Favorite Tracks: About A Punk (This track is from the album, “BUFO” and kicks ass)
Sounds Like: Op Ivy, Abolitionist, Classics Of Love, Suicide Machines, Mustard Plug, and Street Light Manifesto
Jerkswitch is back again the #CPRAMUSICNEWS headlines with a new video from their track, ‘About A Punk’. This writer is so excited to see new and exciting things from Jerkswitch. I voted their last album, “BUFO” as my favorite release from 2019. The band formerly know as The Skudfux is back together again. They have also hinted via Facebook they are going into the studio!
Favorite Tracks: Sacrifice, Work It Out, Transmission Clear, Sunburn, Actors For Hire, Who’s Driving, Wasting Time, The Feed, Daily Revolver, Crown Of Foil, and Slumber Party
Are you looking for some new kickass skatepunk? Look no further, Denver’s Record Thieves have released their debut album ‘Wasting Time’ via Thousand Islands Records. CPRA has been wanting to get our hands on this one since the band released their first single a few months back. This punk rock supergroup, features members from, Of Authority Zero, Allout Helter, and Boldtype. Each member brings their own unique and epic style to this record.
Sacrifice
The first track is “Sacrifice”. I was immediately thrown back into my highschool era 92-96. This was back when bands like NOFX, and Propagandi were bringing joy to my little teenage ear holes. The quick guitar hooks are my favorite in the track and the lyrical content hits home.
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Work It Out
We’ve all been there when a relationship is failing. You question everything and anything. I think we can all relate to the songwriter on this track. I love the drums on this track, The melodic hardcore style feels perfected, yet not too close to being overproduced. I’ll be adding this track to my next relationship mixtape.
Transmission Clear
This track is about letting go and moving on. The song is more on the melodic hardcore side which is unexpected, but gives the track a more deeper feeling. The lyrics again steal the show while the lead vocals perfectly align. If you are currently leaving a tough relationship listen to this track. Music soothes a damaged soul.
Sunburn
This track swings right back to the skate punk side with it heavy chords, fast hooks, and awesome change ups. I love the guitar on this track. It harkens back to an early Suicidal Tendencies feeling.
Actors For Hire
This track goes full hardcore. It reminds me of early Strung Out with its kickass riffs on guitar, thumping bass, and crazy fast drums. The vocals are killer. This is by far my favorite track on the record.
Who’s Driving
This is my second favorite track. I love everything about this track, Waterhouse’s vocals are killer! The ending guitar riff sends it over the edge! We’re gonna need a music video for this one.
Wasting Time
I don’t know about you, but I’ve wasted plenty of time in anger. Mainly with things completely out of my control. Things I really should’ve let go. Some of those things took me years to get over. We all feel out of control right now with Covid, so put this on and get some of that out! This track is beautiful. The bass gives this a dark edge.
The Feed
This track comes in at a breakneck speed. Hit the pit, this is the track to do it. I hear some older influences and I love it. This track talks about the dangers of technology and nonstop “Feeding The Machine”.
Daily Revolver
The guitar riffs on this track are fucking rad. It speaks about breaking the daily 9-5 cycle and remaining true to yourself.
Crown Of Foil
With the invention of the internet of course conspiracy theories had to follow. The gang vocals, “We can run, but we can’t hide” are by far my favorite part of this song.
Slumber Party
Sadly we have reached the final song on ‘Wasting Time’. I have no idea where this came from, but this track reminds me of the movie/series, “High Fidelity”. Isn’t that what art/music is supposed to do? This is the perfect ending for an album.
In Denver we have 2 scenes, Metal and Punk Rock. Occasionally there may be a show which features bands from both, but unfortunately it’s not very often. ‘Wasted Time’ by the Record Thieves may just be the album that can bridge these 2 scenes under one roof. The 90’s skate punk sound will leave you with “Devil Horns” in the air as you hit the skatepark. It will leave a lasting impression on you as it has on this writer. This record is just what I needed to cure my Covid 19 blues.
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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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!
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Current Lineup: Shawn – Vocals & Guitar Kurt – Guitar David – Bass Ozone – Drums
Favorite Tracks: Where Did All My Money Go?, Games We Play To Hide, Tribes, and Nostalgia
Sounds Like: The Follow Ups, The Corps, Brie Face, Let Me Downs, Sunset Silhouette, and Fourbanger
Sometimes we all need some good pop punk in our lives that mixes a little skate and poppy tenderness. Now does that mean it will be lame? Hell no! I don’t know about you guys, but I’m going nuts locked inside my own home! I cannot wait to get to my next show. Loser Points from Edmonton, CAN just dropped their new EP, “Games We Play To Hide” via Thousand Islands Records.
So let’s give, “Games We Play To Hide” a spin! The first track up is in fact titled, “The Games We Play To Hide”. I totally dig the drums on this track. The guitar and bass seem to play off each other complementing each and every hook. Lyrically this song will get burned into your brain. The next song is a personal favorite of mine, “Where Did All My Money Go”. I 100% LOVE this song. Be sure to check out the lyric video below. This song needs a proper music video!
Have you gone to a show, drank a bit too much and spent all your cash? When a relationship ends, it’s best to be with friends at a punk show! This track has serious airplay potential. The next track gets serious with “Tracers”. The tempo is fast with a strong skate punk sound. It’s heavy on bass and drums. The song could easily fit onto a Tony Hawk Proskater soundtrack.
