Scotty Saints and the True Believers – “Better Days”
On this bandcamp that I’m reviewing, underneath their song listings it states, “Loud, fast melodic punk rock’n’roll inspired by 1994.”
I take that to be around, the few years that punk had some popularity. With Nirvana first recognizing it and then bands like Green Day, Rancid, NOFX, Bouncing Souls, The Queers and others following through with that promise.
And that’s great, but I really know the inspiration for this music harks back to the class of ’77 and then we’re talking about the Ramones, The Buzzcocks, The Clash, Generation X- all those bands.
But when I was going to those early shows in the seventies into the eighties there was no nostalgia for bands, as the genre wasn’t old enough then and there were no old punk bands. So we had no other choice but to listen to bands, whether from Boston or other places, that were brand new.
I still try to do that now.
And I mention this because this EP is called “Better Days,” and you would think I look back at those days as better. But there is so much great punk music happening locally now, that though I have fun writing about what old songs conjure up and mean to me. I’m more inspired by bands that are brand new, or at least, fairly new to me.
And this is a band from Maine that fits what I really seek- their description is accurate except I might add some superlatives such as great.
Let’s give a listen:
Starting with some chuggin’ bass, a rock hard beat and a repeated yell of “Hey”- “Not Your Enemy” grabs your attention as if a pit bull was hovering near your genitals. “Take a look around, tell me what you see?” Well, right now I’m too drunk to focus my eyes but what I hear is angry, English punk inspired melodic punk at an exceedingly, exciting and energetic level. The chorus switches to a surf punk beat, while the music and vocals swirl in like a piranha circling in for some prey. This song is hard-hitting, melodic street punk rock’n’roll, just as they come advertised. No one should be your enemy if they create songs as great as this.
“Break Free” busts out with some chopping drum beats and cutting guitars that lead onto a great, catchy chorus. “Stand up break free, you’re all that you need… Don’t look behind.” The vocals here remind me of the nineties punk band The Offspring. But it more so reminds me of the very best melodic local punk bands in the Boston Scene now, namely- OC45 and Loser’s Circle. I love those bands I just mentioned, and can I mention I love this band, too? And can I mention this is my favorite song on this EP?
“Better Days” starts out like a classic, punk/Oi anthem. The production, playing, arrangement is perfect in this song. All in a good way, not in the overly, polished sort of way. This is melodic punk at its’ best, its’ pinnacle. Hopefully, there will be better days to come, I believe so, but I would be overly optimistic to hope to hear many more tunes as great and as passionate as this one this year.
“On The Outside” begins with a propulsive guitar that urges the drums to kick ass once they drop in. “They try to exclude you, you don’t belong.” This is a perfect anthem for the punk scene which consists of misfits and outcasts which I am proud to be labeled as such. “I’m on the outside looking in… But we won’t give up.” This song poignantly portrays how people of value and worth and made to feel less needed when actually, they are amongst the best, have the most to offer. And this is another blasting, melodic punk burst of energy and passion and a great ending to a great EP.
Those old days were exciting but I truly believe (True Believers) that I’m having the best days of my life now. And I don’t worry about the future, don’t dwell upon the pass and try to live in the moment, now.
And right now, this band is recording great music and playing great live shows (I have seen them live, once- and they were).
Or you can go see classic bands like The Damned or The Dead Kennedy’s who were in their prime thirty-five years ago, or you can see bands like Scotty Saints & True Believers who are probably in their prime now.
I choose the later. I believe music of any genre is best experienced live. And I believe the best time to see a band is when they are at their most vital.
And I believe, these are the “better days.”
I understand folks wanting to get a glimpse of a past that doesn’t exist anymore but I’d recommend making your own classic moments now, with the great bands you have at hand, at the local shows that are so readily available.
“You’re all you need, don’t look behind.”
I know I have a better day when I experience current local bands and I believe you will, too.
I’m a true believer that this is one of those bands.
(Slimedog)
