Tag: skatepunk

2020 Album of the year nominee, CPRA Music News, CPRA Shows, International punk rock

With 54,000+ Plays On Spotify, Millie Manders And The Shutup’s Latest Release, “Telling Truths And Breaking Ties” Is…

Release date: October 23, 2020

Format : Digital, CD, and Vinyl

Location: Norwich/London

Current Lineup: 

-James Pendle – guitars
-Alessandro Vitiello – drums and samples
-Georgina Boreham – bass guitars
-Dom Walker – sax, trumpet and synth.

Favorite Tracks: Your Story, Broken Record, Here We Go Again, Silent Screams, Bitter, Panic, Not Okay, and Burnout

Sounds Like:  Save Ferris, Last Reel Hero, No Doubt, Dance hall Crashers, People Corrupting People, Band Manners, Sorry Sweetheart, The Interrupters, and The Transplants

Let’s hop in the way back machine kids. All The way back to 2018. CPRA started our quest to bring you the best music and news reviews for Colorado. We quickly surpassed our Colorado goal and started looking internationally. By pure happenstance I happened to come across skapunks, Millie Manders & The Shutup. Their first EP release, “Shutup”, blew me away. You can read that review here, https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/2018/10/12/millie-manders-the-shutup-shutup-ep/. 

Since April 2020, we’ve been featuring Millie Manders & The Shutup through CPRA TV on youtube with their new videos for “Your Story” and “Silent Screams”. So today it’s my pleasure to review their new album, “Telling Truths And Breaking Ties”. Let’s start out this review with the first track, ‘Your Story”. I LOVE this song. Millie’s heartfelt and powerful vocals, blazing horns, incredible bass and guitar, and the drums will have you dancing right along. 

This track reminds me what it feels like to be wanted by someone who doesn’t love you back. We’ve all been there going through hoops just to play a part in their story. The next track up is “Broken Record’. This one goes out to all those people who sound like broken records. “I’m sorry, I’ll never hurt you again”. We all know that’s bullshit, but somehow manage to let them creep back in. Millie’s vocal range on this song is nuts!

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!

The next song is “Here We Go Again (Black Dog”. The chorus will have you singing along from the start. The bass thumps deep, while the guitar and sax lend a friendly hand. The track gets gritty and I love it. Before we go onto the next song, I feel it’s important to discuss mental health. This year has been extra hard on all of us and especially those with mental health challenges. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide please call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. We don’t want to lose anyone! Let’s get back to the next kickass song, “Silent Screams”. This one is for all of us whomever felt no one could hear our silent screams. Mander’s voice speaks to my inner soul. The lyrical writing on this song is remarkable, while each instrument plays an equally important part. 

“Bitter” is the next track and it’s angry. I really didn’t expect this one coming; but I absolutely love the dark bass lines, the guttural almost sinister like vocals, and tribal drums. I think I also hear a theremin in there which was definitely unexpected. Shout out to People Corrupting People for introducing me to the crazy sound of the theremin. 

“Poor Man’s Show” follows up with a more old school Two Tone sound. It speaks of the poor suffering while the rich stay nice and warm. This track may be referring to England, yet I feel it relates to the entire world. Here in the states we have so many people laid off and suffering yet our government can’t agree on any sort of stimulus to help us out. Let’s get dark and nasty next with “Panic”.  “Panic” speaks on climate change and the dangers of staying on the course we have. Here in Colorado we have historic fires that have been burning for 3 months! 

After listening to tracks like “Bitter” and “Panic” it’s hard to imagine going back to a softer tone yet they do just that with “Glitter Mix”. At first listen I thought this might be Adele and actually had to check my phone. This track shows the amazing talent the band holds and Mander’s voice seems to reach new heights. “Not Okay” speeds the tone back up and the skapunk sound fully returns. Here’s yet another track that will make you dance. Were all going bored out of our minds with quarantine so put on this song and make your own dance party. I love the lyrics on this track. 

||: I’m not ok
I don’t see myself being that way
I haven’t been for years
But I’ve got masks made up to cover up my tears :||
I’m not ok…”

The last and final track is up next with a great upbeat tempo, “Burnout”. Did you ever think about the bands bringing you music? Many of them struggle to bring you the music. They are working jobs just like you and me and still manage to hit the road. They manage to produce new music as often as they can afford it. That’s why CPRA really pushes underground bands. We may occasionally write on mainstream music, but let’s face it. Those bands already have a massive following. This track is badass!

