Marko Bruiser – “New & Used”
It’s fine to be a band and say, “We don’t feel the need to explain or categorize our music.”
Which I get it- I really do.
But I do have to describe your music so I can communicate to the reader why they might like and be interested in your music, also.
So for me just saying “I like it”, just doesn’t cut it.
I would describe Marko Bruiser as an original, punk artist who takes the blueprint of The Ramones, is unafraid to throw in some classic rock guitar riffs or to hang some alternative/indi decorations along the way in his songs.
But most importantly, by taking whatever he wants from any genre that influenced him, what he arrives with is unique and not only reflects the music that inspires him but contains lyrics that are open, honest and true- full of integrity and feeling.
This release is a mix of new and old songs, I like to think of them as a bunch of snapshots where some of them are new.
I chose to only write about the new ones, (except for one exception), as I do think the new ones are the best.
Let’s take a look at some of the pictures:
“Kicked Out” kicks off with “Getting kicked out of my place at the end of the month. Don’t know where I’m gonna go or even where I’ll put my stuff. But I know, it’ll be all right.”
This is sung against a punk rock groove with a punk rock sneer that recalls everyone from Johnny Rotten, Joe Strummer, Joey Ramone all the way back to Iggy Pop.
And it’s more than all right because as the song kicks in with stomping rhythms and blaring guitars, you find that they musically reflect the uneasiness and pain of a situation but also, a conviction that they will be met and dealt with in a victorious manner.
“… drown myself in alcohol and drugs… and I fell for it. But then I found my self-worth. And I know it’ll be all right.”
This song is not just all right, but life affirming, expressive and great.
“Wannabe” shoots out like sparks from the third rail of the old Boston trolley transportation system.
“I wanna be the one you want…I wanna be the one you come to when you have a problem…I wanna be the one you need.”
The song moves along in a blur of energy and passion withblistering guitars and words of commitment and devotion.
This tune reverberates with a jackhammer of sound and sincere and vulnerable emotions, that doesn’t “wannabe” a great song but actually becomes one.
With a shout of “Go!”- “Anything” ignites with the proclamation- “I’ll go anywhere, anytime as long as you’re mine. I’ll do anything, anytime as long as you’re by my side.”
The chorus has two vocals battling side by side, great stop and go blasts of energy which might be called microbursts in weather terminology.
There’s a breakdown which sounds like clapping hands and a simple, repetitive guitar lick with a vocal that promises, “I’ll do whatever.”
Which I think, implies- whatever it takes. I’ll go anywhere, anytime to hear a song as perfect as this one.
“I Like Me (Shrug)” starts out with a fast beat almost merging on hardcore with a guitar lick that wouldn’t sound out of place in a classic Southern rock song.
“They always put me down for themselves and I could never be myself. But I stand here all alone with no crime or judgment at all. And I found out- I like me.”
I found this also, about myself, fairly recently and I not only believe in the sentiment but also, in this wonderful tune.
“See Think Kill” is a kind of hidden gem and the only track I chose that is not a new one. This song has an abundance of punk exuberance and energy matched with vocals pitched on the razor’s edge of hysteria and
ecstasy. It also has some great swirling guitar licks that swerve from melodic to dissonant like a drunk driver trying to stay within the lines.
It also makes me think of La Peste, one of the best early Boston punk bands- a good thought for anyone to have.
“Don’t let them brainwash you…Fuck the world!”
No unwanted erections, no orgasm denial or ruined orgasms.
Just fuck the world and love, like me, this song- my favorite on this release.
So I consider Marko Bruiser one of the best songwriters that I write about, but I guess that’s my problem, or really, only my opinion.
But I can say without doubt that he is the most prolific writer I write about.
When I mentioned on Facebook about reviewing this release, Marko piped in and said that he has many more releases almost ready. “I’m a punk rock machine” he wrote.
That reminded me of Andy Warhol’s quote “I want to be a machine.” And how Andy- (a controversial artist, still, who I love- make note, most great artists tend to be controversial), believed in working and not so much waiting for inspiration. You can’t create anything good if you’re not trying, just waiting around. Best to get to work he believed, and so do I.
I have deadlines every week here and if I don’t produce Andy Bang does not allocate my weekly stipend of angel dust.
But it’s not hard to be inspired when I write about works that are so passionate, musically exciting and lyrically real as Marko’s releases always are to me.
So I just hope that Marko keeps churning his songs out while I keep scribbling words about them.
Oh, yeah- did I mention.
Fuck the world.
(Slimedog)
