Starter Jackets are a throwback. That’s no surprise given that they’re named after one of those brands that the jerks in my high school wore in the ‘90s. I was more a baggy skater jeans dude, but I’m old enough to get the joke. Moving to the present, with that nod to the past, it’s not surprising that the band plays throwback pop punk akin to that era. I hear late era Lookout Records, Chicago-style Ramonescore. It’s pogo-friendly, peppy punk in 4/4 time with lots of harmonies. Unlike the Ramones, the vocals are a little more singsong, clean and crisp.
Make that crisp with some rough edges. There are multiple singers but, overall, it’s well-sung and a little rough, with some smoke and whiskey stains on the shiny veneer. The production is similar: energetic but with slightly grainy tones, with subtle crackles like a cheap backyard boombox turned up just a little too loud. There’s a world-worn touch.
“In Smithereens” is one of the standouts, with a power chord hook and a head-bopping rhythm complimented by some weightier vocals. The harmonies of “On My Feet” and “Dead Mall” highlight the band’s balance between two vocalists well. The former song is also a good example of how they add a little extra lead guitar to the entrenched formula, which gives a little extra crunch to accent the bouncy rhythms of the style.
Members also play in Hospital Job, Attic Salt, and The Copyrights, among others, and that sets a good base of expectation. Familiar punk tropes but with their own stamp that sets it apart. It’s at its best when the songs feel universal. There are a few songs, like “Lucked Out,” which come across as more insular.
I don’t think anybody familiar with Ramonescore will find my knocks against this album too surprising. For those who don’t already jam to this style, it’s a bit monotone and repetitive, even with short songs and only 10 tracks. Dead Malls doesn’t reinvent anything here but it’s an enjoyable listen with some authentic, pick-me-up emotional appeal.