In closing, Millie Manders & The Shutup’s, “Telling Truth And Breaking Ties”, is an absolute lyrical and instrumental masterpiece. This record is now a nominee for my best album of 2020! I can only see the number of plays on Spotify and other media distributors growing and growing. It’s the perfect gift for the teen you’re trying to get into punk rock. You can check it out here, https://milliemanders.bandcamp.com/album/telling-truths-breaking-ties.

Tracks: 

1. Your Story

2. Broken Record 

3. Here We Go Again (Black Dog) 

4. Silent Screams

5. Bitter

6. Poor Man’s Show 

7. Panic 

8. Glitter Mix 

9. Not Ok 

10. Burnout 

Links:

2020 Single Release of the year, Denver punk, skatepunk, Thousand Islands Records

Denver’s Punk Rock Supergroup, Record Thieves, Release New Single, “Sacrifice”, And We Want More!

Release Date: Oct 2020, New Record releases 11/24/2020                                                         

Format: Digital 

Label: Thousand Islands Records

Pic by AnarchoPunk

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Mike Waterhouse
Jim Wilcox
Allen White
Fred Bear
Chad Gilbert

Favorite Tracks: Sacrifice

Sounds Like: TBR, Nofx, Sunset Silhouette, Descendants, MxPx, The Unindicted Co-Conspirators, Authority Zero, All Out Helter, and Boldtype

One of our favorite small labels, Thousand Islands Records, just got a little bigger with their addition of Denver’s new punk rock supergroup, Record Thieves. The Record Thieves just released their newest single, “Sacrifice” a few days back. I personally cannot wait for their debut album, ‘Wasting Time’ out November 24, 2020. 

I love the guitar solos, drums, vocals, in fact everything about this track hits home. By listening and not knowing one may think the Record Thieves were a 90’s Fat Wreck band. So be sure to download this now through your preferred format,https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/recordthieves/sacrifice. I’m hoping there will be a vinyl release!

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!

Links:

2020 EP Of The Year Nominee, International punk rock, skatepunk

San Diego Punks Corporate Citizen Drop New EP, “Six Minute Meeting” Proving SOCAL Skate Punk Is Thriving

Release Date:  May 29, 2020                          

Format: Digital

Label: El Topo Records

Location: SD, CA

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Dan Achin (Drums), Mike Ruggiero (Bass), Bob Meder (Vocals), Steve O’Brien (Guitar), Steve Diaz (Guitar) and Louis Ramsey (Guitar).

Favorite Tracks: Culture Vulture, Not the One, Positivity Anthem

Sounds Like: Strung Out, Protected Left, Early Cro-Mags, Chew Thru, CHASER, and PULLEY

Photo by Joel Gelin

It’s been a year since we checked out Corporate Citizen’s last release ‘A Brief Moment Of Sanity’. I still listen to this record on a fairly regular basis. So to my excitement and pleasure the band dropped a new EP back on 5/20/2020, ‘Six Minute Meeting’. If there’s anything we need now more than ever is more hardcore punk rock! This EP is only 3 tracks, yet full of anger, energy, and everything you need for a quick skate sesh. 

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!

The EP starts out with “Culture Vulture”. The intro bass line has got me hooked. The little metal riffs and insane drum work is brillant. It speaks of the dangers of materialism and us all becoming Corporate Citizens, just like Joe Strummer warned us all about. The next track, “Not the One” is by far my personal favorite on the EP. While retaining a hardcore edge it slows, not by much, to the melodic side. Check out the video below!

The last track is “Positivity Anthem”. I can’t stress how important the message in this track is. We MUST especially during this ongoing pandemic encourage and promote positivity towards one another. See an article that’s really sad on Facebook? Don’t share it. I know it’s hard. We all want to feel a part of something right now since we can’t go to shows. This track is not only unexpected, but reminds me to share positivity more and negativity less. 

