I talk about the Bay Area hardcore scene a lot. Okay, maybe a little more than a lot. But it is a quality scene, so you can't blame me. Equally as deserving of recognition is the punk scene of the greater San Francisco Bay. There is a rich history that stems back to the 1970's with groups like Dead Kennedys, Flipper, and The Avengers. And over the years there have been plenty of others to keep the fire burning: Operation Ivy (my favorite punk band of all time), Rancid, Jawbreaker, Tilt, The Mr. T Experience, A.F.I., Samiam, Green Day, and many more.
One of the newest bands to come from this breeding ground is Wolves & Thieves. The group has been together since the 2007 dissolution of hardcore outfit Dispute and self-released a demo and a split LP with Bastards of Young on Swagger City Records. Wolves & Thieves marks their debut full-length, again through Swagger City (a digital release is handled by Lorelei).
My first impression of Wolves & Thieves is one of enjoyment, but also intrigue. The album begins with "The Tide," a minute and a half blast of fast-paced rock-infused punk, a style I've heard more than once. The guitar work of Ryan Blasquez and Justin McAllister define the band's sound here, and throughout the entire record. The guitars are vintage with a Black Flag quality tone. And yet they also take on a rock sound thanks to squealing solos and the straightforward rock styling of MC5.
Vocally, Jeremy Lux still offers a coarse yell delivery, though it is tamer that what he did in Dispute. It more resembles the styles heard in Hot Water Music or Small Brown Bike. Lux's lyrics take on topics as far and wide as politics, becoming an adult, drug use, social acceptance, and even a bit of poetic exhibition.
Wolves & Thieves rip through song after song and this twelve track full-length - literally. Only one song reaches over the two-minute mark, so you get a full album in less than twenty minutes. In spite of the songs' shortness, each song is crafted with care, never feeling rushed or lacking.
While the band seems to stick to a fairly punk formula, there are moments of variation throughout the album. "Teenage Grizzly Bear" boasts a poppy quality that brings to mind Jawbreaker's approach to punk; well, that is until the 70's rock oriented guitars wrap up the song. "Young Drugs" is roaring venture that got me referencing Anti-Flag's early catalog. "Another Thespian" blurs the line of punk and hardcore further, much like The Bronx has been doing for the few years. "1968" highlights the band's rock approach with its stellar riffing and steady rhythm section - bassist Erik Block and drummer Paul Wiseman. And closer "Poisoned" kind of brought to mind the first Gallows full-length. I think it was the prominent bassline and the rockish nature of the song. Regardless, it is a great conclusion to the record.
The more that I listen to Wolves & Thieves, the more I appreciate it. This is an album that brings harmony to the band's varying influences of punk, hardcore, and rock and roll. These twelve songs are filled with energy, passion, and integrity. If you're looking for a quality punk album, don't miss out on this record or you'll be kicking yourself in the ass.
