Review / 200 Words Or Less
O Pioneers!!! / The Anchor
Split

Triumph of Life (2008) Michael

O Pioneers!!! / The Anchor – Split cover artwork
O Pioneers!!! / The Anchor – Split — Triumph of Life, 2008

The great state of Texas offers up two songs a piece from O Pioneers!!! and The Anchor. In the works for over a year, this split 7" is finally available to all who boast a beard!

O Pioneers!!! offers up two cuts of dirty punk that will appeal to anyone who loves Asian Man and No Idea Records. I've had countless people suggest this band to me in the past, but I just can't get into their recordings. I will admit these songs are better than what I've heard before; a quicker pace suits them well.

The Anchor is less punk and delves into a slight melodic hardcore style with their two songs. I get a definite Long Island sound as I listen to their tunes - particularly in the vocals, which bring to mind Silent Majority's Tommy Corrigan.

Of the two, I enjoyed The Anchor more so; I am definitely looking forward to more from them. On the other hand, the jury is still out on O Pioneers!!! for me.

6.0 / 10Michael • October 14, 2008

O Pioneers!!! / The Anchor – Split cover artwork
O Pioneers!!! / The Anchor – Split — Triumph of Life, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

Tired Radio

Hope In The Haze
Red Scare Industries (2025)

I knew of Tired Radio, but I didn't really know the band's work. When Red Scare announced they'd signed the band, I figured it was a good excuse to dive in -- and I'm glad I did. Hope in the Haze is the title of their Red Scare debut and that title kind of sums up their general vibe too. … Read more

The Resinators

Recorded In 2005 By Jay Reatard
Independent (2024)

Interesting little slab we got sent to SPB by a Mr. Ed Young. Two originals and a cover, recorded in Jay Reatard’s living room back in 2005 as the title suggests. So that would be around the time of The Reatards’ Not Fucked Enough for anyone keeping track. Jay had apparently just switched from analog to digital recording but it … Read more

Various Artists

Bombs Away!
Rad Girlfriend Records (2025)

Split records have always worked best when they feel intentional rather than convenient, and Bombs Away! lands firmly in the former category. Bringing together East Bay veterans Tsunami Bomb and Oakland’s The Hammerbombs, this six-track split (three songs per band) doesn’t just unite two names but captures two complementary approaches to Bay Area punk that still feel vital decades into … Read more