Ann Beretta
Old Scars, New Blood
Say-10 (2017)
There’s a lot of analysis when listening to Old Scars, New Blood. When singer Rob Huddleston sings, “Nothing ever changes/ Nothing ever stays the same” in “Fairweather,” it seems to epitomize the experience of this record, a re-recording of 13 songs by the recently born again Ann Beretta.I can’t decide if this album is a great idea, modernizing a reformed band, … Read more
Bad Idols
Popstar
Say-10 (2023)
With the billion or so punk subgenres and comeback cycles, it’s interesting to me that more bands aren’t playing this style of Crimpshrine-inspired East Bay punk. Popstar by Bad Idols is crunchy yet melodic. It’s generally pop-structured but with gruff and deeply personal lyrics. Let’s just say the word “I” is prevalent throughout this 12-song record. I’ll also add that I’m a big … Read more
Captain Asshole
Successfully Not Giving Up
Say-10, SBÄM Records (2022)
I was coming off a Jawbreaker high when I first heard Captain Asshole at The Fest 18. I liked what I heard, but I also didn’t know if it was because of the music or simply the time and place. Fast forward through a couple years that most of us want to forget and the band has a new album … Read more
Civil War Rust
Help Wanted
Say-10 (2015)
With Help Wanted, California’s Civil War Rust aren’t inventing any new sounds but they’re delivering heartfelt, direct punk rock in a familiar and comforting tone. It leans more toward the introspective and personal, pop-structured and relatively clean in production while letting the energy and emotion carry the tunes. I made a repeated (early period) Alkaline Trio comparison when I reviewed … Read more
Seagulls
The Rapture and Resurgens
Say-10 (2023)
While this is their second overall (if Bandcamp is up to date), The Rapture and Resurgens is my first time really sitting down with a Seagulls full-length. And my takeaways match with seeing them at FEST 21 recently. It’s heavy punk that’s big on singalongs, equally angry and melodic -- and usually both at the same time. I like the band’s high energy approach … Read more
The Eradicator
Peak Eradicator
Say-10 (2019)
Hoo boy! What am I really supposed to say to introduce The Eradicator. The concept is based on a Kids in the Hall sketch, and it definitely draws some inspiration. But it’s also hard to picture the small stature, screeching Bruce McCulloch character being into this style of hardcore. He seems more like an Iron Maiden kind of guy to me. But, … Read more
The Riot Before
Fists Buried in Pockets
Say-10 (2008)
The Riot Before hail from Richmond but look and sound like a Gainesville band. Musically, I'd lump them in with American Steel and old Against Me!. There is a folk undertone, but the music is electric guitar-fueled punk rock with strong, emotive vocals. The band quickly establishes their sound with the titular track "Fists Buried in Pockets," a minimalist song … Read more
