Brett Delaney: Vocals / Nick Butler: Guitar / Nick Chmel: Drums / Mike Goyn: Bass/Vocals / Jason McWhinnie: Guitar/Vocals
Favorite Tracks: Classwar
Sounds Like: The Shell Corp, Propagandhi, Good Riddance, and Anti-Flag
Denver’s Poor Me dropped a surprise new single yesterday in support to remind you to get out and vote. Poor Me’s latest release, “Classwar” is an anger driven punk rock anthem that begs you to challenge the truth. The gang vocals really make this track stand out. You can pick it up here, https://poorme.bandcamp.com/track/classwar.
Production (Per Bandcamp): Recorded November 17th + December 15th-17th (2018) at Supernatural Sound Studios in Oregon City, Oregon by Rob Bartelson mixed/mastered January 28th & 29th + February 14th (2019) at Supernatural by Rob Bartleson
Favorite Tracks: Failed Mutation, Willie B Bacon, World Inside, Ugly Feeling, The Selfish Gene, Shelter, and Family Affair
Sounds Like: Sounds Like Words, The Shell Corp, 10 Ft Pole, Strung Out, Choking Victim, and Propagandhi
Some bands, Bad Religion specifically get into this rhythm of releasing albums that sound exactly the same as previous records. Often when this happens I tend to grow less fond and lose complete taste for the band. Then you have bands that try something new and the album is terrible. Maybe there’s no happy medium to this and the best we can do is hope for the best.
Now there’s one band that never seems to repeat the same material ever. That band is Oregon based Abolitionist. We reviewed their last album, “A New Militance” back in January of 2019. So let’s check out the new album, “Ugly Feeling”. The album starts with, “Failed Mutation”. The chord strikes and great drum work set the tone for this powerful album. Oh and the album gets 2 free stars for including the lyrics on their bandcamp!
The second track is “Yelling”. I love this track. There’s hint of metal with an anthem like melody. Herron’s vocals lead the charge. The next track is “Willie B. Bacon”. This track is sad, yet a listener can identify with both the pig and the boy. My grandpa grew up during the depression and would talk about how his family would be forced to eat the family farm animals to survive. I could always see the sense of loss in his eyes regarding that.
“Crossroads” follows with a bad ass intro! It’s all hands on deck with this track before exploding into a great song. Is true what they say all my favorite songs are less than 2 minutes? In this case YES! “World Inside”, is the fourth track. This is one of my favorite tracks. The guitar and bass riffs combined with some excellent drums send this one home.
Another favorite track is up next, “Ugly Feeling”. This track combines some great skate punk, a tad of metal with anthem like chants. I dare you to not sing along with this one. “The Selfish Gene”, follows with an important message. We all have that selfish gene. When the gene takes over you’re left with an orange haired monster for a president. Mohler’s bass on this is phenomenal.
“Shelter” is another great example of great skate punk. The riffs and beat remind me of early Suicidal Tendencies. This track definitely shows their metal roots. I keep saying favorite, but yet I find another track I love. “Family Affair” is another track you will be singing along with in no time. The heavy bass lines are amazing.
“Deep Ecology” is next with some excellent metal infused punk rock. I know many of us suffer from abuses long past caused by family issues. To move on from those can sometimes never be accomplished. “Ambivalent Nerd” follows and feels more focused on the instrumental side. Herron’s vocals are great, yet the drums by Sean Rule set a kick ass background theme. Last, but not least is “Walls”. I love the ballad like intro, before blasting off into some ruckus only to be resolved in the pit.
In closing Abolitionist has not only produced an album that’s refreshing, honest, and powerful, but have broken the repetitiveness set forth by many before. I also want to mention the artwork. The artwork by Craig Horky is incredibly good. Even if you’re not a fan musically, this album should adorn your walls. If you are fan hit that order button! So be sure to pick this up on vinyl here, https://abolitionist.bandcamp.com/album/ugly-feeling-lp-2019 .
