Easy Killer – “Easy Killer”
A few years ago Andy and I were watching a ska/punk band at the Midway.
“They’re okay,” I said to him, “But I just can’t get into this style.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean,” he said, “It’s just too…happy. It kind of depresses me.”
So when I saw Connecticut bands that I love, like The Lost Riots, sharing bills and praising this band- I made a point to check them out. But when I found that they described themselves as ska/punk I then, only reluctantly did so.
I had as much hope of liking this band and I do that the current administration will do anything remotely positive, good or even vaguely coherent.
But when I checked them out I was pleasantly surprised because this band does not fit, in any way or form, the cookie cutter ska/punk style that was new and fresh when Madness and English Beat were just starting out. (Hmm, that seems to be the last time I was new and fresh, too). But they have a wide spectrum of genres they select from, moving like an expert sushi chef through them with a sharp blade.
And yes, they smear wasabi sauce on all the cuts to make them extra hot!
Let’s sample some:
“Untitled” starts with four guitar chords with a great, dissonant, garage groove along with emotive punk vocals. But soon we’re thrust into a hardcore like chorus with shout along vocals. Then we’re back to the emotional, exasperated vocals of the start- like they say, rinse and repeat as desired. This song reminds me of the wonderful hardcore/punk band from Maine, Uncle Spudd. “Rock’n’roll, ain’t nobody gonna save your soul…Don’t give a shit.” This song is great, rock’n’roll that I give more than a shit about with nary a ska beat or trombone to be had.
“Nuclear War” blasts off with grinding guitars, a pounding, punk beat and inciting, in your face vocals. “No More Nuclear War.” Yes, the middle part is a skanking, reggae groove with psychedelic guitar enjoying and passing the ganja. Then the song ignites again with each vocal line, at the end of it, answered by another voice, like a dynamite stick going off. By all means, push that button but listen to this great tune first!
“No Money, No Problems” kicks off with that familiar, upbeat, upstroke guitar strum associated with ska- but then the vocals barge in with some abrasive shouting more common in punk rock. And with lyrics about staggering home from the bar and “hate my job but I know I can’t quit.” The vibe and style lands more on the punk side, decisively. This guy’s life seems to be going down the tubes, what with “blood coming out of my nose and ears.” But, “But I promise you I guarantee, there’s no way you’ll ever be, half as fucking free as me.” The chorus captures the wildness, the exuberance, the excitement and abandonment of early punk followed by a great, little instrumental part that is more bass solo than guitar! “Got everything I need here at the bar, just drinking, playing my guitar.” You have no money, that’s fine, but if you have a problem with me liking this song then you have a problem with me! Best tune I’ve heard so far this year.
“Just Business” does have a walking ska bass line for two measures but what this song really embraces is Gang Of Four like, musically dissonant political funk/punk. Also, hardcore/metal like angst vocals and a headbanging groove that makes all the laddies go “Wooh.” So many styles touched upon here, really, but the end result is terrific.
“Rock Bottom” comes with a beat that would’ve fit with one of those nineties swing bands like Big Bad Voodoo or a seventies English glam/punk band like Adam Ant. But then it switches into a cool, ska/reggae beat. And there’s a rockin’, skankin’ chorus full of life and energy though the song seems to be about the downfalls of drug addiction. The ending is the best part, though, rocking out in a glorious display!
“Five Eight,” is in a weird time signature, (perhaps the title?), has a beat that recalls “Watchin’ The Detectives” by Elvis Costello and post-punk slashing guitars. Also, some great guttural vocals reminding me of Rob Zombie. “Yeah, I love it.” I do, too.
“Jeffrey Dahmer Had A Punk Band” should be chosen for title alone, but it is a great tune about Jeffrey joining the Taliban and wrecking havoc, hilariously, wherever he goes. Worthy to be in the repertoire of the Angry Samoans or The Dictators and chock full of fun!
I don’t think of Easy Killer as a ska/punk band. I do think they’re a bunch of fucking liars, though!
Oh, yeah, Slimedog!- seems I recall the words ska and reggae used more than once in this article.
But really- I guess I would describe them as a hardcore/punk band but they spread that description so far that it becomes meaningless.
I really think that Easy Killer is one of the most original bands we cover and they are not easily described. Yes, they touch on many genres but their final style holds no allegiance to any one of them.
Well, here’s where I finally decide where to put them. Let’s put them in the category of “Great Fucking Music,” because we can juggle genres until the cows come home. But the proof is in the pudding, the meat is in the thrust and when the rooster crows- then we all will know it’s morning.
I know that Easy Killer is a great band.
And you shouldn’t need me or no half-cocked rooster to tell ya so.
(Slimedog)
