Current Lineup: Aaron (guitar) Tim (guitar) John (bass) ben (drums) and me, griffin (vocals)
Sounds Like: Sunset Silhouette, Fine Dining, Four Year Strong, The Flatliners and Wilhelm Scream
Denver’s Years Down just released their first new single, “Better Off”. I don’t know about you guys, but I think another KILLER band has entered the Denver stage. We cannot wait to hear more from this up and coming band.
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Slap Happy has always been a fun band! Until now, they’ve pretty much stayed in their own lane, as a band that was strongly influenced by Green Day. Their newest album is a slight bit of a departure and an expansion.
I LOVE the 90’s! They had the best music, the best styles, the best economy (of my lifetime), and contained my “coming of age” years. They were a decade of growth, prosperity, and peace (for the most part). The sounds of the 90’s have always felt like “home” to me.
When I started listening to the new album, “Prophylactic Shock,” by Slap Happy, I was expecting something that was more or less in line with the rest of their catalogue. What I got was a much-needed mental vacation from the 2020’s!
The first track is the perfect introduction to the album. It relies heavily on their original sound, while giving hints as to what else is coming. It feels familiar, for those who have been acquainted with the band for a long time.
After the first track, however, it feels like I’m back at the Warped Tour with Skabones, back in 1996! The second track reminded me a lot of Goldfinger; a band I had almost forgotten about, but whom I really enjoyed back in the day. Also, one of the bands that played at the aforementioned Warped Tour.
(Side note: remember when Goldfinger was on Conan O’Brien, and the drummer dropped Conan on his head, after their performance? Good times!)
While listening to this album, I felt like I was 17 again, listening to KTCL (BEFORE they got bought out by Clear Channel), smoking pot in my parents’ basement, sitting in the leather chair that was in the living room until they got new furniture (sorry, Mom).
As the album continues, Slap Happy emulates a lot of the 90’s, channeling their inner Cobain on a few tracks; getting a little dirty, a little screamy, a little angry. It encapsulates the politics of the 90’s, combined with some of the more modern sentiment about climate change and other more modern problems.
In short, this is a GREAT album for anyone who loves the 90’s as much as I do, and a gereat move forward for people who have always liked Slap Happy! I fully expect to keep this album in my regular rotation of music that I regularly listen to!
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.
COVID-19 is affecting CPRA, please donate if you can
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