Overall, Corporate Citizen’s, ‘Six Minute Meeting’, is 3 tracks that will leave you begging for more. One can only hope these tracks will be added to a full album release sometime in the near future. This EP also reminds that punk rock, even though often political in nature, can still provide messages of hope and love. I strongly suggest you pick this one up here, https://corporatecitizensd.bandcamp.com/album/six-minute-meeting

Track List (Per Bandcamp)

Culture Vulture

Not the One 

Positivity Anthem

Links:

Corporate Citizen

Previous releases: https://corporatecitizensd.bandcamp.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/corporatecitizen2017/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/corporatecitizensd/

CPRA Playlist – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHReU2iGck3MJt3v-V9CRGp9iEdodsy6

***We are currently running very behind on reviews and doing our best to catch up to the demand. If you donate your review will be pushed to the top***

International punk rock, Rad Sauce Media, skatepunk, Thousand Islands Records

#SOCAL Skatepunks CHASER Announce ‘Look Alive’ 7” Pre-orders Open 7/31/2020

Release Date:  Drops 9/4/2020, Pre-orders begin 7/31/2020                        

Format: Digital & Physical

Label: Available worldwide in 4 different color variants via Thousand Islands Records (Canada), Sound Speed Records (USA), SBAM Records (Europe) and Pee Records (Australia). Limited to 333 copies with pre-orders going live on July 31.

Location: Orange County, CA

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Mike LeDonne (vocals), Jesse Stopnitzky (bass/vocals), Bill Hockmuth (guitar) and Davey Guy (drums

Sounds Like: Good Riddance, Sick Of It All, Strung Out, JFA, Bigwig, and The Faction

Legendary socal skatepunks Chaser have announced a new 7” ‘Look Alive’ to be released on 9/4/2020 with 100% of the profits going to Equal Justice Initiative, Educational First Steps, Crisis Aid International, and Surfrider Foundation. As COVID continues to rage across the world the band hopes they can help keep up the good fight. 

“Our proceeds from the record will be donated to 4 carefully handpicked charitable organizations: Equal Justice Initiative, Educational First Steps, Crisis Aid International, and Surfrider Foundation. 2020 has been a year like no other. In the face of such unprecedented crises, one’s impact feels further minimized. However, if we have learned anything from these experiences, it is that we are all in this together and have a responsibility to do our part. At the minimum, manage what we can control.”

After their 2018 amazing album, ‘Sound The Sirens’, the band continues on 20 years later with main stage invitations and a desire to give back to the community. Be sure to stay tuned for that pre-order link! 

Look Alive 7” tracklist:

Look Alive (Side A)

Found Myself Again (Side B)

Links:

Previous releases: https://chaser.bandcamp.com/

Facebook- https://chaser.bandcamp.com/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/chaserpunk/

CPRA Playlist – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHReU2iGck3MJt3v-V9CRGp9iEdodsy6

***We are currently running very behind on reviews and doing our best to catch up to the demand. If you donate your review will be pushed to the top***

diy

#NewVideoWednesday Hangtime Drops “When We Were Young”, From New EP, ‘Destroy’

Format: Digital

Label: DIY

Location: Toronto, ON

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Rick Burns – Vocals/Guitar
  • Warren Gregson – Vocals/Guitar
  • Dan Scicchitano – Bass
  • Enzo Suppa – Drums

Favorite Tracks: When We Were Young

Sounds Like: Aimless Again, Dorkatron, The Livermores, Penske File, and the Mazlows

It appears Toronto Punks, Hangtime have dropped a new video for “When We Were Young” from their Fall 2020 EP release, ‘Destroy’. Ok so even though this whole quarantine pretty much sucks. It’s awesome bands are still putting so much out!

Check out our album review below from 6/7/2019! https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/2019/06/17/cpra-music-news-toronto-punks-hangtime-release-new-ep-invasion/

Pick Up The Singles Here!

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Links:

***We are currently running very behind on reviews and doing our best to catch up to the demand. If you donate your review will be pushed to the top***

diy

Hangtime Releases New Video For “Too Many Days” From Their Next EP, “Destroy” Out September 2020

Format: Digital

Label: DIY

Location: Toronto, ON

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Rick Burns – Vocals/Guitar
  • Warren Gregson – Vocals/Guitar
  • Dan Scicchitano – Bass
  • Enzo Suppa – Drums

Favorite Tracks: Too Many Days

Sounds Like: Aimless Again, Dorkatron, The Livermores, Penske File, and the Mazlows

Check out the new video from Hangtime, “Too Many Days”. This track will be on their new EP “Destroy” which drops in September 2020!

