Category: International punk rock

CPRA Music News: Toronto Punks Hangtime Release New EP, “Invasion”

Posted on by SkaBones in diy, International punk rock, pop punk

Release Date: June 7, 2019                                                   

Format: Digital and physical

Label: DIY

Location: Toronto, ON

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Rick Burns – Vocals/Guitar
  • Warren Gregson – Vocals/Guitar
  • Dan Scicchitano – Bass
  • Enzo Suppa – Drums

Favorite Tracks: A Thousand Years Ago, One Nine Nine Five


Sounds Like: Aimless Again, Dorkatron, The Livermores, Penske File, and the Mazlows

Let’s face it Mondays blow! Sometimes you need a little pick me up, beer, coffee, weed, or maybe some new kick ass music. Toronto punks Hangtime released, “Invasion” back on 3/1/2019. We may be a little late to the party on this one, but that’s because this EP was made to serve as the perfect pick me up.

This EP may seem small at a whopping 6 tracks, but it’s full on nonstop pop punk goodies. The album kick off with “A Thousand Years Ago”. This song hits home for me.  How many hearts have you broken and regretted for years to come? The lyrics are really the star on this track, while the band provides the anthem like charisma.

Next up is “One Nine Nine Five”, this song kicks absolute ass! The perfected hooks on this track are brilliant. I keep feeling I’ve heard this song before, but can’t pin it down. It may be they are just so damn good, it gives a good familiar feeling. My favorite track is up next, “See You Soon”. The drums are killer, the chords bleed perfection. The lyrics are catchy, yet none generic.

“Can I Take You Out”, is up next and continues a wonderful Ramones like sound. This record so far portrays an innocence really only found in pop punk. This is a love song and I feel the teenage boy in me giggle a little. “She”, comes roaring in next and no this isn’t a Greenday cover. Yet another track for all of us on a simple relatable level. When you have found the one, you just know it. The drums and power chords are sweet!

The last track up is “Lucky”. This track a an energetic fast romp reminiscent of the Penske File. I suppose I should wrap this up. Hangtime’s, “Invasion” is a great EP for anyone who is craving that pure pop punk sound. Pick it up here, https://hangtimeband.bandcamp.com/album/invasion.

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Track List (Subject To Change)

  1. INVASION
  2. A Thousand Years Ago
  3. One Nine Nine Five
  4. See You Soon
  5. Can I Take You Out
  6. She
  7. Lucky

Links:

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Keeping 90s Skatepunk Alive, Trashed Ambulance Releases, “Shorthanded”

Posted on by SkaBones in International punk rock, Punk Rock, skatepunk, Thousand Islands Records

Release Date: June 7, 2019                                                   

Format: Digital, cassette (limited to 100 copies, order now!!)

Label: Thousand Island Records

Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Jawsh
  • RB
  • Shark

Favorite Tracks: Open Road, Buy In, Round 3

Sounds Like: 90s Skate Punk, NoFX

Growing up, there was the holy trinity of punk rock labels. It was Epitaph, Hellcat, & Fat Records. This band takes me back to listening to the Fat Records for Fat People compilations. Obviously influenced by NoFX, a band that is apparently easy to hate on by many punks now, but fuck that hate stuff. I never understood how hating things & bands made you a more interesting person. They are a band still influencing great music, like Trashed Ambulance.

The band’s new EP, Shorthanded, isn’t set on reinventing music here, but they take a sound & do it well. Vocals & guitar that serve the sound very well. Excellent melodies that will stick in your head. Driving drums that are vital to giving the record the energy needed to make the band work. What stands out the most though, is the bass. I love bass solos, walking the bass instead of simply playing the notes. Rad bass lines throughout the EP.

Open Road is an excellent opening track for their new EP. it’s everything I mentioned above, & everything you need to know about how you’ll enjoy this record. Fun guitar and bass solos break up the end of Trash Queens, helping the track stand out. Buy In is a great self-deprecating track, “I’m never gonna win, so I might as well buy in.” Great hook. The standout lyric to me though, is from Round 3, the closing track from the band. “Don’t find solace by being a dick.” Great lyric, great message, fantastic song. Be good to each other, be good to this band. Check them out.

