The great John Waters once mused that you shouldn't "fuck" someone if you arrive at their homestead, and their shelves are devoid of books. Here at County Grind, we firmly believe in the severity of that statement and posit, moreover, that one shouldn't consummate with a person if their house is devoid of vinyl records. That said, we'd like to note that punkers don't entirely age gracefully, they just adapt their sensitivities a certain way.
See also:
- Our New Favorite Local Band Name: Severe Disappointments; Propaganda Show on Friday
- Blast From the Past and MP3: :Nobuhjest:'s Self-Titled EP ... Don't Call It "Emo!"
The Severe Disappointments' new EP, Prize Inside, is not so much a 45 rpm seven inch slab of angst directed at evils unseen, as much as it is a rallying call for those of us out there who are getting up in the years. Drummer Chuck Loose, a man who has set himself on fire onstage in his youth, admits that it takes its cues from the "aggressively dogged conspiratorial synergies of householder associations, escrow fluctuations, and diminishing land values."
It is angry, and bopping, and a hell ride for what it's worth. It is more than that; the kind of rebellious dyed-hair you wouldn't have thought fifteen years ago you'd find at your local bingo hall. Pink dabber firmly in hand, baby, you won't be disappointed.
This band comes with a pretty heavy pedigree. Trish "Le DISH" Mahoney (Angry Pudding/Gargirls) on vocals, Jeff "Jay Double P" Hodapp (Roach Motel/Drug Czars) on guitar, Slim "Barrel Chest" Biscayne (Crossfit 305/Jose El Rey) on bass, and Chuck "Zachariah Jones" Loose on drums and percussive situations. While individually, they are fantastic all-around folks, they are longtime contributors to this state's music and arts scene.
But what's most important here, is that it is a lesson in pure and honest punk rock DIY adapted to changing environs. It can be safely said that these gentlemen and lady haven't been teenagers for a long time, but that has not diffused their youthful notion of anger and suspicion; it has only redirected itself.
The three tracks here represent each building block solidly. Where they might be pegged with a "death rock" tag, they certainly spout a certain era of punk rock, say mid-'80s LA, where punk, hardcore, Goth, and straight up pub rock bands shared bills in venues as varied as the players. We liken them to X, and that's a good thing.
What's most important about this little record, Prize Inside, with its full glow-in-the-dark cover illustration by Brian Butler, is that it marks the first salvo as Mr. Loose states of "boutique records planned for Iron Forge Press, that we'll retain full control of," speaking of the Fort Lauderdale graphic design and printing company. He continues, "you know, bands we want to see with a record. Limited presses -- between 100 and 150 units -- handmade/silkscreened covers and an attention to packaging from that era when 7 -inch records represented a 'full length' for punk bands; meaning, more bang for your buck as far as extras and the uniqueness of the final product." Think mid-'90s Miami with Space Cadette Records' Swivel Stick CD and the Milkshed/Grasspatch split 7" and even Smooth Lips Records' :Nobuhjest: EP.
Recorded by the esteemed Ferny Coipel at Hialeah's Annex Studio, the Severe Disappointments first product is a testament to a lifelong ethic, a keen sense of chemistry and proof-positive that the older punks get, regardless of how frequently they may be able to perform live, the better they become. You will not be disappointed.
Pick up the record from Iron Forge here or Sweat Records here.
Follow @CountyGrind