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Favorite Tracks: Pink, War, Red, Nope, and Trigger
Sounds Like: Propagandhi, Debt Neglector, The Shell Corporation, and Good Riddance
Portland, Oregon punks, Abolitionist are no strangers to politically charged punk rock. I’m a huge fan and loved both the Instant and The Pinnacle (EP)s. So let’s get into their latest release, “A New Militance”. The MLP was released on January 7, 2019. The first thing that caught my eye was the bad ass artwork by Horsebites. If we could give out awards to the best album artwork this one would definitely take the prize.
There is so much anger, emotion, pride, and a sense of a unity against not only a fascist front, but sadly a societal norm. I am referring a societal failure to believe sexual assault victims. By invalidating their experiences, this only leads society as whole to think it is ok, and the suppression will continue. Be sure to show your support for sexual assault victims here, https://www.rainn.org/. We as a scene, cannot and will not tolerate sex assault in any form or manner.
Let’s get into, “A New Militance”. This record is not only some amazing music, but each track is part of a story line to the new Pink Militance. The first track, ‘Pink’, is loaded with raw hardcore riffs, and stellar drums. The lyrics are insanely good,
“Living life under martial law.
Not much else to lose.
We saw pink explode into the air as the paint bombs released miles (and miles) of color to contrast the monochrome.”
The next track up is, ‘War’. The one clocks in at massive 52 seconds. This might be the shortest song on the track, but the pit will rage as the war begins. You can hear the compassion in Herron’s vocals for his cause. The third track is, ‘Red’, and continue the story line. The lyrics again strike out with fierce venom. War is eminent.
“They’re seeing red.
Gonna have a field day.
Too many generations hearing the same old shit”
Next up is my favorite track on the record, ‘Actually’. Just listen below on the bandcamp embed. This song has been stuck in my head for a straight 3 days. No more excuses for keeping women down! Are you ready to dawn the pink mask?
Well, actually … just shut the fuck up,
she said behind the pink mask,
that terror you feel is good.
Fatigued from excuses for generations of abuse,
like it’s some grand conspiracy to keep men underfoot.
‘Nope’ is the next track up. The hooks on bass and guitar are brilliant. This is a warrior’s song. I won’t be like fucking Bono and say, “This is not a rebel song”. This is a proud, fist clenched rebel song! ‘Avalanche’ follows up and comes in roaring hard. This one has more of a hardcore skate punk sound and I love it!
“Trigger” comes up next. It’s a simple song with a powerful message. Now a Michigan GOP rep has stated this a few weeks back. “I’m thinking another Kent State might be the only solution protest stopped after only one death”. Seriously? You’re going to condone shooting peaceful protesters? Do we need another 4 dead in Ohio? No! “Over” is the last rack on the record. Again some great riffs, powerful drums. You can hear the feeling of hope, in Herron’s vocals. Let me close this one out. Abolitionist’s, “A New Militance”, is a record all punks should own. Not only due to amazing artwork, but for the message. We will not sit by and allow oppression and inequality to continue. As it has for generations and generations. It ends, today. This record on vinyl is a MUST!!!
You can check them at 7th Circle on 8/29!!!
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Favorite Tracks: I Don’t Care, Why?, Ups And Downs, and Join Or Die
Sounds Like: Dead Kennedys, Vibrators, New York Dolls, The Heartbreakers, and Minor Threat
Favorite Tracks: I Don’t Care, Why?, Ups And Downs, and Join Or Die
Sounds Like: Dead Kennedys, Vibrators, New York Dolls, The Heartbreakers, and Minor Threat
I’m sure you have all seen our pics from the Vibrators show a while back at 7C. If not be sure to check out our interview with Filthy Hearts. While watching the show that night. I kept thinking to myself, “Damn these young punks are so damn good”. When I mean young I mean under 21. Bands like, Almataha, Wet Brain Hooligans, AFD, Noogy, Screwtape, and Upstanding Citizen are prime examples of Denver’s amazing young and talented bands.
Speaking of that 7C show, R.A.S.P actually formed the same night of the show! They are releasing their new record, “State Of The Union”, tomorrow! I reached out to the band for comment. Their response it quite good, “We are a group of 16 and 17 who make east coast hardcore. There’s three things we can promise. 1. Shit recording quality. 2. Shit Musicianship, and 3. A shit ton of anger.”
