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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Tomaso Eugenio Di Cosola – Guitar, Matt Lamoureaux – Vocals, Bill Jenkins – Drums, Matt Rinehart – Bass
Favorite Tracks: Shithole Country, Heavy Hands, Find Your Line, Fake Smiles, and Drawbridge
Sounds Like: Black Flag, Suicidal Tendencies, CroMags, Gorilla Biscuits, AFD, and Tuck Knee
There is an amazing feeling when someone sends you great music. It shows they are thinking about you and know what you might like. This morning I was sent the Heavy Hands EP by Chew Thru. The feeling was even better because I have already been listening to it daily since December. Somehow it was like a vindication of, “Ha, I already knew it was great but you knew I would think that.” If you have ever read a Colorado Punk Rock Army album review, you know out of the staff writers, I am in fact the weakest link. What you will get from me is heartfelt and wacky comparisons.
pic by @mythik
Here’s the comparison; Cro-Mags hardcore meets old school crossover. I love the heavy grit on this EP. I am through and through a sucker for that dirty, hard bass. You get that on every song. The voice and lyrics give that punch in the face you need when listening to what I like to call, “beat your ass music.” What I mean by that is you can kill it at the skate park, gym, driving too fast or… Round it out with the perfect guitar riffs and strong solid beats and you have what is the late entry for 2019’s EP of the year. Check them out live. Go to their socials, like, follow, and stream it. You will not be sorry.
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The heart is this; Matt and the guys have been staples in one permutation or another around Denver and they truly deserve the love and recognition. Call it earned boys, because this is a helluva of a hard, and heavy ride. “Heavy Hands” by Chew Thru is amazing on so many levels. The heavy bass lines, the outright assault, and pure relevance to everyday life will have this record stuck on repeat. It’s out now on all major music providers and should definitely be purchased here, https://chewthru.bandcamp.com/.
Sounds Like: Flatliners, Came And Took It, Nerdlinger, and Fourbanger
It seems that Stray The Course is prepping up for a new EP! We here at CPRA are huge fans! Today they released their brand new cover of DUA LIPA – “IDGAF”. The track is pop punked with a side of metal. The original version is not my style, but I”ll rock this one everyday!
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”.
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 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”
“Millennial” – All Waffle Trick
“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 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”
“Doctors Orders” – All Waffle Trick
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
Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!
As Voice Of Addiction returns to Chicago they have 3 final shows on their way home. They are playing Colorado Springs tonight, so if you can’t make the Denver show be sure to hit this one, https://www.facebook.com/events/375391460005816/ .
Isn’t that the Infamous Tyler Miller (Trying To Get By) in the pic above? You may know Tyler from playing with another kick ass band, Some Kind Of Nightmare. Tyler is now on guitar with VOA. They play BAR BAR this Saturday 10/26/2019 with, Filthy Hearts, Bad Desicions, and Drink Drank Punk, https://www.facebook.com/events/894781844238095/
Still feeling hesitant to pay $5.00 for an epic night music? Check out some music below!
Denver’s Filthy Hearts
Since joining record label with Hidden Home Records Denver’s Filthy Hearts have release their brand new full length album, “Ambulatory“. This album is amazing and should be purchased asap! Be sure to see them Saturday and on November 12th at Streets Of Denver for the Fall Tour Kickoff show with Sharp Shock and Bury Mia!
(FT Collins) Bad Desicions
Bad Desicions hardcore gutter style will leave you wanting more!
BAR BAR is the magical place where for $5.00 you get 4 kick ass bands, compared to dropping a shit ton for a national tour show! Hit that going on the event now! https://www.facebook.com/events/894781844238095/
