Category: International punk rock

2020 EP Of The Year Nominee, International punk rock, pop punk

90’s And 2000’s Pop Punk Fans Rejoice! Hangtime Releases New ‘Destroy’ EP

Release Date: 09/25/2020                                                          

Format: Digital/Physical 

Label: Dental Records; https://www.facebook.com/rentalrecordspunk

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Rick Burns – Vocals/Guitar

Warren Gregson – Vocals/Guitar

Dan Scicchitano – Bass

Enzo Suppa – Drums

Favorite Tracks: Too Many Days, When We Were Young, My Only One, Start All Over, Looking For You, and Radio Don’t Care

Sounds Like: Oldschool Greenday, TBR, The Livermores, Penske File, Lillngtons, Follow Ups, Sunset Silhouette and the Mazlows

Back in 2019 we posted our “What does punk mean to you?” video over on our Youtube channel. Now I don’t recall answering this question personally. Punk to me is being yourself no matter what and not allowing others or the government to control you. Punk can be political, it can be poppy and it can be hardcore. Most of all it can be whatever you want it to be. Why do I bring this up? I was raised on 70’s, 80’s and 90’s punk rock. 

Some of my favorite bands like Good Riddance, Propagandhi, NOFX, and yes even Green Day helped me form the person I am today. Toronto’s Hangtime released their new EP this morning called, “Destroy”. They have been releasing various singles in anticipation of “Destroy” and I have loved every one. You can read all our coverage on Hangtime here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/tag/hangtime/. Why correlate my punk upbringing with “Destroy”? Let’s take a look into the EP to find out. 

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It starts with “Destroy!” which is a kick ass little instrumental. Next up is ‘Too Many Days”. This love song is for all of us who pine for the love of another. The vocals and melodic tone could easily pass as a pop punk song from the 90’s. It’s addictive, catchy and brings a smile to my face. Check out the hilarious video below! 

The next song is “When We Were Young”. Life seemed so much easier when we were younger. No bills, no mortgage/rent, going to punk shows, and best of all no Covid-19. Those days may be gone, but the memories will never fade. This track encapsulates that nostalgic feeling. I love drums and vocals on this track. 

“My Only One” follows and this track is fantastic. There’s something in the lyrical nature of this track that really pulls me in. Guitar and bass shine along with the vocals on this perfect song. I am not sure if this is a love song or a father talking to his children. I’d like to think it’s the latter. 

Now the next song, “Start All Over” is most definitely a love song. The melodic pop punk sound is not formulaic, and feels refreshing. “Looking For You” is next. The bass is killer on this song. This song feels a bit more on the hardcore side. When looking for love we all have so many questions to ask. 

The last and final track is my favorite song on “Destroy”. This song sounds straight outta 1996, while giving a nod to the Descendants and The Ramones. I was lucky back in the day to have friends to trade punk tapes with. Even back then the radio sucked and never played punk rock. I doubt that will really ever change. I’ll keep listening to my favorite punk podcasts, like Punk Tacos, The Cpra Denver Punk Rock podcast, and The Mable Syndrome Podcast. 

In reflection “Destory” is an EP we all need in a time where our future feels uncertain. Hangtime has meticulously crafted a record which not only appeals to my youth, but I cannot wait to share this one with my kids. Who knows maybe Hangtime will create another punk rock kid? I sure hope so!

Track List (Subject To Change)

DESTROY!

TOO MANY DAYS

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

MY ONLY ONE

START ALL OVER

LOOKING FOR YOU 

RADIO DON’T CARE

Links:

CPRA Music News, International punk rock, Postpunk, Punk Rock

Fat Wreck Alumni, Love Equals Death, Return After 14 Year HiatusTo Team Up With The Static Age To Release 7” Halloween Split

Release Date: 10/31/2020                                                            

Format: Digital/Physical – Pre-order now only 50 copies of the vinyl are available!