I found that bit hilarious. So let’s check out, “State Of Union”. This album is packed with a very as promised, East Coast hardcore sound”. I’ll be skipping the Intros and Outro on this review as I think you need to listen for yourself. “I don’t Care”, is first up on the track list. The lead singer sounds just like a young Jello Biafra. So this really peaked my interest. The drums and riffs on this kick serious ass, along with Gabriel’s vocals.
“No (my own way), is fast paced and heart throbbing adventure. I love the very vinyl sound this one has. Some might say it’s shit recording, but that’s what really gives it a pure sound. You can tell the band loves Minor Threat on “Ups and Downs”. “Why”, reminds me of Black Flag or Rollins at the intro with the spoken word section. It’s probably my favorite on the record.
“State of Union”, has a great riff to start it out. This one needs a bit of polish at the beginning. Maybe a deeper bassline to accompany. Still very Fugazi like in nature. I definitely dig it. “Tools and Fools”, has kick ass drums solo to start of the song. It continues the more spoken word style, but retains a fast hardcore progression. “Join Or Die”, this one encapsulates punk! It fast, fun, and will wreck the pit.
Let me get back to my original point real fast about the talent this town has. RASP formed and made pretty good album in less than a month’s time! You can hear the kick ass talent these guys have. I’m personally very excited to see where they end up. This album is one you’re gonna want so you can say, “I’ve been listening to these guys since their days at 7C”.
Label: 1984 Records, Live From the Rock Room, Bypolar Records, Gunner Records (EU)
Location: Seattle, WA and LA, CA
Current Lineup:
Rev – Guitar
Andy Wylie – Bass
Jake Margolis – Drums
Favorite Tracks: Eternal Debate and Faithfully, Faithless
Sounds Like: Street Dogs, NOISE, Strung Out, Off With Their Heads
View From The Bottom is yet to be released and bummer for you, you will have to wait. CPRA was stoked to get in on it early. This is straightforward punk sound; pre-labels and sub genres. The Drowns are a three piece that put out a lot of sound. I’m always a fan of good bass lines and the ability to harmonize the agansty lyrics. Boxes checked. This made want to get in the car and sing along nice and loud.
About the writer: Old crab that stands in the back and complains that it was better in my day, but is 100% for the youth take over. I’m a contradiction that thrives on holding on to rebellion with one foot on either side. – Lala
Sounds Like: Bad Religion, Face To Face, The Descendents, The Shell Corporation, Teenage Bottlerocket
Now landing on CPRA runway 69 from Vancouver, BC, we get The Corps, with “Tales From 2814”. This album is their first full release. We definitely were not disappointed. Let’s check out it and excuse my bad Airplane pun below.
Tales From 2814, offers nothing, but absolute punk perfection. From the opening track, “Supergirl” to the very end song, “The Island”. This album is full of power anthems like, “Obsidian” and “Greed”, where the band displays their more hardcore side. Rachelle Boily’s voice, combined with the Corps backing makes, “Diana”. One of my personal favorites on the album.
“There’s no such thing as an overdose, no such thing as a to not need, no sense turning back, once the orange light has found you, all we have is greed” Greed -The Corps
Dan Garrison, (Guitar/Vocalist for the Real McKenzies) does an amazing job with the lead vocals on this album. The lyrics to each song are carefully, skilled and deeply heartfelt. Each song seems to have it’s own message. You get it all, catchy pop punk, melodic, and hardcore all shoved into 13 tracks. The overall combination leads me to ponder, could this one be a nominee for a 2018 album of the year?
Here’s some videos from their EP release “In Brightest Day”.
Trond Goderstad – Vox
John E. Quesada – Guitar
Bella Quesada – Bass
Max Arbess – Drums
Our Favorite Track(s): Illusion Wall, Genocide, American Taliban
Sounds Like: GG Allin and the Murder Junkies, Subhumans, Bad Brains, The Exploited
Great Hardcore? Look No Further!
When it comes to hardcore punk, there are certain things you expect: fast buzzsaw guitars, pounding drums and those over the top throat ripping vocals. Almataha’s latest effort delivers that in spades! Personally, I loved the little “vintage” atom bomb instructional intro on Illusion Wall. While this sort of thing has been done before, it’s fun and tasteful. Plus, with the warning siren in the background, it does feels like the big one is about to be dropped. Duck and cover!