Check out our album review below from 6/7/2019! https://coloradopunkrockarmy.com/2019/06/17/cpra-music-news-toronto-punks-hangtime-release-new-ep-invasion/

Pick Up The Single Here!

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Links:

2020 Album of the year nominee, Album of the year nominee, All my favorite songs are under 2 minutes, Kinda Cool Records, Small Label

Hardcore Thrashers ATD Release “A Total Disappointment” Via Kinda Cool Records, Cue My Blood Pressure Rise

Release Date:  May 29, 2020                          

Format: Digital & Physical

Label: Kinda Cool Records

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Ben / Joe / Marco / Dave / Dan

Favorite Tracks: Boomerang Kids, Spies Among Us, Gaslighting, Poverty Row, and many more

Sounds Like: Dead Kennedys, Protected Left, Chew Thru, The Corps, Anti-Flag, and The Shell Corp

Get the record here!

Vancouver punks ATD aka A Total Disappointment dropped their first self titled release today via Kinda Cool Records. Why did I decide to checkout ATD? Well I’m fucking pissed as many of us are. George Floyd was murdered by those who swore to protect and serve. The world watched as cowards in uniform held George to his death. I really didn’t want to write about this today, but I’m boiling. This morning as I pursued the headlines my anger and blood pressure rose. I decided instead to escape into music with ATD’s, “A Total Disappointment”.

The first track is “Slipt” comes in fast, with some wicked drums. They remind me of being a kid and skating my ass off. There’s a sense of unity while the guitar busts out a quick change up. Next up is another amazing track, “Boomerang Kids”. Holy shit is this track fast as hell! 

The next track is my favorite off the record and is called, “Spies Among Us”. This sounds so much like the Dead Kennedys. From the onset of the intro to the lead singer’s Jello-like voice. The lyrics on the song are not only scary, but sadly true. We are spied on everywhere we go. Our phones listen to our conversations so later they can recommend, “The best burger in town”. How long before “Minority Report” becomes the real deal?

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!

If you’re at the protests today wear a mask and sunglasses. Don’t get added to their list! The next tune is “Curmudgeonly Lighthouse Keeper”. It’s really heavy on bass, sounding a bit like the early Cro-Mags or Gorilla Biscuits. Another favorite follows with, “Moonlight Clan”. It speaks of the dangers of capitalism and materialism. This track feels like another kick ass nod to the Dead Kennedys.

Pic by Micheal Elliott-Golding

“Gaslighting” is next and times out at a massive 1:32! Speaking of that I’m gonna add this to my list of favorite songs under 2 minutes. “Poverty Row” follows with Bouncing Souls like charge. I feel like many of us can relate to this track.

“I’ve got my rights, my human rights.
But without fair pay I can’t make rent today.
I won’t lose sight, but still I know,
I’m living on Poverty Row.”

I remember when my daughter was little, spending my last few dollars on getting her fed, while I went hungry that night. Our society panders to those with cash and throws everyone else in the gutter. This track needs a music video! “Let Down” is next up. This track feels like a tribute to all of us who feel like we let down our friends and family. It’s yet another pogo worthy track. I love the chorus!

Photo by Bob Hanham

Sometimes we need a push to do something great. Maybe it’s a friend’s advice, a job loss, a fucking ruthless pandemic, or just a kick in the ass. “Good Things” is next and is exactly the kick in the ass we need right now. It follows the fast and rhythmic tone of the record. I really want this on vinyl now! “Peak Paranoia” is next and has some awesome guitar riffs. The “Whoas” were unexpected, yet seem to fit perfectly. 

“Teenage Vanities” follows its fast and crazy and clocks in at a massive 16 seconds! Sadly the last track is next. “Bunk Monk” is a direct fuck you to organized religion. It reminds me of the TV show, “Father Ted” from the 90’s. The head priest of the region was an evil bastard of a man and definitely a “Bunk Monk”. The track may be referring also to the 39 men who committed suicide in the name of their cult in 1997. 

