. I hear a little Jewish folk in this track, but I could definitely be wrong. However it would not surprise me. Fans of “Arrested Development” will love the next track, “There’s Always Money In The Banana Stand”.
I’m not positive that’s a stand up bass at the intro, but it thumps deep and is a possibility. This track is grove worthy and fun. “Whatever You Say, Dr Dre” is up next. This track is mello and on the reggae ska side. Of course the obvious salute to the man himself Dr Dre. I personally love the horns on this song. The next track, “What’s Chaplin, Bro” is mixed with Chaplins’s famous speech from the “Great Dictator”. I sat beside myself embedded in the tones and listened sharply to Chaplin’s words. It will definitely make you think.
Pic by Gingersnapshots
“Yeasty Boys” follows up with some amazing work on bass and guitar. “Lost In The Sauce” is next with a Primus nod, but funky like George Clinton, and a little latin spice in there. Now I’m no Disco Doug, but shit this track is fun! Get your skankin shoes on and that “Stayin Alive” outfit on! The final track is “Trapped In The Sap” while PCP may not be known for metal. This track may change things. Holy shit is it good!
Pic by Gingersnapshots
Overall I’d say “Lounge Lizard’ is a magnificent instrumental album. PCP is mainly known as a ska band; however this album has everything I was never expecting. The deep bass, metal licks, cool island sounds, scifi, and some insane drums. Seriously don’t sleep on “Lounge Lizard” by People Corrupting People”. Get it here, www.pcpsux.com.
In case you missed their latest music video!
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Favorite Tracks: A.F.D, I’ll Get More, P.M.A, F**ck Old People, Brain Dead, and Throwing Two’s
Proving that age has nothing to do with your punk “Status” are 2 local Denver bands Amazing Flying Dumbasses and Worthless Commodity. Both bands have enjoyed local success and are known as rising stars in the Denver punk rock scene. Amazing Flying Dumbasses have raked in over 7,000 streams on Spotify with “All Cops Are Bastards” being their most popular track. This split is Worthless Commodity’s first public release.
So let’s check out this EP split. The record begins with A.F.D. How many bands have an actual theme song? Well grab your shit and hang on cause we’re hitting the pit on this track! It clocks out at a whopping 53 seconds, I LOVE IT! The next song is “I’ll Get More”. Benny Vigil is straight up angry on this track. Mikey’s drums bring an unleashed energetic power as Connor and Noah join in on bass and guitar. Yet another track I adore!
Video Credit: Victor Valdez
The last Amazing Flying Dumbasses track on the split is “P.M.A. This is one of my favorite “AFD” tracks and only plays second to “Skate And Destroy” from their “Bruised” album. Worthless Commodity tracks are up next for the review. The first track, “F**K Old People”, comes in like a swift kick to the face. The guitar riff is addicting. The lead singer’s voice reminds me of the late Buzzcock’s singer, Pete Shelley which is incredible.
Pic by Victor Valdez
The next song is “Brain Dead” is what Skabones defines as “Pogo Worthy”! This track has a bit of more hardcore sound with a deep bass line. This is my personal favorite track from Worthless Commodity! The last and definitely not least track on the split is “Throwing Twos”. This anger driven track has kick-ass bass, drums and intense vocals. This track kicks serious ass! I cannot wait to hear more in the future from Worthless Commodity!
You can listen to the split here!
The coolest part of this split? The oldest senior band member is 18 years old. So when I said, “Punk’s not dead, it’s still a teen” it proves how amazing and badass our younger musicians can be. So your old “Dad punk” while it may be considered classic, bands like Amazing Flying Dumbasses and Worthless Commodity continue to keep the light burning bright. Be sure to check out the new split on any major music provider. This is a nominee for best local EP release!
Joe Exotic and No Bueno!, Join Forces From Prison And Release “Outlaw Song”. This video proves without a doubt Carole did feed her husband to the tigers. For proof I present the gleam in her eye. “That bitch Carole Baskin killed her husband”
END PRESS RELEASE
The PROOF right in the first FRAME! Long live the detectives at No Bueno!
Per No Bueno! This is just a taste of brand new music headed our way! I never expected to hear anything like this from No Bueno!, so this makes me so excited!
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Current Lineup: (Per Facebook) Bram- Bass & Vocals Arj- Guitar & Vocals JD- Lead Guitar Brooks- Drums
Production: Recorded and mixed by Bart McCrorey at Crash Pad Studios
Cover Art: Crystal Gehrig
Favorite Tracks: Stone Age, Turn Your Back, One Life, and Blue Lies
Sounds Like: Adolescents, Zipperz, Dirty Work, The Casualties, and Dirty Work
Barking Mad has returned from the depths of Denver’s dark alleyways with “Stone Age”. We reviewed their last release, “Rampage” here. If there’s anything we need in these dark times is some brand new tunes! So let’s check out, “Stone Age”. The first track in all it’s caveman glory is “Stone Age”. This track is heavy with early Suicidal Tendencies like guitar riffs and some great drum work. Are we as a people returning to the stone age?
The next track is “Turn Your Back”. This song has some kick ass hooks and quick changes. You will definitely wanna hit the pit on this one. My favorite song is up next, “One Life”. This is my personal gtfo of isolation song. I’m so tired of these walls I just want OUT! But alas I will stay home and save lives along with Barking Mad for now.
“I just wanna live my life and be free. I’m the only one who tells me who to be. Living my life my own fucking way.”
The 4th and final track is “Blue Lies”. Let’s be honest here even the smallest amount of police contact can destroy lives. Especially those from lower income and minority communities. What will some people say about this? “Stay out of trouble”. Yeah sure you old white bastard. The fact of the matter is “BLUE LIVES WILL DESTROY YOUR LIFE”. I 100% love this track and highly recommend it.
I reached out to Bass/Vocalist Brams Swanson for his thoughts on the new EP. “Well, I wrote it about de-evolution. It’s about how people’s thought processes are becoming more and more closed minded and ignorant. They try to shield themselves from reality and differing points of view from their own in the name of being “woke”. Only they can’t even recognize the hypocrisy spewing out of their mouths…”
With the “Stone Age” EP, Barking Mad has solidified everything I love about punk. With tracks like “Stone Age”, “One Life” and “Blue Lies” this record is a must have! I suggest you pick up the vinyl here, https://truckstoptoiletrecords.bigcartel.com/
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