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Track List (Subject To Change)

  1. Open Road
  2. Super League
  3. Buy In
  4. The Very Best
  5. Trash Queen
  6. Round 3

Links:

About the writer:

Griffin has been listening to punk records for the last 25 years. Now residing is Colorado Springs with his wife & 4 kids, he still tries to catch as many shows as he can.

#CPRANewMusicAlert: Lee Resistant & The Lost, Drop ‘Thirteen Years Gone By’, On 4/15/2019

Posted on by SkaBones in CPRA Music Radar Alert, CPRA New Music Alert, International punk rock, melodic hardcore, Melodic Punk, pop punk

Release Date: April 15, 2019                                                          

Format: Digital

Label: DIY

Location: Ontario, CAN

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Lee Resistant
  • Jakob Durocher (guitar)
  • Brian Venne (bass)
  • Alex Hill (drums)

Favorite Tracks: Least Resistant, For The Few, Wishlist, Where Would You Run?

Sounds Like: Nothington, Hot Water Music, and Fletcher

Leaving something and starting a new project is always tough. Frankly it can be really scary at first. You never know when a piranha might come by even if you’re just dipping a toe in. Personally when we started CPRA I was mortified. What if the project fails? What will people think? Finally I just decided to say screw it and go for it. So a major shout out in this review goes to Lee Resistant for leaving Fletcher when they broke in 2005 and striking out on his own with, Lee Resistant & The Lost.

The band recently dropped their debut EP, ‘Thirteen Years Gone By’ via self release. The EP contains 3 re-recorded Fletcher songs . So let’s get into, ‘Thirteen Years Gone By’ in pure and proper CPRA fashion. The record starts out with “Lease Resistant”. I love this song! The chorus, the vocals, even the tiny little guitar solos. This little song has a big message about standing up and fighting for your beliefs.  

The next track is, “For The Few”. This song is immediately catchy. Put those fists up and sing along! I feel like this song resonates with anyone who is going through a struggle. The drum work on this track is fantastic. “Wishlist” is up next. It comes in with a great roaring melodic hardcore sound. This track speaks of a past intimate relationship and how the song writer wishes the relationship went better. I feel like all of us can relate on some level or another to this song.

The last song is up next, “Where You Run?”. This track is strong on an anthem power pop punk sound. Personally I am really enjoying this EP and excited to see what the future holds for Lee Resistant & The Lost. They are currently working on a full length release. Check out what Lee has to say below!

Speaking about the release, Lee says: “Once I decided that I wanted to end 20l8 with a full band show, it was an easy decision to add some of the old songs into the set. I still think that the Fletcher material holds up well after all this time, and I honestly thought that I would never get to play those songs in a band situation again, so it was a lot of fun to give them a new lease of life.” On the decision to re-record the material, Lee adds “I think it’s a good way to bridge the gap between the music I made in the early 2000s to the music I’m making now, almost like a reintroduction, while we work on the LRATL full-length record.”

You can pick up, ‘Thirteen Years Gone By’, right now here,

https://leeresistant.bandcamp.com/

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Track List (Subject To Change)

  1. Least Resistant
  2. For The Few
  3. Wishlist
  4. Where Would You Run?

Links:

Emo Pop Punks Triple Sundae Announce New EP, “Glow”

Posted on by SkaBones in International punk rock, pop punk, Punk Rock

Release Date: 6/7/2019

Format: Digital                              

Location: London, England

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Hassan
  • Mike
  • Andy
  • Zandro

Favorite Tracks: Mental Pollution, Dazed, Glow, and Safe


Sounds Like: The Menzingers, Alkaline Trio, PUP and Spraynard

Triple Sundae are no strangers to the emo pop punk scene. “Glow” is their 4 studio release and they plan on releasing albums sometime in the future. Here at CPRA we are loving this EP! With fantastic tracks like, Pollution, Dazed, Glow, and Safe. These English punks really have found a kickass unique sound.

