Denver’s The Frickashinas have released their first new single, “You Seem Fine”. The track was produced by 10 Ft Pole’s Scott Hallquist. This skatepunk laden track will leave you wanting more. Personally I’m hoping for a new EP or album from the band in 2021. Don’t forget to attend the online release party for “”Are we not doing phrasing anymore?” on 12/29/2020 here, https://www.facebook.com/events/421189228919439/.
2020 is almost over, we are almost to the finish line. While 2020 will go down in history as being the “Year Of The Rona”. It will go down for me as memorable time in punk rock releases. What do you think about my list? What would you add? The last live show I saw was in May and I sadly haven’t been to one since, So bring on the vaccine and let live music commence!
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.
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.
Sounds Like: The Damed, Distillers, Bikini Kill, Babes In Toyland, and the Lunachicks
Denver’s Battle Pussy pulled out a giant surprise this morning with their new single release, “Vote”. The new track is super catchy, Suzy Slade’s vocals are riveting and tight, while Judy’s bass thumps. Betty’s drums feel like they are channeling the ghost of Tommy Ramone.
This politically driven track reminds me of how important it is to vote! Most Colorado residents should be receiving their mail in ballots soon. If you need to register to vote please go here, https://vote.gov/. I don’t want to hear anyone complain about the election results if you didn’t vote! And if you don’t Battle Pussy will kick your ass! Ok maybe they won’t, or will they?
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We are anxiously awaiting the release of Denver punk icon, Luke Schmaltz, new book, “The Belcher” which is due out September 30, 2020 via Mutiny Press aka Mutiny Information Cafe. After listening/reading to a few chapters this writer is officially hooked on, “The Belcher“.
Oh and if you have never heard of Denver’s King Rat. Be sure to give them a listen here, https://kingrat1.bandcamp.com/. Be sure to pre-order “The Belcher” here, https://lukeschmaltz.com/ or pick up on on 9/30/2020 from Mutiny!
Favorite Tracks: To Catch A Thief, Counterfit, La Mentirosa, D-Days In Pacific, and Koi Tattoo
How many records can you say you had a straight impulse buy with? I’m guessing not many. In this day and age we have to be careful where and when we drop that hard earned cash. So to my surprise I noticed a new Denver band, The Unindicted Co-Conspirators released a 4 track EP called, “Colfax Confidential”. From the very start to the very end I was hooked. So what makes this record so rad? Let’s take an in depth look.
The record starts with, “To Catch A Thief”. There’s something I really love about Fletcher’s vocals. Not only are they very well done, but feel more like a storytelling experience. Don’t get me wrong I love me some Danzig, yet sometimes I can’t understand him. Thill’s saxophone on this track is wicked and totally unexpected.
The next track is “Counterfit” and starts out with a kick ass rockabilly feel. This track has a Cold War theme with legendary Felipe Patino on bass. Patino’s bass, Barrow’s drums and Fletcher’s vocals come together for a wonderful sound. I love the story line and lyrics. How many punk tracks talk about spies?
“She was set up at some sketchy punk rock dive bar just off of East Melrose and 101 And the suitcase from a spooky looking g-man by the Pan Pacific Auditorium We made love in the bed of her director guess that she was trying to settle some old score Then he burst in I fired twice and hit him one time That’s when we left him bleeding on the floor”
“La Mentirosa” is up next and translates to “The Liar” in English. The guitar on this track is on point. This love song is aggressive and fast and retains the storytelling element of the EP. The next track is “D-Days In The Pacific”. The Japanese were a well oiled machine before and up until the very end the Pacific Theater in WWII. It took two atomic bombs to stop them from continuing the war. This track is frantic till the very end!
“Koi Tattoo” is sadly the last track. It opens with a traditional Japanese tune, before launching into madness. To sum all of this up, “Colfax Confidential” by the Unindicted Co-Conspirators is EP that deserves the full album treatment. The mix of different genres, talents of the players, and incredible storytelling make this record stand out among others. It’s only $4.00 over on Bandcamp right now, but I have a feeling the price will go up. Pick it up right here, https://theunindictedco-conspirators.bandcamp.com/
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Sounds Like: Sunset Silhouette, Bury MIA, Came And Took It, Filthy Hearts, Mixed Kid Fridays, The Swifts, Modern Baseball and Stray The Course
Photo by Lola Marie
The Mazlows have been making headlines within the pop punk world for the last year or so. You can read our posts about the Mazlows here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/tag/the-mazlows/. From the first time I heard I heard their single, “The Wolf Inside”. I knew this band was going places. I’ve been bugging them since day one for a new album. Today my wish came true with the release of “Community Locker”.
Photo by Lola Marie
Back when I reviewed “The Wolf Inside” and “Leaving Town” I mentioned you needed to listen to this band so you could be proud to say, “I knew about them before they got big”. I realize now that is straight up music snobbery. Am I sorry for this? Nope, I’m proud of this and that’s why we started CPRA to share new music with those looking for it. So why Skabones did you say, “Best Pop punk album of 2020? Let’s dig into The Mazlows ‘Community Locker’.
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The album is a whopping 14 tracks long. That’s impressive as hell! Some of my favorite tracks are “Best Days”, “Where Were You”, “Leaving Town”, “Here To Stay”, ”Thrown Away”, “Head First” , “Say Yeah”, “Were Not Dead Yet”, and last but not least, “Night Caps And Goodbyes”. All of these tracks have major potential to break the music airwaves.