Distribution: SBÄM Records Europe: https://bit.ly/2ZrMrPp

SAY-10 Records US Release: https://bit.ly/3m9EaJS

Location: 

  • Love Equal Death (CA, USA)
  • The Static Age (IL, USA)

Love Equals Death is: (Per Facebook)

  • Chon Travis-Guitar & Vocals 
  • Jeremy Lantz-Bass
  • Johnny Myers-Drums

The Static Age is: (Per Facebook)

  • Andrew Paley
  • Adam Meilleur
  • Joe Sowinski

Favorite Tracks: Recover, The Bellows, Dust, and The Flight of The Banshee

Sounds Like: No Use For A Name, Good Riddance, Direct Hit, Joy Division, Gang Of Four, and Bauhaus

Pre-order here!

Halloween is quickly approaching. For some people Halloween is their favorite time of the year. In the age of Covid it may damper our usual celebrations. Two kickass bands are back and in action again just in time for a Halloween 7” Split. Love Equals Death (Fat Wreck Alumni), return after 14 years to team up with Static Age on a new split due out on Halloween 2020!

Love Equals Death, last release was Nightmerica on Fat Wreck in 2006. The Static Age released an EP called Mercies on Uncle M / Riptide Recordings in 2012. Both records are amazing so be sure to check those out as well. The new split contains 4 brand new and spooky tracks. The combination of post punk and melodic punk seem to go perfectly together. Let’s see what the bands have to say regarding the new release.

“Flight Of The Banshee was from an experience I had while on Tour that took place at an old Texas campground that was said to have been the burial ground for victims of the Mexican Cartel. We were really tired of driving so we pulled over there at about 3 am and instantly started to see, hear, and feel what we could only conclude to be, a Banshee spirit experience.

Dust is a very personal experience that I had that lasted about four years that had me at odds with myself. Some days I would be strong and others I would almost feel a sense of depression and I felt that there was nothing left to do but rot in isolation, so I started writing my thoughts out and it was the world around me that had me bummed, so I realized that I couldn’t change the world but I could get myself out of the situation that I was in and now I kind of chuckle at the lyrics, “until I turn to dust”, because I found away to remove myself from the downward spiral. It’s vague, but as I stated before, it’s very personal. I hope this helps. If you need more detail, please let me know. Thank you guys!” – Love Equals Death

Pre-order here!

“The first song, “Recover,” was revived from a spate of recordings from 2016. We’d played versions of the song on tours as early as 2014, but this version was actually recorded during Andrew’s own process of recovery following an accident. We ended up liking the demo vocals so much we kept the originals and built the song around them. The other song, “The Fan and the Bellows” is a cover of the seminal post-punk band The Chameleons.” – The Static Age

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This split 7″ co-release between Say-10 Records (USA) and SBÄM (EU). Check out this beautiful looking vinyl. Collectors beware this record is limited to the first 50 buyers! Make sure to pre-order asap so you won’t miss out!

Track List (Subject To Change)

Love Equals Death – Flight of the Banshee

Love Equals Death – Dust

The Static Age – Recover

The Static Age – The Fan and the Bellows

Links:

Album of the year nominee, International punk rock, oi, Pirate Press Records, Punk Rock Music

The Drown’s Release New Music Video For “Black Lung”

Release Date: September 3, 2020 (Music Video Released)              

Format: Digital and Physical (Get the vinyl)

Label: Pirate Press Records

Location: 

  • Seattle

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Aaron Rev (vocals/guitar), 
  • Andy Wyle (bass/vocals), 
  • Jonny Wade (guitar), 
  • Jake Margolis (drums)

Favorite Tracks: Black Lung

Sounds Like: The Briggs, Buzzcocks, Cocksparrer, STLF, The Tossers, NOISE, Transplants, Dead Boys, and the Street Dogs 

Pic By Alan Snodgrass

2020 sucks, but there’s one thing I have loved so far and it’s Seattle based, The Drown’s album, ‘Under Tension’. The band dropped a new video this morning for “Black Lung”. You can watch it below. Be sure to read everything you need to know about The Drowns here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/?s=the+drowns.