“Tribes” is up next and continues a kick ass skatepunk tune. It’s fast and catchy with deep and powerful lyrics. I personally wonder what will become of the elitists when this Covid crisis blows over. Be sure to eat your local rich person today! The next and final song is “Nostalgia As A Drug”. I love the opening intro riff. The lyrics speak volumes for me. Often when I’m scared or anxious I’ll watch 80’s movies to help calm me down. Yet Hollywood has to go out and piss me off by “Remaking” them. So far the only remake I’ve liked has been, Mad Max: Fury Road.
In closing, Loser Point’s “Games We Play To Hide” is an EP that will only leave you wanting more. The tracks “Games We Play To Hide” and “Where Did My Money Go” have strong potential for landing on the airwaves and popular podcasts. Check em out before they blow up here, https://loserpoints.bandcamp.com/
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Tracks: (Per Bandcamp)
Games We Play To Hide Where Did All of My Money Go Tracers Tribes Nostalgia As a Drug
Holy Shit its almost 2020 already? Where the hell have I been? Oh that’s right here writing album reviews till the cows come home. Well over 2019, CPRA has accomplished a shit ton. We wrote over 70 news, reviews and concert related items, started our own TV show, and started CPRA Skates! Don’t forget also our team up with AKA Just Miggy and The Kids Are Alright All Ages At Goosetown! On that note don’t miss the next Kids Show with the Potato Pirates on December 15, 2019, 2pm! Check out my Top 5 List of the year below!
Today they dropped a new video for their single “Cool Kids Club” in conjunction with Charged Heart Productions! The video premiered over at Bad Copy this morning!
United Defiance will be playing this year’s “Music 4 Cancer” festival in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec on Saturday, September 14th.
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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.
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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.
Favorite Tracks: Revolution Part II, Survive, Suicide Mission, Fuck God and Fuck Reality, Fuck No, Manhole To Hell, Drink And Stink, Jake,
Sounds Like: Black Flag, Skudfux, Op Ivy, and Abolitionist
Why start this article off with a clip of High Fidelity? How is Jerkswitch’s “BUFO” even related to “High Fidelity? Let me tell you why. This 16 track debut album is FULL of non-stop fantasic fucking music. Personally when I heard the Skudfux was no more. I was a bit sad as I love them. Sometimes when something ends, it’s because something bigger and better is coming. Skudfux is now Jerkswitch!
This compilation album of old and new songs is a whopper at 16 awesome tracks. Let’s dig in further. “Revolution Part II” kicks off the record. You can listen to part one here. From the start you can feel a more polished sound. This is probably one of my top 5 intros of all time. The hunger, the passion, this is the ultimate set up.
Now my second favorite is actually the second track, “Survive” from the “FERN” EP. This is some hardcore ska punk. The lead singer has an almost Jello like tone. It’s just shy of being a little to metal, as the ska punk element is beautifully retained. The pit will be dangerous on this track. “Suicide Mission” is up next. It starts out with a heavy bass line before exploding into nonstop pogo madness.
“Fuck God And Fuck Reality” is up next. I absolutely love this track. From the opening guitar strum and drums straight into the heart pumping power chords. How long we will sit by and allow the church and/or Republican Party to dictate moral policy to us? The Catholic Church has died in popularity here in the states. A new and evil Republican church took over. Check out the lyrics below!
“I never was one to believe,
What I could not see,
All them catholic fairytales,
Keep em away from me,
And I don’t like what I see,
They don’t like what I am,
I’ll stand proud and say,
Fuck God and fuck reality”
These lyrics are so simple, yet so spot on to this writer. The swath of southern states passing women’s reproductive rights restrictions proves to us that the church is more concerned about social control and less about society as a whole. Let’s move onto the next song, “Better Days”. This song is providing hope for the hopeless with awesome lyrics and sweet guitar riffs. “AlertA” is next with an instrumental tune.
“Fuck No” is another song from the FERN Ep. This track cracks me up every time I listen. How many times a day do you say Fuck No? This is yet another great song. The anthems and whoas are perfectly timed. It is very catchy. “O Negative” comes up next with more of ska kickass Squirrel Nut Zippers sound, yet gets harder with the progression. This band is insanely talented.
Drown” starts out slow and serious note. I hear maybe some grunge influences, maybe even a bit of some surf punk. “Drink And Stink” comes roaring in with a fast skate punk sound. Advance warning before joining the pit on this track, it’s gonna be rough. I love this song! “Jake” another track from FERN is next up. Jerkswitch goes back to its roots with a great skapunk sound.
“Manhole To Hell”, is another energetic song along the lines of skatepunk. This is for anybody who has ever been oppressed by another. This song is full of anger, passion, and some amazing drum work. This song has to kill the lead singer’s voice. “All By Myself” slows down upon intro and build into circle pit loving madness. With the steely sound, guitar solos, this reminds me a lot of Faith No More.
This song is KILLER!
Jerkswitch goes acoustic next with, “I’m So Sorry”. The composition of this track is beautiful. I think that’s a cello in the background. Wait this is punk. There are no cellos in punk. I kid of course. Again full blown talent and rightly displayed on this track. “About A Punk” speeds the pace back up with some skapunk. I adore this track. Not only is it skankable, the lyrical content is fucking amazing.
Anyone who has ever been in local band, worked with locals, can relate to this track. We all ask or friends and coworkers to come to our shows and they don’t. We ask them to share our albums, facebook posts and they don’t. It’s up to us as bands, promoters, and fans to help support the punk scene in any way we can. This track has serious potential for doing very well.
Here we are at the last track, “Richmond Hill” this is beautiful outro instrumental track. I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of anything instrumental. In this particular album though the instrumentals blend like threads of a book binding. So there we have it. Jerkswitch’s debut album, “BUFO” is the definition of a perfect album. This record will appeal to not only fans of punk, but other genres as well. I personally cannot wait for more music from Jerkswitch!
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