In reflection, ATD’s “A Total Disappointment” is a fantastic record. The mix of hardcore, metal, and thrash are like entering your first punk show all over again. As you see above I posted a quote from Mr Rogers. Music helps me through some of the hardest times. I sure hope it will help you too. I highly recommend you grab this one on vinyl before they sell out! You can check them out here, https://kindacoolrecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-total-disappointment

Track List (Per Bandcamp)
Slipt
Boomerang Kids
Spies Among Us
Curmudgeonly Lighthouse Keeper
Moonlight Clan
Gaslighting
Poverty Row
Let Down
Good Things
Peak Paranoia
Teenage Vanities
Bunk Monk

Links:

A Total Disappointment

Previous releases: https://total.bandcamp.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/atdvan/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/a_total_disappointment

CPRA Playlist – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHReU2iGck3MJt3v-V9CRGp9iEdodsy6

Kinda Cool Records

Previous releases: KindaCoolRecords.com 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/kindacoolrecords/ 

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/kindacoolrecords/ 

***We are currently running very behind on reviews and doing our best to catch up to the demand. If you donate your review will be pushed to the top***

International punk rock, melodic hardcore, Melodic Punk, skatepunk

Does skatepunk ever age? Florida’s Protagonist, Releases Covers And Rarities Collection, “Fallout From The Chronicle”

Pic Credit @paperandplastick showcase

Release Date: April 10, 2020                                          

Format: Digital & Physical

Location: Boca Raton Florida

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

Peter Marullo

John Marullo

Brian Forst

Kyle MacDougall

Jeff Berman  

Favorite Tracks: The Killing Fields, Generation Lost, Totally Fucked (Violent Society cover), Paper Dolls (Boils cover)and iamtheghost

Sounds Like: Lagwagon, Debt Neglector, Doc Rotten, Gamits, and AFI

I have a serious question, does skatepunk ever age? Sure it has gone through several evolutions/changes for example from Bad Religion’s, “Suffer” to Lagwagon’s “Hoss”. A few weeks back, Florida’s Protagonist released their “Fallout From The Chronicle” album. 

Donate to Colorado Punk Rock Army! Even just 5 bucks helps us pay our bills for this site!


This record spans 10 years and includes 3 tracks that were originally intended for the “The Chronicle” album. This album also contains some new kick ass covers from bands like Violent Society and The Boils. Our CPRA recommended tracks The Killing Fields, Generation Lost, Totally Fucked, Paper Dolls and a great acoustic version of iamtheghost. This album is a skatepunk’s wet dream and proves to me that even though time may change, skatepunk at the heart will not. Be sure to pick it up here on vinyl, https://protagonist.bandcamp.com/album/the-chronicle



Track List (Per Bandcamp)

The Killing Fields

Generation Lost

Reasoning WIth Time

Totally Fucked (Violent Society)

Dependent (The Boils)

Paper Dolls (The Boils)

Gone Dead and Buried (The Boils)

Iamtheghost – Acoustic

Charge – Acoustic

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Protagonist/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ProtagonistFL

Bandcamp: https://protagonist.bandcamp.com/album/fallout-from-the-chronicle

CPRA Youtube Review Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAHReU2iGck3MJt3v-V9CRGp9iEdodsy6

Denver punk, Denver Punk shows, Hardcore Punk, skatepunk

Hardcore And Rising, Denver’s Chew Thru Debut EP, “Heavy Hands” Is EPIC

Release Date: November 29, 2019                

Format: Digital

Location: 

  • Denver, Colorado

Current Lineup: (Per Bandcamp)

  • 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.  

Help us stay online! Hit that donate button below!

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/. 

Tracks: (Per Bandcamp)

  1. Shithole Country 
  2. Find Your Line 
  3. Heavy Hands 
  4. Fake Smiles 
  5. Drawbridge 

Links:

International punk rock, Punk Rock, skatepunk

Melbourne Based Skatepunks, JUDO CHOP! Release New Video For “Vices”

Release Date: 12/21/2019                                     

Format: Digital 

Location: Melbourne, AUS

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Murray – Vocals
  • Johnny – Guitar/Vox
  • Aaron – Guitar
  • Andre – Bass
  • Big Shred – Guitar
  • Ollie – Drums

Favorite Tracks: Vices


Sounds Like: New Narrative, Voice of Addiction, No Use For A Name, Implied Risk, Modern Goon, The Drowns, Ten Foot Pole, Lagwagon and the Descendents

Check out the new video release from Melbourne Skatepunks Judo Chop! And you better pronounce it that way! I cannot wait to hear more. You can purchase the single here, https://judo-chop.bandcamp.com/releases

We Can’t Stay Online Without Donations!