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Links:

Heart On Records, International punk rock, Punk Rock, Punk Rock Music

Year Of The Fist, Drop New Video For “Undertow”, In Summer Of Singles Collection

Release Date: 5/29/2020 and 6/26/2020 (More To be added)

Format: Digital release buy the singles here, https://yearofthefist.bandcamp.com/music

Location: Oakland, CA

Label: Heart On Records

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Squeaky, Katie Cash, hal9000 Beers, Serge

We here at CPRA are huge fans of Oakland based, Year Of The Fist. We reviewed their last full release, ‘Revive Me’. I’m still listening to this record often over a year later. You can check out our thoughts here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/2019/10/10/year-of-the-fists-new-record-revive-me-anger-and-animosity-and-punk-rock-at-its-core/.

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To my pleasant surprise they have launched, “The Summer Of Singles”, featuring new tracks and videos! The first two new tracks are “Bed Of Nails” and “The Fight”. Check them out below. A new track was dropped yesterday for “Undertow”, watch it here!

You can pick these up here, https://yearofthefist.bandcamp.com/music

Links:

International punk rock, Mom's Basement Records, Mom's Celler Dweller

Radio Blast Drops “In Your Face” EP Via Mom’s Basement Records/Mom’s Cellar Dwellers Records

Release Date: August 10, 2020                                                            

Format: Digital

Label: Radio Blast Productions • Mom’s Cellar Dwellers

Production – (Per Bandcamp) – Mastered by Justin Perkins at the Mystery Room Mastering

Guest appearance on “In Your Face” provided by Reverend Norb

Location: NYC

Album Art – Radio Blast

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Kaspar (Vocals/Guitar)
  • Dom (Drums, Backing Vox)
  • Mike (Guitar, Backing Vox)
  • Francis M Dial (Bass)s

Favorite Tracks: All Of Them!

Sounds Like: Latte+, Follow Ups, Queers, and JERK

This summer may be the summer of COVID 19, but not all is a loss. New York City based, Radio Blast dropped a new EP, “In Your Face” back on August 10, 2020. We have been blasted by awesome releases this summer and “In Your Face” is another EP to add to your “Buy Now” list. This record is another amazing addition from Mom’s Celler Dwller/Mom’s Basement Records. So let’s check out “In Your Face”. 

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The first track is indeed, “In Your Face”. It has a kick ass Tommy Ramone style beat. The track is lyrically catchy. It’s fun with an old school throwback sound. The next song is “She’s A Cannibal”. This song slides to the horror punk side, but retains that fun Ramonescore beat. This is my favorite track on the record. The 3rd track up is “Boy With A Six Pack”. This song is heavy on bass and speaks on the dangers of adolescent alcoholism. It’s quite catchy! The final track is “Teddy”. This track has great bass, drums and extremely catchy chorus.

In conclusion “In Your Face” by Radio Blast is a short and in your face blast of fun. Ramonescore fans will dig this record. Personally, keep your eye out for another vinyl release. They are currently sold out, but I’m guessing another will come! You can check it out here, https://radioblast.bandcamp.com/album/in-your-face-ep

Track List (Subject To Change)

In Your Face

She’s A Cannibal

Boy With The Six Pack

Teddy

Links:

2020 EP Of The Year Nominee, International punk rock, skatepunk

San Diego Punks Corporate Citizen Drop New EP, “Six Minute Meeting” Proving SOCAL Skate Punk Is Thriving

Release Date:  May 29, 2020                          

Format: Digital

Label: El Topo Records

Location: SD, CA

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Dan Achin (Drums), Mike Ruggiero (Bass), Bob Meder (Vocals), Steve O’Brien (Guitar), Steve Diaz (Guitar) and Louis Ramsey (Guitar).

Favorite Tracks: Culture Vulture, Not the One, Positivity Anthem

Sounds Like: Strung Out, Protected Left, Early Cro-Mags, Chew Thru, CHASER, and PULLEY

Photo by Joel Gelin

It’s been a year since we checked out Corporate Citizen’s last release ‘A Brief Moment Of Sanity’. I still listen to this record on a fairly regular basis. So to my excitement and pleasure the band dropped a new EP back on 5/20/2020, ‘Six Minute Meeting’. If there’s anything we need now more than ever is more hardcore punk rock! This EP is only 3 tracks, yet full of anger, energy, and everything you need for a quick skate sesh. 

