Recorded – Recorded January 2018 and produced by Bart McCrorey at Crash Pad Studios
Favorite Tracks: Equal Opportunity, Rampage, Divide & Conquer, and All You Do Sounds Like: Adolescents, Zipperz, Dirty Work, The Casualties, UK Subs, and Total Chaos
Photo by Jarrett Barnes
Holy crap? Apparently I have been living under a rock within the last year or so. Well if you’re like me and like to dwell below the earth. Allow me to introduce Denver’s Barking Mad. This kick ass gut punching, street punk band just released, their Rampage EP on June 29, 2019. Lets dig in!
“Equal Opportunity” opens with a good dirty bass line. Suddenly I’m thrown back into the 1980’s LA punk scene. This track encapsulates everything I love about the era. With the guttural throat style, simple but admirable riffs on guitar. This track is already stuck in my head like a rusty nail you have grown fond of.
Next up is “Rampage”. This track is a tribute to the game, “Rampage” and maybe even to the Damned with “Smash It Up? This song kicks ass! Grab your pogo, hockey mask, or a citizen out of a window to level up! The aggression, catchy lyrics, and killer drums will have you on your own RAMPAGE! “Anti-Social” slows the progression down a bit. The song has more wicked riffs on guitar. This track was me after the last election. The nonstop media coverage made me want to leave the country. I took a break from the world for a few months.
Photo by Jarret Barnes
The next track is “Divide And Conquer”. The progression comes back like a fast baseball to the face. Here’s another pogo song, but watch the pit on this track. The song clocks in at a mere 1:57. Didn’t someone say all my favorite songs are less than 2 minutes long? The drums are thumping the battle hymn.
“All You Do” is the next song up. Not sure if this is a break up song, but we’ve all been with that person who won’t shut up. This band is full of some superior talent. Check out the drums, guitar strikes, and vocals on this track. “1984” is based off of Orwells book, 1984. This heart thumping track spills the truth. We are not safe from our “Protectors”.
Photo By Jarret Barnes
This tiny EP is now forever encased in my brain. Barking Mad’s, “Rampage” is 6 tracks of pure and unrivaled street punk. The fact that this record flew under our radar is amazing to this writer. So be sure to pick it up here, https://barkingmad.bandcamp.com/releases.
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Sounds Like: Madaline, Buck-O-Nine, RBF, Goldfinger, MMB, Younger Than Neil, The Holophonics, and Deals Gone Bad
Why does time move so slow when you’re excited for something? So I am sitting here counting down the hours to tonight’s Buck-O-Nine show at the Bluebird. I’m straight bored off my ass. All Waffle Trick and Younger Than Neilare opening!
When what do my little eyes see? All Waffle Trick drops a brand new happiness doozer right on bandcamp with “Wasted Summer (Endless Bummer)” ! Not only do I have a new track from one of my favorite local skapunk bands, but now I can use my time wisely! If this track is any indication of something new in the works. I cannot wait! Check it out below!
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Episode 7 of CPRA Presents is now up! This week’s episode features such kick-ass bands as, Over Time, The Vanilla Milkshakes, Bricheros, Sorry Sweetheart, Zephyr, Bolonium, #PCPSUX, The New Narrative, Bury Mia, Younger Than Neil, Filthy Hearts, and Slap Happy
Theme Music by People Corrupting People, PCPSux.com!
Production: Recorded & Mixed by Bart McCrorey at The Crash Pad Studio
Mastered by Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room
Favorite Tracks: Uninvited , Left For Dead, Empty Chorus, Transient, Too Old To Punk, Money Well Spent, The Catcher, Bad Sounds
Sounds Like: Descendants, Teenage Bottlerocket, No Use For A Name, H20, Over Time, Madball, and Gorilla Biscuits
The New Narrative dropped, “Story So Far” on 7/18/2019. CPRA is currently blowing up with booking and promotion requests. We are having a hard time getting back to our roots recently. What is CPRA’s Mission/Roots? That’s you Denver. Sure Rhino isn’t 5 Points anymore. You are now far more likely to get bit by a purse dog before being mugged. Tarantulas now serves hipsters IPA’s instead of drugs. Not that it ever did, just that it was kinda scary sometimes.
Let’s talk about something still present in Denver and cities around the world. Its punk, sure it’s gone through a huge evolution. Who knows, maybe soon there will be a scene of “Old Town Road Punks”. One thing hasn’t changed, skate punk and how much we love it. Hell we love it so much we started our own CPRA Skates!
The album starts with, “Uninvited”. Get your kicks on and grab your board. The track is fast, with perfectly well timed, “Whoas”. It’s catchy and we can easily relate to the meaning. Oh did I mention they’re playing with legends, Agnostic Front at the Oriental?
The next track is “Bad Sounds”. I love Darin ’s vocals on this song. The pure and raw emotion is evident throughout while Anthony and Dray are shredding it on guitar. This is by far one of my personal favorite tracks. You can listen to ”Bad Sounds” below and be sure to check out the hilarious interview with Bart.
“Left For Dead” is up next. This track is dark and fast asf! Hit the pit and the hardcore comes full force! Marco’s drums are insanely quick. This track has an old school 87-92 Gorilla Biscuits like sound. Next up is another favorite, “Empty Chorus”. This track feels deeper lyrically. The timing is spot on. George’s bass lines though a bit hidden are thumping. Turn this one up! This track needs a video!
“Loose Ends” follows and screams as it flows in. Yet it slows down into more of anthem/ballad type track. The writing on this track is phenomenal. The change up is unexpected, yet perfectly executed. I’m happy I’m not in a place where I’m trying to tie up loose ends in a relationship. That sucks! “Transient”, brings back the energy and speed. This track reminds me early Suicidal, and bring that nostalgic feel. “Try To Feel Alive, While You’re Dead Inside”, try forgetting those lyrics haha!
Ok next up is the ultimate Dad Punk song and another favorite, Too Old To Punk”. Not only does this track kickass, but it’s true. I get within 2 feet of a pit and I’m leaving with broken bones. The track is so damn catchy. Punk Tacos play this shit! “Money Well Spent”, follows with another catchy almost pop punk, yet harder. This is an old fashioned drinking song, speaking on that, “You look like you would like to buy me a drink!” Bust out that air guitar now!
“We Might Be Horrible” is next. This pogo worthy song is driven on angst and I love it! Sadly the last track is up next, “The Catcher”. From the drum intro, I’m already hooked. This is the perfect song to finish out an excellent album. In reflection this record will be spinning constantly on my player. The New Narrative is not only a powerfully talented band, but their ability to cross genres is admirable. So pick up that board, and pop on, “Story So Far”.
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Format: Digital (Physical may be available at the show)
Label: DIY
Location: Denver, CO
Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)
Justin O’Neal – Vocals/Guitar
Alex Crabb – Guitar/Backing Vocals
Devin Martinez – Bass/Backing Vocals
Marcus Allen-HIlle – Drums
Favorite Tracks: Fools, Say This, Eighty Two In A 25, Adios, Death By Misadventure, and Firefight
Sounds Like: Penske File, JerkSwitch, MCR, The Used, and the Descendants
We here at CPRA have been bugging Bury Mia for a new release for over a year now. I’m happy to announce the boys have not let us down. The new record, “…And Sleep It Off”, drops this Friday at their release party with Major Glen and Jailpocket. This is a kick ass lineup and should not be missed. So let’s dig into, “…And Sleep It Off”.
The records starts out with “Adios”. I love the chords on this track. The melody is sweet yet meaningful. The lyrics are catchy, yet non generic. The perfectly well placed, “Ois” bring in that extra edge commonly not found in pop punk. “Say This” is the next track up. It has somewhat of a Ramonescore. As Admin A once said, “Pop Punk creates the best break up punk ever”. This track is for anyone needed that extra boost to leave a bad relationship. Could Bury Mia pull off a couple of Ramones songs? You bet and probably more.
My favorite song is up next and you may have heard, “Fools” before. Give it a listen in the bandcamp player below. This track is pure anger and feels refreshing and unexpected. The chords and general progression is killer. Grab your air guitar while there’s time. The next song up is “Eighty Two In A 25”. The track is heavy on drums and I love it. The message is powerful.
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“Death By Misadventure”, comes roaring in next with a blast of energy. This is my second favorite on the release. The track has a great skatepunk sound, while the guitar narrows the gap from metal. This song is KILLER! “Cold Hard Shiny Plastic” is up next, slowing things down a little. This track continues the great melodic sound the album is building. This song will easily be stuck in your head soon after.
“Firefight”, follows up with more of a street punk theme. The track seems to be about friendship. The drums are heavy, the bass pounding. This one may bring a tear to your eye. After listening you too will be saying, “There was a firefight”.
The last track up is, “Cry About It”. This song is very reminiscent of the Flatliners. The opening riff is fantastic. Justin’s spoken word part really sells this one home. It’s time to wrap this one up. Bury MIA’s new record, “…And Sleep It Off” is not just another run of the mill pop punk album. Every song is different, and in every chord strike, in every drum beat. You can feel the hours of blood, sweat and tears poured into this album.
Sounds Like: CIV, Comeback Kid, Gorilla Biscuits, NOISE, and Youth Of Today
In an age where EDM and shitty pop dominates the airwaves. You need some authentic and pure Denver punk to get through your day. Over Time hung up their Blades Of Steel to record a new EP for our ear holes. Speaking of Blades Of Steel I’m hoping they will release more of the shirts below. Mine is getting small or I’m getting fat. Anyhow you didn’t come to read about weight loss you came to read about, “Decades”.
The record intros in with, “Decades: What A Nightmare”. As the heavy kick drum starts out. You can feel the weight of this song, as it launches into a full on audio assault. This track is about watching your friends change and growing older. This track hit me on a personal level. I’ve watched a few of my so called, “Best Friends”, grow up and move on, to never hear from them again. Yet I’ve made new friends since and my relationships with them are now everlasting.
“And we’re past the point
Where this life is scary
I’ve buried more friends than I’ve seen get married
Man, it’s sad to say
But I hope they’re all in a better place”
“Cant Stay The Same” is up next. Now I’m not sure if this is a coincidence or not but it seems there are some nods to the Boss aka Bruce Springsteen on this track. With references to the tracks, “Born To Run” and “I’m On Fire”. This track comes to life with energy, with strong chord strikes, head nodding drum beats, and great lyrical content. This tune will get stuck in your head from the get go. As the record progresses I love it more and more. Here’s my own nod to the boss below.
“Art Of The Steal” come up next. It reminds somewhat of an older H2O song. This one is politically charged and motivated by anger. If you’re even slightly afraid of a nasty pit, better get out on this one. If not join the fun! NYC Hardcore fans you will love this track!
“Energy” follows with more speed and some insane drums. This track is more on the melodic skate punk side. The writer is reminiscing about time with a friend while listening to Op Ivy’s, “Energy”. I felt I really couldn’t find the words when trying to describe this song. Nor felt I could give it the justice it deserves. Every time I tried to type a tear would well up. So I reached out for comment.
Per Ben Kellogg, “So, “Energy” was written about a friend of mine, my best friend actually that left us in 2015. It touches on the years that we first met and our connection over a taped copy of “Energy” by Op Ivy and the times we spent learning all the songs on the record and singing them at the top of our lungs whenever we got the chance. Fox, the person in question, always had a bit of mystery surrounding him and constantly left me worrying, so the song kind of touches on that in the sense that I always had the utmost confidence that he would survive his demons, but was always a bit shaken to the core by some of our conversations.
The first line, “I got that sinking feeling, the moment you flew south, you were the one that I told everyone about” kind of sums up the whole theme of the song, as I was always so proud and in constant awe of his friendship, but when he moved away in 2013 I just had a gut feeling that something bad was going to eventually happen.”
The next song is, “Twilight Sentinel”, fitting with the theme of the album and the nightmare of growing older. The acoustic intro starts out on a somber note, before building into an electrical climax. The bass line although not prominent adds that underlying emotion, while Kellog’s vocals provide the story. This vocals and style are similar to Lenny from Darkbuster. The big difference maker being, this track has an extreme amount of depth both instrumental and lyrically.
“Walls”, loses the acoustic while returning to a faster heart pounding sound. This one is pure driven hardcore. Have you ever obsessed about something you missed or felt you needed? You might be over it, yet still think of it from time to time. Yet still feel like there is a political undertone.
“Drag The Lake” is the last track on the EP. Personally I’m not ready for it to end. This track is nothing but heavy and I love it. One part I love about Over Time is you never really know which way a track will go. It may go the pop punk route, before quickly reverting to a hardcore skate punk sound. In my head I see fists pumping and kids circling the pit to this track. There’s a sense of unity somewhere in there.
I reached out to the band for comment as I really wanted to know more about what drove this record into production. Per Ira Dechter, “The album has a theme of growth and putting the past behind you. Learning from our mistakes and becoming a better person. While still touching on the current state of our country with the songs like “Walls” and “Art of the Steal” relative to being a better person and treating everyone as equals no matter where they’re from or what their background is.”
This EP has come to an end and so must this review. Over Time’s, “Decades”, has been composed with anger, love, and unbridled talent. The brillaint combination of NYC Hardcore, melodic skate punk, and a dash of pop punk, makes this little EP, one giant record. Sure there may be more like it out there, but none made by Over Time. Be sure to download here, https://overtimehxc.bandcamp.com/ and hit their massive 4 Way Release Party with Filthy Hearts, Sorry Sweetheart, and ZEPHYR.
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Production: Mixed and produced by Felipe Patino at Green Door Studios (Bricheros) and Ira Decther who mastered (OverTime)
Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)
Blake Pendergrass, drums
Hans Meyer, vox
Lindsey Housel, keys and vox
Jason Tollen, bass
Taylor Pendergrass, guitar
Track listing:
“Streets”
“Talk”
“Only One”
“Riots”
“Kill You to Live”
Normally when writing a review, we choose a few of our favorites…but I can’t choose a song I like best on this EP! I love every single track. Things that stick out to me: the opening riff of “Streets” is awesome and I love the vocal delivery. Great choice as the EP opener. “Talk” is one of the faster tempo tracks, and the lyrics are awesome. It’s upbeat, rhythmic and relatable.
“The more they talkity talk
The less you walk walk walk
And the more they squakity squak
The more we walk walk walk away!”
“Only One” is perfectly aggressive, the guitar riff on “Riots” is infectious and has quintessential sing-along vocals: “The bell tolls. The riots roll!”
“Kill You to Live” has an awesome breakdown and the build up is well placed and timed.
Reminds me of: Suicide Machines, Black Flag, Bad Brains, Pennywise, The Buzzcocks, Rancid, Ten Foot Pole, Dwarves, Murder City Devils, TSOL, The Muffs.
Overall: Production wise, I think this EP is very well done. The drum sound is punchy and in your face but not overpowering, the bass and guitar tones are energetic yet still warm, the keyboards are mixed very well, providing a lush harmonic noise floor, and both vocalists deliver tireless, passionate words that you know they believe in. This band is not posing at all! This recording captures their energy and enthusiasm which I can only imagine is equally as good live.
Be sure to catch the Wild Lives EP Release Party this Saturday at Streets Of Denver with Cheap Perfume and Vic N’ The Narwhals. Get your tickets soon as this banger is likely to sell out!
About The Reviewer:
Megan Kelley is the front woman for Denver based post-punk band Married a Dead Man. She is an accomplished pianist, keyboardist and singer, with a full time private music teaching studio. She is also a composer, songwriter and holds degrees in classical voice and piano, as well as a second degree in sound engineering. Music is her entire existence.
Available Now!
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Sounds Like: Dead Kennedys, Black Flag and The Cramps
Boulder’s Apodyopsis are new to the Colorado scene and these kids kick some ass! Per the band, “We formed this band because high school and boulder both suck. We’re a very unique band, our guitarist has green hair, our bassist is an edgy chia pet, our lead singer is lactose intolerant, and our drummer sometimes has glasses.” I really dig their sense of humor! Keep at it my dudes!