Be sure to pick it up here, triplesundae.bandcamp.com

Tour Dates:

* Tour with Jukebox Romantics

23 May 2019: The Festing, Portsmouth, w/ Burnt Tapes + Forever Unclean + WAYL

34 May 2019: Booze Cruise Festival, Bristol

30 May 2019: Waterintobeer, London, (acoustic)*

31 May 2019: Fighting Cocks, Kingston*

1 June 2019: Head of Steam, Newcastle*

2 June 2019: The Underground, Stoke-On-Trent*

3 June 2019: Conroy’s Basement, Dundee*

4 June 2019: Temple of Boom, Leeds*

5 June 2019: Le Pub, Newport*

26 June 2019: The Sebright Arms, London, w/ Ducking Punches + Not Scientists

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Track List: (Per Bandcamp)

1. Pollution

2. Swisher

3. Dazed

4. Everything’s Cool

5. Glow

6. Safe

Links:

After a 14 Year Hiatus, Downway Returns With “Last Chance For More Regrets”

Posted on by SkaBones in International punk rock, Small Label, Thousand Islands Records

Release Date: 5/1/19 via Thousand Islands Records

Format: Digital out 5/1/19, CD and Vinyl goes out around 5/1/2019 only 300 on vinyl will be released!

Label: Thousand Islands Records

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook) –

Dave Pederson, Ryan Eagleson, Dave Holmes,

Favorite Tracks: Black Taxes, Letters, The Show, Wild Ones, Punk OG and Rebel Ballad

Sounds Like: Came And Took It, Sunset Silhouette, and Boxing Day.

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In 14 years so many things can change. One thing hasn’t changed and that’s Downway’s kick-ass sound! In 2017 they reformed to tour and produce their new album, “Last Chance For More Regrets”. The new album features 12 tracks. CPRA was lucky to score a pre-release copy.

This album is stocked with kickass pop, skate and the occasional metal lick. Personally I really would love a vinyl release. I’m finding it very hard to really nail down a favorite song as all are excellent. Downway may have taken some time off, but they came back harder and stronger than ever. Pick this one up on 5/1/19 here, https://thousandislandsrecords.bandcamp.com/

Track list: (Per Bandcamp)

  1. Intro
  2. Black Taxes
  3. Part of the Show
  4. Letters
  5. Same Sky
  6. Mary
  7. Wild Ones
  8. Rebel Ballad
  9. Saying Your Name
  10. Stars & Satellites
  11. PUNK OG
  12. Last Night’s Makeup

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Links:

 

The Hangup’s Return To The Airwaves With New EP, “No Expectations”

Posted on by SkaBones in International punk rock, monster zero, Small Label

 

Release Date: February 21, 2019

Format: Digital, Physical and Vinyl

Label: Monster Zero

Location: Malmö, Sweden

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Ale Hangup – Guitar & Vocals
  • Hugo – Bass & Backing vocals
  • Poffe – Drums
  • Ludvig – Guitar & Backing vocals

Favorite Tracks: Stupid World, Out Of Order, Done With You, and Bigger Brain

Sounds Like: The Queers, Screeching Weasel, and old school Greenday

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Sweden’s The Hangups have released their second EP called, “No Expectations” on Monster Zero Records. We reviewed their first EP here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/2018/10/05/the-hangups-s-t/. I’m still rocking this record 6 months later. Today we get a brand new one!

I’m lucky I grew up during the time when Look Out Records was releasing some of the best punk bands from the 90s. “No Expectations” continues this tradition. One aspect I tend to dislike are outright depressing bands. I mean no disrespect, and we all need those bands at certain times in our lives. For a music reviewer 10 straight tracks of sadness, is seriously very depressing.

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This is why I adore the Hangups. All of their songs put a Joker like smile on my face.

So let’s check out, “No Expectations”. I have to admit I do have high expectations since I loved their last release. “Stupid World” is the first track up and it will get that dopamine moving. The drums are excellent. I’m feeling the throwback effect already. The lead singer’s voice sounds almost exactly like Joe Queer.