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The EP starts out with “Culture Vulture”. The intro bass line has got me hooked. The little metal riffs and insane drum work is brillant. It speaks of the dangers of materialism and us all becoming Corporate Citizens, just like Joe Strummer warned us all about. The next track, “Not the One” is by far my personal favorite on the EP. While retaining a hardcore edge it slows, not by much, to the melodic side. Check out the video below!

The last track is “Positivity Anthem”. I can’t stress how important the message in this track is. We MUST especially during this ongoing pandemic encourage and promote positivity towards one another. See an article that’s really sad on Facebook? Don’t share it. I know it’s hard. We all want to feel a part of something right now since we can’t go to shows. This track is not only unexpected, but reminds me to share positivity more and negativity less. 

Overall, Corporate Citizen’s, ‘Six Minute Meeting’, is 3 tracks that will leave you begging for more. One can only hope these tracks will be added to a full album release sometime in the near future. This EP also reminds that punk rock, even though often political in nature, can still provide messages of hope and love. I strongly suggest you pick this one up here, https://corporatecitizensd.bandcamp.com/album/six-minute-meeting

Track List (Per Bandcamp)

Culture Vulture

Not the One 

Positivity Anthem

Links:

Corporate Citizen

Previous releases: https://corporatecitizensd.bandcamp.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/corporatecitizen2017/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/corporatecitizensd/

CPRA Playlist – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHReU2iGck3MJt3v-V9CRGp9iEdodsy6

***We are currently running very behind on reviews and doing our best to catch up to the demand. If you donate your review will be pushed to the top***

International punk rock, Rad Sauce Media, skatepunk, Thousand Islands Records

#SOCAL Skatepunks CHASER Announce ‘Look Alive’ 7” Pre-orders Open 7/31/2020

Release Date:  Drops 9/4/2020, Pre-orders begin 7/31/2020                        

Format: Digital & Physical

Label: Available worldwide in 4 different color variants via Thousand Islands Records (Canada), Sound Speed Records (USA), SBAM Records (Europe) and Pee Records (Australia). Limited to 333 copies with pre-orders going live on July 31.

Location: Orange County, CA

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Mike LeDonne (vocals), Jesse Stopnitzky (bass/vocals), Bill Hockmuth (guitar) and Davey Guy (drums

Sounds Like: Good Riddance, Sick Of It All, Strung Out, JFA, Bigwig, and The Faction

Legendary socal skatepunks Chaser have announced a new 7” ‘Look Alive’ to be released on 9/4/2020 with 100% of the profits going to Equal Justice Initiative, Educational First Steps, Crisis Aid International, and Surfrider Foundation. As COVID continues to rage across the world the band hopes they can help keep up the good fight. 

“Our proceeds from the record will be donated to 4 carefully handpicked charitable organizations: Equal Justice Initiative, Educational First Steps, Crisis Aid International, and Surfrider Foundation. 2020 has been a year like no other. In the face of such unprecedented crises, one’s impact feels further minimized. However, if we have learned anything from these experiences, it is that we are all in this together and have a responsibility to do our part. At the minimum, manage what we can control.”

After their 2018 amazing album, ‘Sound The Sirens’, the band continues on 20 years later with main stage invitations and a desire to give back to the community. Be sure to stay tuned for that pre-order link! 

Look Alive 7” tracklist:

Look Alive (Side A)

Found Myself Again (Side B)

Links:

Previous releases: https://chaser.bandcamp.com/

Facebook- https://chaser.bandcamp.com/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/chaserpunk/

CPRA Playlist – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHReU2iGck3MJt3v-V9CRGp9iEdodsy6

***We are currently running very behind on reviews and doing our best to catch up to the demand. If you donate your review will be pushed to the top***

International punk rock, Riot Grrrl

#RiotGRRLs The Damed Drop New Video for “Ritual Revolution” Out Now

Out Now!

