Bern The Systems Vol.1 – “Compilation of local punk/hardcore/ska bands”
We here at TNB, and who I mean by that is Andy & I and, of course, all the multiple personalities I inhabit, have always run this “cheap rye and hash joint” as a non-political music funhouse. And that’s not changing now.
This is a benefit album for Bernie Sanders, composed by and of local punk, hardcore and ska bands. And put out by the excellent The Noise Floor who have some other great comps we’ve reviewed. And there is a lot of good music here whatever your political leanings may be.
But let me just say, I am known as the cynical, sarcastic guy by anyone who’s known me for any length of time. (Ask Andy) And this will never change with the ones who’ve known me, it’s written in stone.
But what I believed in, in my early days, in music and society- has seemed to come to pass. It seems I put my money on all the right horses. (Though it took awhile to pay off) And now that I’ve seen all my horses come in- I feel no reason to believe that now I’m not choosing the right one.
I place all my bets on the young. I have no doubt that the young will make amazing changes in the years to come. I feel it’s inevitable, and I have no greater belief in anything than what the young will do in the coming years.
But let’s, musically, check out- now.
Mickey Rickshaw is the new celtic/punk band that has more members than I can count and instruments like fiddles, bagpipes and fifes along with the usual guitars and drums. They’re getting popular and I can see and hear why because live-they truly kick ass.
Their song here could be called Irish/Ska which doesn’t sound too promising to me. But it’s so full of energy and tight playing, along with great songwriting, that I can’t help but love it. Not a big fan of the celtic/punk but a big fan when it’s done this well. And I’m a big fan of them. (I said, I’m not that fat!)
OC45 is my favorite pop/punk band we cover and that might be because their grit, power and passion of punk always exceeds and compliments their tunefullness of pop. Their song starts out slow and strutting then switches to a hardcore thrash, followed by a ska/punk turn and we’re not even into the first chorus yet! Some hardcore sing-alongs “wooh-oh-ooh’s” take us out after some mighty vocals and playing have kicked out butts up and down the block.
Satch is a band I haven’t heard before but by the time you’re holding this in your hand (Hey! put that thing away!) I will have seen them. This songs comes on like Kim Deal playing bass for The Pixies but soon the dial is switched to chaotic, early lo-fi hardcore/punk. It’s sloppy as all hell, and haphazardly…and I couldn’t recommend them more.
This is the real punk, kiddos. This is what is was, what it is and what it will ever be. Put that in your pipe and smoke it and throw away the crack and weed because this is all you’ll ever need to be high in life! Satch is the real deal- uncut, pure punk.
Stray Bullets are my pick for best local ska/punk band but, I guess, most people feel that way. Their selection starts with a wayward country lick that is hijacked by the excellent rhythm section into a high energy ska/punk song that blares away, bright and strong. This tune has a Clash feel to it, as well, which is a very high compliment, I feel.
Chanticlear is my second favorite pop/punk band we cover and their album released last years was one of my favorites. And I think with this song you can get an idea, why. Bouncin’ punk’n’roll energy and terrific melodies with emotion splattered all over it, dripping with blood, guts and emotions. “Working hard for no reward.” But this song sounds like their hard work was well worth it.
Fast Times is one of the best hardcore bands we cover and one that isn’t shy about putting a bit of melody into the mix. As long as it’s delivered at supersonic speed and as long as it’s real and raw and rips a part of your soul away. This song rails against “The Bottom Line.”
The bottom line, of course, refers to money. And as you go along in life you make your choices and hopefully, they’re ones that keep you from living on the street. But the bottom line is- if you have any heart, any soul, any feeling- what you will care most about is your loved ones, your friends, and the stuff that makes you feel best about yourself and that’s what really matters.
And you can feel that nothing is more important, in the moment, to these guys as they hit every note and beat and the bottom line is- this is great.
Bad Movies is my favorite band. Okay, next to REO Speedwagon. And this is my favorite song on the album. Starting with a druggy bass line, “Somethin’ About Drugs,” kicks into double speed with the drums and guitar kicking it along. Once the vocals come in, a deluge of venom and spite is spilled onto the nice countertops and upon the rugs of your nicely, contoured living spaces. “I am your acid queen, I am your everything.”
This song is like every pretentious hippie song from the sixties except this one actually delivers the goods! Say, Jefferson Airplane as a hardcore punk band. The music is punk and grunge and sludge and the vocals are real and course and the truth and everything about it is great.
The Grubs are a band that I didn’t know if I liked at first and I now consider that person (myself) an idiot. The Grubs are a true punk band that slashes and crashes and bashes to oblivion. This song is played in super overdrive with a catchy chorus that soon brings us to a four or five note solo that is more perfect than what any virtuoso could lay down. The solo recalls for me the great work of Joey Santiago from The Pixies. (He mentioned that band again.) And did I mention that The Grubs are a great, fun punk band?
I don’t think I’m wrong about what I said before and I don’t think I’m wrong about this album.
So check this album out- check these bands out.
And if you’re young, like myself, believe that you have the power to create the future.
I believe you do.
(Slimedog)