“Best Days” reminds me of my teenage years. I dated a girl at the one one would consider an “Alternative Girl” or “Punk Rocker”. Boy did I feel super cool at the time. We both moved on, but when a song can trigger a memory like that. You know it’s good. “Where Were You” also has a youthful tone with some great riffs from bass and guitar. Beatmaster D kills it on the drums. The overall harmony is amazing. This is not another “Pop Punk Love Song”.
Pete. Photo by Rick Kooker
I reviewed “Leaving Town” a few weeks back. This track is exactly about leaving town. As we get older our desire to grow often leads us out of town. You may leave town, but you always return back to the community locker. “Here To Stay” has some wicked hooks and change ups. Nate’s vocals are amazing as the rest of the band joins into the fray. I love Hodel’s bass lines as they are unexpected. This track will surpass 1,000 plays within a few months or maybe sooner. Who knew punk rock could make you dance?
Colt. Photo by Rick Kooker
Now “Thrown Away” actually threw me for a giant loop. Here I’m thinking the track will maintain the catch pop punk formula. Nope it didn’t happen. This track is dark, with a AFI like sound. The bass is wicked, Beatmaster D’s drums are insane! “Head First’ returns to back to the pop punk. It’s very addicting. It wouldn’t surprise me if “Say Yeah” does become the next pop punk anthem of the decade. The bass and drums with the “Say Yeah” chorus is awesome!
Nate. Photo by Rick Kooker
Next up is another personal favorite, “We’re Not Dead Yet”. It goes to the dark side fast with a progressive melodic hardcore tone. The drums are nuts. The chorus is ultimate perfection. My last favorite track is “Nightcaps and Goodbyes”. This is a great ending track to an overall incredible album. We’ve all been there as we leave the bars at 2am. We all hope this won’t be the last time we can be together.
Beatmaster D. Photo by Rick Kooker
In closing, The Mazlows, ‘Community Locker’ blew my expectations away. This crotchety old Misfits loving punk rocker now believes in the power of The Mazlows. The tracks will not only will make you dance, make you cry, but most of all provide a deeply needed sense of hope. This album is definitely getting added as a nominee for best pop punk album of 2020. Don’t wait till you hear them on the radio, check them out right now, https://themazlows.bandcamp.com/.
Track List (Subject To Change)
Best Days Where Were You Leaving Town Here to Stay Leave It All Behind Echoes Thrown Away Head First Breakfast Epiphanies Say Yeah Forever And We’re Not Dead Yet Last Call Nightcaps and Goodbyes
Favorite Tracks: A.F.D, I’ll Get More, P.M.A, F**ck Old People, Brain Dead, and Throwing Two’s
Proving that age has nothing to do with your punk “Status” are 2 local Denver bands Amazing Flying Dumbasses and Worthless Commodity. Both bands have enjoyed local success and are known as rising stars in the Denver punk rock scene. Amazing Flying Dumbasses have raked in over 7,000 streams on Spotify with “All Cops Are Bastards” being their most popular track. This split is Worthless Commodity’s first public release.
So let’s check out this EP split. The record begins with A.F.D. How many bands have an actual theme song? Well grab your shit and hang on cause we’re hitting the pit on this track! It clocks out at a whopping 53 seconds, I LOVE IT! The next song is “I’ll Get More”. Benny Vigil is straight up angry on this track. Mikey’s drums bring an unleashed energetic power as Connor and Noah join in on bass and guitar. Yet another track I adore!
Video Credit: Victor Valdez
The last Amazing Flying Dumbasses track on the split is “P.M.A. This is one of my favorite “AFD” tracks and only plays second to “Skate And Destroy” from their “Bruised” album. Worthless Commodity tracks are up next for the review. The first track, “F**K Old People”, comes in like a swift kick to the face. The guitar riff is addicting. The lead singer’s voice reminds me of the late Buzzcock’s singer, Pete Shelley which is incredible.
Pic by Victor Valdez
The next song is “Brain Dead” is what Skabones defines as “Pogo Worthy”! This track has a bit of more hardcore sound with a deep bass line. This is my personal favorite track from Worthless Commodity! The last and definitely not least track on the split is “Throwing Twos”. This anger driven track has kick-ass bass, drums and intense vocals. This track kicks serious ass! I cannot wait to hear more in the future from Worthless Commodity!
You can listen to the split here!
The coolest part of this split? The oldest senior band member is 18 years old. So when I said, “Punk’s not dead, it’s still a teen” it proves how amazing and badass our younger musicians can be. So your old “Dad punk” while it may be considered classic, bands like Amazing Flying Dumbasses and Worthless Commodity continue to keep the light burning bright. Be sure to check out the new split on any major music provider. This is a nominee for best local EP release!
Joe Exotic and No Bueno!, Join Forces From Prison And Release “Outlaw Song”. This video proves without a doubt Carole did feed her husband to the tigers. For proof I present the gleam in her eye. “That bitch Carole Baskin killed her husband”
END PRESS RELEASE
The PROOF right in the first FRAME! Long live the detectives at No Bueno!
Per No Bueno! This is just a taste of brand new music headed our way! I never expected to hear anything like this from No Bueno!, so this makes me so excited!
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