“Out of Order” is the second track up. The track is super fast. Grab your best friend and head for the pit. The drums and riffs are the stars of the track. “Done With You” comes up next. This is pure and 100% break up punk. Everyone and anyone can relate to this song. Where was this song when I really needed it? Damn.

“Bigger Brain” is next and this ends this kick ass EP. This would be my second favorite track. The lyrics are addicting with a thumping bass line. Overall The Hangups record, “No Expectations”, should quickly join your collection. This a 4 track record that gives you that youthful, no fecks given feeling. It’s something we all need in order to remain positive in a world full of shite. Grab your board and pick this one up on vinyl today.

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Track List Per Bandcamp

1.Stupid World

2.Out Of Order

3.Done With you

4.Bigger Brain

Links:

An Italian Band That Sounds Like They Stepped Right Out Of The LA Punk Scene? Breakmatt Fastgyver – “The Light Inside Is Broken But I Still Deliver”

Posted on by SkaBones in International punk rock, melodic hardcore, Melodic Punk

Release Date: March 2, 2018

Format: Digital

Label: DIY

Location: Milano, Italy

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Mattia Cattaneo
  • Federico Vegetato
  • Marco Guerrini
  • Gabriele Masulli

Favorite Tracks: To Asuka, We’re A Team, We stick together, My Roommates, The Demons, and Five

Sounds Like: Briggs, Sniper 66, Dirty Work, Street Dogs, Transplants, Zipperz and NOISE

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Italy’s Breakmatt Fastgyver surprised the absolute hell straight out of me. We get 10-15 album review requests a week. Sadly we cannot review all albums submitted as we all work full time jobs in addition to family obligations. So after staring the first track on, “The Light Inside Is Broken But I Still Deliver”. I thought I know I’ve heard these guys before. However, I quickly came to realize that indeed they are brand new to me.
Their sound however is not so much brand new, but an amazing combination of classic, pop, and a bit of skate. The straight guttural style is what really drew me in. Let’s break these tracks down. “To Asuka” is the first track. I’m not sure if this is a love song or about trying to help a friend with depression. Lyrically this song is simply beautiful. The drums and melodic hardcore style keep me hitting the repeat button.

“I need appreciation, I need the whole world to know that I exist.

I want to shout out loud, please look at me!

Don’t tell me it’s pathetic, don’t ever tell I shouldn’t feel like this.

This is what I am, this is how I feel”.

“The Gardens, At Night” is the second song on the track list. The one has a really sweet bass/guitar intro. The lead singer’s vocals remind me a bit of Al Barr. “We’re A Team, We Stick Together” is the next song. This song deals with the pain one feels from either growing up or moving on with life. It has a nostalgia for the simpler times. Did you grow up and forget your dreams?

“But then years go by, we all take our separate ways.

And then we drift apart in time.

Today our scripts read reassuring lines.

Can we really say we’re doing just fine?

Did we grow scared to reveal ourselves?

Is it a consequence of life?”

“We’re A Team, We Stick Together” comes in fast and strong with pure emotion. The drums are killer. That feeling that I’ve heard this song before comes creeping back. I absolutely love it! The hooks are right on point when joining the melody. This is yet another beautifully written song. This is my personal favorite song on the EP.

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Next up is “My Roommates, The Demons”. The bass line on this song is so damn good. It’s haunting, and continues when the drums and guitar join in later. Why is band not traveling the world? So good! “Five” is sadly the last song on the record. This song is the perfect ending to a perfect EP. Personally I would probably avoid the pit myself on this one. It would be insane. This one sounds a lot like something NOISE would write.
It’s time to wrap this one up. CPRA has found yet another undiscovered band that should be touring the world and filling ear holes with joy. Part of me on the other hand is sad. Will I ever get to see Breakmatt Fastgyver live? “The Light Inside Is Broken But I Still Deliver” is a masterpiece EP that you should pick up ASAP! It’s currently Name Your Own Price on bandcamp! Be sure to throw down at least $5.00!

Track List Per Bandcamp

1. To Asuka 02:46
2. The Gardens, At Night 02:39
3. We’re A Team, We Stick Together 03:02
4. My Roommates, The Demons 03:24
5. Five 02:39

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Links: