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
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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/
Check out and download for FREE their new album, Vol. 9 – Street Urchin From The Animal Chronicles here, http://pcpsux.com/street-urchin
I myself couldn’t be happier to have some new PCP tunes! Since you’re hear go check out more of our PCP reviews. See PCP tonight at Bar Bar with Lockjaw and Donger at BAR BAR!
Favorite Tracks: The Way Back Up, Foundation, Bust It, U.S Nothing, and Wolfpack
Sounds Like: Black Flag, Minor Threat, Strung Out, Circle Jerks, and the Cro-Mags
Back in February 2019, CPRA and Just Miggy partnered up to bring All Ages Shows downtown Denver. These amazing shows are called The Kids Are Alright At Goosetown Tavern. The first Kid’s show was an absolute riot. I was blown away by all the acts. In fact one band, Tuck Knee, struck a personal chord with me. I would later pen this review here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/tag/tuck-knee/.
Their breakout EP, “Can’t Stand For It”, wasn’t compiled just yet, so I listened single by single for my review. I probably listened to this album at least 3-4 days a week. One thought still hits me as I listen to their latest release, “The Way Back Up”. “These kids are kids. Yet they play and write music with the heart of a band that has years in the industry”. All members are under 21, but you can’t tell by listening.
So let’s check out their 2nd EP release. I’ll be straight up honest here. Second releases sometimes scare me. I’m always worried that I won’t like it. Not that there’s been that many secondary releases that have sucked, but there’s been enough. How is “The Way Back Up”?
The title track takes the name of the EP. River and Sam kick off the track on guitar and bass, while Harlan’s drums build the rise. As Ellis joins in on vocals the combination starts a meteoric rise. This song is fast angry and loud!
“I’ve got an edge over people like you, Drag me down on the way back up. I’ve got an edge over people like you, Brainwashed youth I’ve had enough The way back up”
Tuck Knee – “The Way Back Up” 2019
The next track, “Foundation” comes screaming in with a powerful hard edge and clocks in at 42 seconds. I think it was Lala who once said, “All my favorite songs are less than 2 minutes long”. Damn she sure was right! “Jawin” follows and continues the insane upbeat progression. Harlan’s drums are incredible while River smashes on guitar.
Photo by Anarchopunk
Is Tuck Knee a reincarnate of all my favorite hardcore bands? The next track is “Bust It”. This track encapsulates the bands belief in living a straight edge. It’s short, fun and pogo friendly. Up next is by far my favorite track on the EP, “U.S Nothing”. This track uses some of the words from the USMC, “Rifleman’s Creed” which also appeared in the movie, Full Metal Jacket.
The drums set up an almost military like drum corps while Rupa’s bass line bring the emotion. Elli’s spoken word at the intro, provides the background setting and template. While I understand the “Rifleman’s Creed” was supposed to help soldiers distinguish military from civilian life.
“Fighting a war far from won,
Tell me I got to kill Someone,
Iraq, Cuba, Vietnam these are wars never won,
Military graves I’m not alone,
Now I don’t even want to go home!”
Tuck Knee “The U.S. Of Nothing” 2019
The words in this day and age, sound like brainwash dribble. In the US we have Proud Boys (Many whom have never served), holding guns at protests like morons manipulated by a hateful dictator. Do they chant this while preparing to intimidate others? The mere thought is scary.
“Wolfpack” is the last track on the EP. This track is written for the united angry youth. I’m almost 42 years old, but still want to join the wolf pack. In reflection, “Tuck Knee’s, “The Way Back Up” is an avalanche of hardcore punk. This release shows the band confidence is rising and they cannot and will not be stopped. I’m telling you get in on the ground floor now! You can pick up the record here, https://tuckkneeband.bandcamp.com/
Photo by Anarchopunk
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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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