Posted on May 28, 2010 - by Editor

Album Reviews: Off With Their Heads / Kevin Seconds / Thomas Gun

In Desolation
Off With their Heads
Epitaph Records

Finding stability in the line-up and signing to Epitaph earlier this year has certainly meant the increased exposure surrounding the Minneapolis band had raised expectations for their label debut; “In Desolation” doesn’t disappoint. When a certain Brett Gurewitz announced “Off With Their Heads might be the best punk band going right now, Epitaph needs them; music needs them” people expect a lot and this honest anthemic record is hook laden and pure joy. The distinctive vocals of Ryan Young, akin to Against Me! And The Lawrence Arms in terms of distinction and aggression, offers controlled rawness and thematically deals with “misadventures, stress, drugs, love, and death”. The album opener and first single ‘Drive’ is instantly catchy and guttural but signals the intent of the record as a whole; melodic and uplifting whilst bass and guitar driven. ‘Trying To Breathe’ and ‘My Episodes’ stand out while the album ender ‘Clear The Air’ is incredibly moody yet inspiring, it just makes you want to scream along and it eases into my personal top songs of the year list. The energetic but approachable sound combined with the honest and open nature of the lyrics and the bands hard working ethics all combine to deliver a record and band that will be hitting highs in months to come and hopefully years to follow.

Good Luck Buttons
Kevin Seconds
Asian Man Records

The second full length from the 7 Seconds front man may be a surprise for those who haven’t heard his previous solo work. The singer-songwriter-solo/folk punk-rocking theme has kicked off in a massive way in recent years and so far the records have been in general pretty damn impressive as punks leading artists and musicians get to explore new boundaries, and every so often take a massive deviation from what you might expect from these unexpected troubadours. This is an honest and sincere (dare I say indie/punk fusion) which could easily be found amongst an indie films soundtrack like Juno. It’s also incredibly positive and uplifting and his high pitched nearly whining voice is actually endearing and upbeat.  Collaborating with female vocals on some of the tracks add some needed variety and layers. ‘Sunday Afternoon Bicycle Polo’ which was also on the Revival Tour collection is still a stand out for me as well as ‘Slights And Slickers’, ‘Be Your Witness’ and ‘There’s A Hole’.

Broke
Thomas Gun
(Self Released)

“Hi, I’m Tommy. I play an acoustic guitar and sing Punk songs” is the perfect but simple introduction to Mr. Gun. This free download of his collection of raw folksy punk tunes seems pretty DIY by the quality of the production and sound, it could have been recorded in someone’s bedroom. But the quality of the lyrics and songs is good, and this is his second full length amongst a host of other recordings. The songs topics and themes are poignant and relevant to anyone true within punk rock and although the vocals creak at times, and the dual efforts don’t always complement each other, I imagine live, Thomas Gun will deliver a pretty decent set of stand-up stripped down raw acoustic punk rock. Some of my favourite songs are ‘100 Bodies’ and ’Bucky’s Doin’ Heroin’.