Postage
LP1
Dirt Cult (2021)
Most of the time when a review says something sounds familiar it’s meant as an insult. Well, Postage is a new band but it sounds familiar…in all the right ways. It strikes those comfortable, familiar tones of singalong punk. It’s influenced by the classics. And while it has these elements we know and love, it’s also just fresh enough that it really hits with me. The songs are structured around singalongs and vocal tradeoffs. In many ways the songwriting takes a street punk foundation, especially with the bass, and then rewrites the playbook by emphasizing emotion instead of anthem. It gets right into gear on opening track, “Paranoia,” balancing anger with more complex emotions, and keeps that tone for nine more songs. The tone is consistently upbeat and upfront, but no two songs sound alike, which is pretty impressive given the style of music and the fact that it’s their first album. (Members have played with Signal Lost, Male Patterns, and After the Fall.) And while it sounds like positive music on the surface, a closer listen to the lyrics often gives a swift change of tone. While the singalong moments are there for enjoyment, there’s a seriously downer vibe … Read more
Paul Brannigan
Eruption: The Eddie Van Halen Story
Faber Publishing (2021)
I for one have always found it puzzling how anyone into rock music could not harbour at least a weak … Read more
Neon Christ
1984
Southern Lord (2021)
Power Power of Power of Neon Power of Christ Power of Neon Christ Compels You! I cast you out! Your … Read more