Release Date: 7/13/2020

Production Company: Ting Ting Took These                                                      

Format: Digital 

Label: A Diamond Heart Production

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Hellskiss – Vox/Gtr

Watts – Drums

Suze – Bass/Vox

Favorite Tracks: Ritual Revolution

Sounds Like: Bikini Kill, The Breeders, Doll Skin, L7, Cheap Perfume and Bratmobile

Directed by: Melissa Yu

The Damed continue to kick-ass and take names. They dropped their new video yesterday for “Ritual Revolution”. Per the band, “Ritual Revolution is a song about real covens of witches around the world that participate in a mass occult by casting binding spells over each waning moon to try and remove the president from office so he will stop doing harm to others.

In the video, the sorcerer symbolizes the president and we the witches are fighting back in self-defense to stand up for human rights at all costs to take our power back from the Trump administration.” Take a second and go read our review here from their self title release, ‘The Damed’, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/2019/07/11/riot-grrrl-in-full-effect-with-the-dameds-latest-self-titled-release/.

Buy some merch or donate so we can stay online!

Photo by Melissa Yu

This little track and video from the Damed, shows how strong the punk rock community is in our endless fight against the Trump administration and fascism. Be sure to pick up the record here, https://thedamedband.bandcamp.com/releases.

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedamedband/

Bandcamp: https://thedamedband.bandcamp.com/album/the-damed

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedamedband/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzMgIkdGl9xbAqX_2KXKsUQCPRA

Review Youtube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHReU2iGck3MJt3v-V9CRGp9iEdodsy6

Heart On Records, International punk rock, Punk Rock, Punk Rock Music

Oakland Punx,Year Of The Fist, Launch Summer Of Singles Video Drop (Watch Here)

Release Date: 5/29/2020 and 6/26/2020 (More To be added)

Format: Digital release buy the singles here, https://yearofthefist.bandcamp.com/music

Location: Oakland, CA

Label: Heart On Records

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Squeaky, Katie Cash, hal9000 Beers, Serge

We here at CPRA are huge fans of Oakland based, Year Of The Fist. We reviewed their last full release, ‘Revive Me’. I’m still listening to this record often over a year later. You can check out our thoughts here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/2019/10/10/year-of-the-fists-new-record-revive-me-anger-and-animosity-and-punk-rock-at-its-core/.

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!

To my pleasant surprise they have launched, “The Summer Of Singles”, featuring new tracks and videos! The first two new tracks are “Bed Of Nails” and “The Fight”. Check them out below. This post will be updated as new tracks are released.

You can pick these up here, https://yearofthefist.bandcamp.com/music

Links:

International punk rock, Mom's Celler Dweller, Waterslide Records

Scottish Alt Rockers Take Today Release New Video From ‘Visions’ EP, Highlighting The Importance Of Mental Health, Check Out “Divide” Now!

Release Date:  June 26, 2020                         

Format: Digital

Label: Unsigned

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Paul Daly – Vocals
  • Neil Parkinson – Rhythm Guitar/Vocals
  • Cameron Wilson – Lead Guitar
  • Kai Cairney – Bass/Vocals
  • Scott Craig – Drums

Favorite Tracks: Divide

Sounds Like: A Day To Remember, Sleeping With Sirens, Taking Back Sunday, and Brand New

Since placing in 2019 Fireball’s Hottest Band and opening for Flogging Molly in Glasgow, Take Today has hit a historic rise in popularity. Check out their new animated video, “Divide”, from their EP, ‘Visions’.

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!

You should definitely pick this one up right here and right now, https://open.spotify.com/artist/5eYgC285Ux3Mw8wXKCt8fO?si=ZbegPuOFTySXpjSvCT4ewA

Links:
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/taketodayofficial/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/taketodayuk/

***We are currently running very behind on reviews and doing our best to catch up to the demand. If you donate your review will be pushed to the top***