Release Date: 11/8/2019
Format: Digital
Location: Denver, CO
Current Lineup: (Per Bandcamp)
- All Songs written by Jeff Giles
- Jeff Giles – Guitar and Vocals
- James Battraw – Bass and Vocals
- Alex Mark – Drums and Vocals
Recorded & Mixed – Nick Nodurft, Rusty Sun Audio
Mastered – Ira Dechter (Over Time), Dog Gate Mastering
Favorite Tracks: Wasted Summer (AKA Endless Bummer), ExSka ExSka Juicy Bits, Millennial, Anonymous, Destroyer, Me, My Hand, and I, and What a Way to Spend a Night
Sounds Like: Madaline, Buck-O-Nine, RBF, Goldfinger, MMB, Younger Than Neil, The Holophonics, No Authority, and Deals Gone Bad
I have a confession. I am a giant slut. A slut for some kick ass skapunk. I place the blame purely on the likes of Dance Hall Crashers, Fishbone, Op Ivy, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. After all a friend gave me the nickname name, “Skabones” so I guess it makes sense. So last week my slut senses were going off the charts and Denver based, All Waffle Trick released, “Second Breakfast”.
So without hesitation, let’s check out the new album. The album starts out with, “Wasted Summer”, (Endless Bummer). I love this song and we actually reviewed the dingle release here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/2019/08/22/cpra-music-news-denvers-all-waffle-trick-drops-surprise-new-track-endless-bummer/.
The energy rips through this song. The lyrics are catchy as hell. How many summers did you have a checklist of things to do, but never did anything? I do it every year. I’d love to grab wave off Laguna Beach again. Yet work and life always seem to get it in the way.
The second track is, “Songs That We’ll Sing”. The intro rips in with some heavy shred. I actually had to make sure I wasn’t listening to the Bouncing Souls. The production alone on this track is killer. All Waffle Trick may have just composed another punk rock anthem right here. Jeff Giles spoken word like vocals really send this track home.
“Tongue Tied”, has Alex Mark showing off his kick ass drum skills. Battraw and Giles are spitting out hooks that make you sing along like a happy fool. “Exska Exska Juicy Bits” follows up with a pick it up sound. This is my favorite track on the album, and those are really starting to mount up. “Millennial” is next up and another favorite. The track speaks of millennial woes, hopes and dreams.
As a Gen X baby I have never really thought of the major differences between generation gaps. For that matter I have never labeled anyone “Millennial”. They were the first generation to witness a mass terror attack on live tv. Cut them a damn break! This song will get you dancing. The guitar work is excellent.
“We don’t care what you’re saying, and I don’t think that you’re listening
“Millennial” – All Waffle Trick
The context of your content is getting drowned in all the lies
The one thing that we can hope and pray is that the dream is still alive”
“Anonymous” is on hardcore/street punk side with perfectly placed, “Whoas and OI’s”. This track reminds me of another sadly now defunct band called, Jerkswitch from Canada. The hardcore rolls on with “Destroyer”. If you are in the pit during this song prepared to get destroyed! I personally didn’t expect a track like this, but I LOVE it.
“Joyride” is next and swings to a pop punk sound. This track is filled with hope. You will be singing along and don’t say I didn’t warn you. My 5 year old is running around the house singing, “We can take a joyride” over and over again. “Me My Hand And I”, follows and is hilarious. I never thought a song about masturbation could be so much fun!
“Screws loose” combines some hardcore and pop, while reflecting on mental illness. The drums standout while Giles sings his heart out. “Doctors Orders” has a great street punk sound. This track has a serious tone, dealing with medical issues. It’s sad, and that emotion is easily expressed through the song.
“And I swore, I swore I was getting better, and they said the same fucking thing
“Doctors Orders” – All Waffle Trick
And now I, I need a gallon of whiskey and a bucket of ice just to sleep, sleep at night
Just to sleep, sleep at night”
Let’s return to some happiness with, “Falling Down”. I really dig the guitar at the intro. Battraw’s bass lines are phenomenal. Giles vocals push that smile straight into your face. We all need a track like this in times of self doubt. My last favorite track on the album is next, “What A Way To Spend A Night”. Here’s another anthem with a tribute to Denver. Our punk rock family in Denver is bigger than we all think it is! Sure we have some splits, put that shit aside and grab a brew or joint. I love the ska reggae chorus.
If you stayed this long it’s time to wrap things up. All Waffle Trick’s, “Second Breakfast” is an excellent album filled with everything I love about ska and punk. In fact it’s so good, you’ll want to pass this one off to those dipping their toes into punk rock. Sure it might not be legendary, but it’s one helluva of a good ride. Be sure to check it out now on all major music providers, or purchase it here, https://allwaffletrick.bandcamp.com/album/second-breakfast
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Track List (Per Bandcamp)
- Wasted Summer
- Songs That We’ll Sing
- Tongue-Tired
- ExSka ExSka Juicy Bits
- Millennial
- Anonymous
- Destroyer
- Joyride
- Me, My Hand, and I
- Screws Loose
- Doctor’s Orders
- Falling Down
- What a Way to Spend a Night
Links:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllWaffleTrick/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allwaffletrick/
- Bandcamp: https://allwaffletrick.bandcamp.com/
- CPRA Youtube Review Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHReU2iGck1gS8j98PS5VrDM0-qtYua0
