Punk’s not dead. Huntington Beach’s TKO Records has just released CDs of two long-time popular bands, Shock Nagasaki and Lower Class Brats. No deep politics here; this is pure beer-swilling, Doc Martens-stomping rock reminiscent of punk’s working class British roots.
The first release is Lower Class Brats The New Seditionaries. This Austin-based punk band has been around since 1995 and is about to start a tour with punk grandfathers The Circle Jerks. Fast and tight, the lyrics boast of a nihilistic self destructiveness that is probably a lot of fun at a live show. “I’m a Mess” brags
Wake up in the morning with nothing to do
Gimme one reason – I’ll be drunk by noon
I take that back — I don’t need a reason at all
Can you remind me about last night?
Another song, “See You Go,” is about a Dear John letter received by one of the band members… and the lyrics on the insert are written like an actual Dear John letter. Clever! One of the best aspects about this subgenre of punk music is its sense of humor. This band shows that they have one, and are about having a good time playing music.
The second release is from Shock Nagasaki, a Syracuse, NY-based four-piece that is currently touring Europe. (Shock Nagasaki... what a great name!) This band’s release The Year of the Spy, previously available only abroad, is more political than the Lower Class Brats, if only in its angry lyrics. The music itself is that party punk rock typical of the genre. Gang vocals on tracks such as “Palisades and Renegades” invite the listener to sing along. Good driving music! Other songs, such as “1968” and “Hit the Beach” have angry lyrics, but the major key of the music belies its angst.
Both bands demonstrate a musicality not always typical of the genre. In that, both CDs are an excellent addition to any American punk collection. And both bands, with their fist-pumping punk anthems, are worth a check-out when they tour in your area.
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