Review / 200 Words Or Less
Captain, We're Sinking
...With Joe Riley

Evil Weevil (2011) Matthew Cebreros

Captain, We're Sinking – ...With Joe Riley cover artwork
Captain, We're Sinking – ...With Joe Riley — Evil Weevil, 2011

Captain, We're Sinking don't reinvent the wheel with their new 7" release. They aren't pushing any boundaries. Hell, they essentially rip-off The Lawrence Arms with no shame. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy every second of it.

With Joe Riley provides three tracks of incredibly catchy and well-done melodic punk. "The Ballad of Ichabond Crane" starts things off right with a riff that will be stuck in your head for hours. After just a few listens, I found myself singing along to every word. The hooks are infectious, and the vocals suite the music very well. "Manners Are Their Own Reward, Gentleman" is more abrasive and less catchy than the opener, but still a blast. "Foster Brothers" reinforces the comparison to The Lawrence Arms with lines like "I'm drowning in the smell of alcohol, burning paper and nicotine", but the song is so well-done that I found myself not caring that I was essentially listening to Lawrence Arms Jr.

It clocks in at just over 6 and a half minutes; just long enough to grab your attention and show you a good time. Pick this up just in time for spring, roll down your windows, and enjoy.

Captain, We're Sinking – ...With Joe Riley cover artwork
Captain, We're Sinking – ...With Joe Riley — Evil Weevil, 2011

Related features

Signals Midwest / Captain, We're Sinking

Interviews / Fest 13 • November 12, 2014

Related news

Run for Cover Records adds Captain, We're Sinking

Posted in Labels on October 15, 2012

Recently-posted album reviews

The Mekons

Horror & Horrorble (The Mekons Vs. Tony Maimone In Dub Conference)
Fire Records (2026)

When Horror dropped last year, it was well worth the privileged price of entering the collected world of The Mekons. I was lucky enough to find their first LP—"The Quality Of Mercy Is Not Strnen"—in a thrift store many blood moons ago. This began my foray into the ever-changing world of The Mekons and their many ever-changing forays into the … Read more

Amy Bell

Want Me EP
Warren Records (2026)

Amy Bell is a singer songwriter from Yorkshire, England. A self-taught musician at 21 years old, she has begun to make a name for herself and often plays at charity events and local festivals. Known for her unusual voice, this indie artist released her second EP, titled Want Me, on June 26th, 2026 on Warren Records. This 4 song collection … Read more

House Of All

Inklings
Tiny Global Productions (2026)

Six blokes who survived the Mark E. Smith sausage-squeezing meat grinder, plus a beautiful Blue Orchid for good measure. But if you’re turning up to Inklings expecting some pathetic karaoke penny on the eyes wake, you’re completely barking up the wrong great Deku tree. Not a tribute act. It’s a cash-in-hand inheritance from a filthy-rich uncle… let's call him Uncle … Read more