Showing posts with label Blacktop Records. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blacktop Records. Show all posts

BLUE “Only Attitude” (Blacktop Records)



This snotty punk EP splits the difference between Fat Wreck Chords and Vagrant on the scale of fast and accessible. It’s mostly fast, as Ross Miller bangs out seven tunes at a whiplash pace, most much less than two minutes long. The five tracks on side A were pieced together to combat bad attitudes with positivity, and the two tracks on side B were cobbled together quickly “when positivity felt far away.” There’s no denying the overwhelming energy that Miller brings to his music, and pogoing and mosh pits will not be far behind when this tape is played. Let’s be kind in those types of gatherings though – inclusivity, people! Not that we’re getting together anytime soon. With COVID and all.

 

https://blacktoprecords.bandcamp.com/

 

--Ryan

KILL SURF CITY
“Ever Notice How Everything's Stupid?” C26
(Blacktop Records)



Why, yes. Indeed, I HAVE noticed how everything is stupid. Especially this tape. As in, Stoopid-Good! I can’t get over how goddamn fun it is. Once you get past the brutal/false start (you’ll see), the second track cuddle-mauls you to death with gooey distortion and reverb goodness (a la the Jesus & Mary Chain, like, uncannily) and the hits just don’t stop coming. Fun fact: did you know that J&MC’s “Automatic" was NOT a greatest hits album? Well, years down the line, ENHES? Will be viewed the same way. From saccharine to earnest, the lyrics are guaranteed to touch the hearts of all aging punx, (and make ‘em chortle) while the hooks are guaranteed to last looooong after the last song closes up shop. 

If you dig J&MC, Sebadoh, or the Rentals (and you should), this dude’s homage to them (and all great 90s alternative/indie rock, for that matter) will not disappoint!

and/or

— Jacob An Kittenplan