The rest of the album quickly aligns with the sound and feel of “Wall” and doesn’t let up until the very end. This band needs to make its way to Milwaukee, they would do very well! Can’t wait to see what else these lads (and lass) come up with next.
Is there such a genre called, “Turbo Smash ska punk”? Think a mash between Black Flag and the Mad Caddies. Although this is no happy trip we’re on. This is getting hepatitis from touching the walls at CBGB’s. This EP is hardcore ska punk. Although not quite the metal ska, but more Less Than Jake meets D.R.I. The Upper Downers represent the gritty LA streets they call home proudly.
The tune Somebody Died starts out with your typical melodic ska beat, has a superb Joy Division guitar riff. Now let’s talk Garbage Human, fast paced aggressive punk in your face, with a deeper fucking meaning. Alone will get you heading for the pit. I love the slight breaks and build up. Now Heroin is probably my favorite off the EP. I really enjoyed the jam opening and the message this song holds. Addiction is a fucking monster and sadly it takes too many too fast and too young.
Overall I really enjoyed this EP. Sadly since it’s an EP. It leaves the listener wanting more. The Upper/Downer band provides a much needed relief from the bullshit we call the “Real World”.
So I’m just gonna start calling the month of April, “Unofficial No Affiliation Records Month” here at CPRA. In case you missed some of our reviews within the last few weeks. We’ve spotlighted some amazing bands like The Follow Ups and FoL who are currently signed up with NAR. Denver punks, The Bricheros are next to land on the CPRA Band Radar.
I know what you’re expecting, and shit that is not gonna happen. Usually some story how the band started out playing here locally and blah, blah, blah. The Bricheros have a kick ass origin story just like your favorite superhero. Maybe not Aquaman, well he smells like fish pee. All members of the band began their lives in Peru. On an interesting note, Peru’s punk scene began in the 1970’s and 1980’s, staying strong today.
We were lucky to score a chat with band member Ruben Patino. Here’s some band history we thought was pretty fucking rad! “Band was formed in 2017, we are all Peruvians living in Denver and our bass player lives in Hollywood LA, we have known each other since mid 90’s well Felipe (papi chulo) is my brother so I have known him since 1982 when the fucker was born, and I played with him since we were fuck like 13 years old, we have a band in Peru called futuro incierto (uncertain future). That band started in 1990 and we still get together back home and play shows.
When we moved to Denver roughly 2000 we started several bands. But the one that sticks out the most was Suburban Hostage. That was only Me (riko) and papi with these other dudes, then I played with Reno Divorce from 2010 till 2015 and after we parted ways. I decided to start a few bands, but nothing really worked out. Until about a year ago when I approach Jorge (mono) and papi and we formed Bricheros! I also fill in Drums for NY act The scutches, so that’s about it”
“I want to shout it from the rooftops of the world, but I can’t breathe with their hands wrapped around my throat”, a lyric from The Shell Corporation’s ‘Rooftops’ off of their new album “Fucked”.
A lot for a first sentence, I know. This was my first lyric that I heard of The Shell Corporation and is one that resonates with me, as I’m sure it does many others. This is what I believe the goal of the band is: to make the world a little less scary. How can it be their goal if the lyric is about being choked by it?
Music unites people in so many different ways and I’m sure you’re tired reading about that line, so I’ll stop there. However cliche it might sound, The Shell Corporation makes music to connect with people in their darkest times and help lift them up. “F*cked” as a whole album is fiercely diverse in lyrics, but consistent in sound. It addresses breakups, growing up, feeling hopeless and lost, but most of all it screams a call to action.
The interpretation of this call is truly up to the listener. Whether it’s a reason to get up or a reason to give the whole world a middle finger, The Shell Corporation’s new album, “F*cked” is a prime example of excellent punk doing it’s duty: empowering people everywhere.
This is the band’s 7th release, now on La Escalera Records (U.S.) and Gunner Records (Europe). You will not be disappointed. The band seems to be heavily influenced by political punk pioneers Anti-Flag! So if you’re ready to storm the walls, be sure to download this record first!
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