Scotty Saints & The True Believers – “Hang On”
Andy and I went to tons of punk shows together, starting from the early eighties and throughout that decade.
But due to incarcerations and rehabs we missed most of the shows in the nineties.
Naw! That’s not at all true. More like marriages, serious relationships, jobs- all of the dreaded disease known as “real life” steered us away from them.
But let us both warn you- the path has not always been sweet!
Though we came back (to our senses) sometime in the zero’s and started TNB ten years ago (losing our senses, once again).
We are only vaguely familiar with nineties punk bands such as NOFX, The Bouncing Souls, Screeching Weasel and The BackStreet Boys.
So, though my time are bands like The Clash and the Buzzcocks, I can appreciate the local bands now that were influenced by all these nineties bands who, of course, were influenced by the bands I grew up with.
And Scotty Saints & The True Believers is a band, I believe, was influenced by the nineties punk bands.
(Editor’s note: Except- perhaps that last one you mentioned).
Plus, I think they’re as good as the bands I mentioned.
Let’s drop some quarters in the jukebox and see if you agree:
“Common Enemy” comes blasting out like a racehorse shot up with a combination of steroids, espresso and Red Bull. This song also trots out with a relentless energy and a vocal chorus that recalls bands like Bad Religion and Offspring at their most potent.
Some great lyrics abound on this song but what most impresses me is the rhythm that seems to suggest a roller coaster speeding around corners- barely, but not going off the rails.
This is one rip-roaring, raucous, righteous tune.
“Someday” barrels forth on a wave of velocity and smashing accents that soon turns into a chorus with some cool “stop and go” rhythms from the guitar and bass while the drums keep bashing solidly away.
“Time after time, I walk that line doin’ it my way… You try to take me by surprise. I’m gonna see right through your lies.”
Later the chorus slows down momentarily during that line, “Time after time, I walk the line,” before accelerating then pausing again,stating- “These are the days that were my life.”
This is a reflective song that seems to be about staying true to your beliefs and truths and not being swayed from them. Not quite sure of my lyrical analysis, but very sure this is a great, kick ass song. My favorite one on this release.
“So hold on tight, say how you feel. Nothing is too hard to handle when the hope is real,” so states-
“Hang On” a song about meeting adversity and overcoming it with determination, positivity and a sense of community. With its driving, chuggin’ beat and echo-y emphatic vocals it reminds me of one of my favorite local bands- State Of The Union.
“Never give in, the feelings that you carry will never rescind …Don’t be afraid,those that love you will be with you as you make your way.”
I could go on and on and on about how the exhilarating, energy and exuberance in the music is equally matched with the excellent lyrical content. But I’m sure I would fall short of how great and life affirming this song truly is.
I must apologize to this band when I say the beginning of “Swing Away” sounds to my ears like “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath as if covered by some eighties L.A. metal band such as L.A. Guns.
Hey! But I love both genres these bands come from so in no way is it meant as an insult coming from me!
But why this song really gets my pick is the glorious chorus that just sweeps me away in a tsunami of excitement and melody. My second favorite song on this release.
This band describes themselves as a “hard hitting, melodic punk rock’n’roll band from New England with which I totally agree.
Andy Bang describes myself as “a too many hits to the head, moronic punk that I’ve been saddled with from Thrash N Bang.”
Which, I think, is just Andy’s attempt at humor.
(Editor’s note: Think again Slimey!)
But with all my foolishness, I truly believe that Scotty Saints & The True Believers is one of the best melodic punk bands that I write about.
Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention his newly created record label- Damaged Heart Records.
Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the live show this band played at the Midway earlier this year was really great. It was one of the best sets I’ve seen, or probably will see, this year.
And as I listen to this release I almost want to call it a “concept record” as it seems to reflect what being involved in punk rock is all about- namely being involved in a tight- knit community but still being an individual that believes in him or herself filled with artistic and personal integrity.
So Covid is still “hangin’ on” but so is TNB and so are all of you, the bands and fans in the punk scene.
But if you were in a punk band- “back then”- or a punk music fan- “back then”- while still being one. Then, I guess you’ve fully grasped the concept of “hanging on.”
But even if you’re fairly new or somewhere, in between- I’d advise you that it’s worth your effort to hang in there and hang on.
For what you will receive is a music that reflects a lifestyle that is not only wildly fun at times, but more importantly, one that is full of the essence of life and individuality. Also, with art that is true and uncompromising, full of honesty and guts.
And I believe that’s what you truly get with Scotty Saints & The True Believers.
(Slimedog)
