Review / 200 Words Or Less
The Ergs! / Grabass Charlestons
Split

No Idea (2007) Jason

The Ergs! / Grabass Charlestons – Split cover artwork
The Ergs! / Grabass Charlestons – Split — No Idea, 2007

The Ergs have suddenly become everyone’s favorite pop-punk and with good reason. They contribute two songs of fun catchy songs about girls that will no doubtingly be stuck in your head for weeks on end. Grabass Charlestons come to me as a bit of a surprise. I was expecting either some cowpunk or Hot Water Music inspired rock, but instead I got some fast spirited punk reminding me of the early days of Touch and Go or even Hüsker Dü. I even hear a little bit of Leatherface piped in from time to time. The vocals are gruff but not overbearing. I would love to see this band while kicking back rum and Cokes at the Triple Rock.

9.2 / 10Jason • November 18, 2012

The Ergs! / Grabass Charlestons – Split cover artwork
The Ergs! / Grabass Charlestons – Split — No Idea, 2007

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