The Agonizers – “The Agonizers”
I underwent great mental anguish preparing to write this review.
You might even say that I agonized over it.
I knew that this was a ska/punk band. Something I usually like as much as mixing sawdust and meatballs, ice cream with fried bologna or as evident, logic with good sense.
I kept telling myself, this is a cool band. They deserve a goddamn good review as they are a goddamn good band!
But then I get to thinking- how many nostrils does an octopus really have? I mean, we do know that they have a helluva lot of legs, or arms, or maybe the right word is appendages?
But then I get to thinking- Well, this is a helluva way to start off a review or a goddamn good band!
By now, I’m thinking, my publisher/editor, Andy Bang, has got to be thinking.
“Should I cut back on Slimedog’s weekly stipend of angel dust? Should I call an intervention or perhaps, notify the authorities? Or should I not be surprised, at this late date, of the nonsense spilling forth from Slimedog’s pen and brain and possibly, nostrils?”
But as you’ve probably read some place before – The Agonizers are a goddamn good ska/punk band.
So though, I generally don’t like ska/punk, I do like music that is full of energy and full of fun and has the guts and grit and power of punk along with some great songwriting and performances.
So No! This is unlike ice cream with fried bologna. More like a tempting mix of marshmallow fluff and sushi- my favorite mixed snack!
Let’s now partake of some tasty, musical morsels:
“Ancient History” may start out with a typical, upbeat ska rhythm and upstroke rhythm guitar but I find this song particularly energetic and driving.
“There was a pure place, there was a time. Way back when you were in your prime. Seems like a long, long time ago.”
So goes the great melodic chorus after it switches to a steady, but not rock steady, rock beat.
This song hits me simply as a melodic punk song which is probably why I like it so much. It’s like when The Clash did reggae it sounded great but still resonated with me more as a punk song instead of a genre I didn’t much favor.
Or maybe this is simply a great song.
“Driving home at 3 AM. turn on the Radio! Radio! Gotta keep my eyes open, if I’m gonna make it home.” So begins “Driving Home” that quickly turns into a skanking, ska beat for the verse.
This tune makes me think of the best of early British ska/punk bands such as The Specials and Madness and has another great, catchy chorus that builds up to an exciting ending for this song.
And if you don’t move your body, at least a little bit, while listening to this tune- I suggest you call the Coroner’s Office post-haste!
“Give And Take” starts with a slower groove as the gutsy, bass trebles along while the guitar plays succulent, scratchy, ska licks- as the drums holds it all down with a heavy, echoey beat on the two and four.
“They’re taking more than I’m giving. One thing I know for sure. We’re out here to make a living. What I know is I don’t wanna do it anymore.”
Another great mix of punk, pop, reggae and ska to create one perfectly, potent recipe.
With a few, understated but ringing chords, followed by two thump-thumps by the drums, “You Got This” kicks in with a rockin’ beat and a simple, but effective guitar riff that builds and boils and brews a bit.
“It’s all on you, to do the things you want to do. You might not want to believe this, but you got this.”
This is a song of encouragement and supporting belief in one’s self. And not only is this part of punk’s motto of D.I.Y. I feel there is nothing better to believe in than yourself. As long as your motives are positive and your intentions and hair extensions are pure.
And what else do I believe in? Well, off the top of my head, I believe in The Agonizers and their first, great release.
I’m going to see The Agonizers play, for the very first time, the day this piece flies off the presses.
Please don’t waste your quarters giving it to that man, hawking this item on the corners in downtown Boston. (That would be Andy Bang).
Instead just click on thrashnbang.com to read it for free.
This band is playing the Midway, 10/23/21- with The McGunks. A band that has no ska influence but does have passionate, punk inspired chorus’s much like The Agonizers, and I feel these two bands together are a perfect match.
And I’m not sure if I’ll get to talk to any of The Agonizers. Occasionally, I’m too incapacitated to speak logically, which is reflected in my writing as I’m, more than sure, you’re well aware of by now.
But if I do, I do know, what I’ll say to them-
“I really like your band and that should mean much more coming from me. And not because of some pompous reason because I write about bands and somehow, my opinion is better than others.
But because- I’m not a fan of ska/punk. And if you can cause any person, who is not typically a fan of your genre, to come up to you and say they like your music- or better yet, write about it, in a very positive, if sometimes, incoherent fashion-
Well, then I think that’s really something.”
And I think this release is really something, too.
(Slimedog)
