Review
Dan Webb and the Spiders
Now It Can Be Told

Dan Webb and the Spiders have been out spreading their punk rock for a few years now. They've collected a bunch of unreleased tracks, some singles and splits, as well as some bonus tracks from their second album and put them on one big compilation for all to enjoy in one place.

Now It Can Be Told is perfect for someone like me who is unfamiliar with the band. It touches base with most of the band's career and gives you a good idea of what you can expect from Dan Webb and The Spiders. Before they get into the songs their fans probably know already, they start the compilation with previously unreleased track, "The Neighborhood." From here, for the most part, it follows the order of how the songs were originally released. The next four songs were originally apart of the European release of their second album, Oh Sure, from 2010. They may not be really groundbreaking songs, but that doesn't mean they aren't good and enjoyable. "Eventually" is especially great with pleasing harmonies from the lead guitar and a catchy melody.

Back in 2012, they put out a split with Portland, Oregon's, Beach Party. The next three tracks were Dan Webb's contributions to the split. More of the boisterous sound continues on from the previous songs. The lead guitar has a few more stand out parts. "No Country" changes up the rhythm though which is good. It's the strongest of the three. Following next are the songs the band released as an EP that was also apart of the Gunner Records Singles Club in 2013. These are the strongest run of songs on the compilation. The formula is a bit different on these songs from what we heard on the first half of the collection. "Epic Fail" sounds like they slowed things down a bit to really develop the song, rather than something more straight forward that they can run through. Another from the bunch, "Thirty," is easily my favorite on the entire release with it's more melodic approach. Although, "Texas" isn't far behind.

Of the last four tracks on the release, two are from a split with Irish Cuffs, while the others a couple of more previously unreleased tracks. On "Quiet Houses," they combine the loud garage-sound with the cohesion heard previously. The final three, while all from different periods of writing, are the most varied on the compilation. "Last Straw's" opening riff was not something I was expecting after having ventured through this collection. It was a nice surprise. The slowest song yet, is "A Loan," but that changes when we get to "Time to Go" which is a track from 2008. It's a short, charming track that's a perfect way to end the Now It Can Be Told.

This was a great introduction to Dan Webb and the Spiders. There are lots of fun and rowdy tunes for all punk rock fans to enjoy. If you're already a fan of the band and you haven't picked up each individual releases that harbor these songs, then I'd recommend grabbing this release. If you're looking for another punk band to get into -- this is also for you. Check it out!