Archives:
PEARS
Photo by Katie Hovland
After forming in early 2014, New Orleans’ PEARS wasted little time writing and recording their debut LP, Go to Prison. Soon after, they caught the attention of Off With Their Heads singer/guitarist Ryan Young, who subsequently released the album on vinyl via his label, Anxious and Angry. Extensive touring followed and in July of this year, Fat Wreck Chords re-released Go to Prison. We caught up with guitarist/singer Brian Pretus after the band’s recent performance at Riot Fest Chicago at talked about how PEARS got its start. We also discussed their unique sound, which combines aggressive hardcore/punk, chaotic yet detailed songwriting and a hint of melody. Our conversation also touched on the band’s forthcoming second album, which is due out early next year, and more. Continue Reading…
Bad Cop/Bad Cop
Photo by Katie Hovland
This past June, Bad Cop/Bad Cop released their debut album on Fat Wreck Chords, called Not Sorry. We caught up with the band last month when they played House of Blues Chicago as part of the Fat Wrecked for 25 Years tour. We spoke with singer/guitarist Jennie Cotterill and talked about how the group got its start, as well as what it was like recording their new record. We also discussed Bad Cop/Bad Cop’s unique sound, which combines three-part vocal harmonies, West Coast ‘90s punk and a relentless supply of energy. Additionally, we conversed about the lack of female musicians in punk rock today, the band’s plans for this fall/winter and more. Continue Reading…
Fat Wrecked for 25 Years, with Erin Burkett
Fat Wreck Chords really doesn’t require much of an introduction. It was founded in 1990 by NOFX singer/bassist Fat Mike and his then-girlfriend Erin Burkett, and quickly rose to become one of the most popular and influential punk rock record labels in the world. They helped launch the careers of bands like Lagwagon, Propagandhi, No Use for a Name, Strung Out, Good Riddance and many others. They continue to develop emerging and dynamic bands to this day, and do so while maintaining the standards of quality they’ve displayed since their inception. Fat recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and we spoke with co-founder Erin Burkett about the label’s history. We talked about its humble beginnings, how the label grew and some of the challenges they faced along the way. We also discussed the current Fat tour, the label’s future and more.
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Strung Out
This March, Strung Out released their eighth studio album, Transmission.Alpha.Delta, via longtime label Fat Wreck Chords. Without question, it ranks among the strongest of the band’s respected catalog. On this effort they continue to advance their sound, mixing elements of punk and metal with complex songwriting, while simultaneously incorporating an array of contemporary influences. The outcome is a record that’s both fresh and modern, and one that favors pushing boundaries over revisiting the past. With that said, this is sure to be an album that’s embraced by diehard fans and newcomers alike. Last month, Strung Out played Reggie’s and we spoke with drummer Jordan Burns before the show. We talked at length about what it was like recording Transmission.Alpha.Delta. We also discussed the record’s style, its writing process, the band’s upcoming European tour and more. Continue Reading…
Banner Pilot
In April of this year, Banner Pilot released their latest album for Fat Wreck Chords, called Souvenir. We conducted an email interview with singer/guitarist Nick Johnson and discussed in detail what is arguably their most diverse and complete record yet. We talked about how it was written, the recording process, its lyrics and more. We also conversed about the music scene in Minneapolis, touring and several other topics. After the interview, be sure to check out Banner Pilot’s video for the first song on Souvenir, “Modern Shakes.” Continue Reading…
Masked Intruder – M.I.
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 5/27/14
The first Masked Intruder album sent shockwaves through the world of punk rock. Their raw talent, mystique and the fact that they seemed to appear overnight were all integral factors in the band’s initial momentum. In the last couple of years, they’ve toured around the world and after the dust settled a bit, it raised the question: what’s Masked Intruder’s next move? With Fat Wreck scooping them up, the bar was raised. On M.I., they’ve strayed slightly from their criminal and hijinks-heavy themes, and focus more on love. They’ve tweaked song structures a bit, incorporating more vocal harmonies, doo-wop influences and most impressively – a song almost completely made up of vocals. They’ve also re-recorded two existing songs, “I Fought the Law,” from their demo and “Hey Girl,” from their split with The Turkletons. M.I. is a perfect album for music fans, because it doesn’t conform to the standard three-chord formula most pop punk sticks to, but they are maintaining their sound. The Ramones-core fanbase gets short, fast songs like “Hey Girl” and “The Most Beautiful Girl.” Heart-wrenching songs like “Stars” display raw desire, honesty and humility. The vocals are sincere and pitch-perfect. “Almost Like We’re Already In Love,” Masked Intruder’s impressive vocal display, is sheer magnificence. Their barbershop quartet-style of singing is guided only with shakers and finger snaps. The lyrics paint a picture of yearning, and do it in a way that sounds just plain pretty. Think of it as an evolved version of the intro to “Wish You Were Mine,” from their first album. M.I. is a must, as it’s one of the best albums that’s been released this year.
– Jason Duarte
V/A – The Songs of Tony Sly: A Tribute
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 10/29/13
Last year, No Use For A Name singer/guitarist Tony Sly passed away unexpectedly at the age of 41. No Use’s longtime label, Fat Wreck Chords, has responded by releasing this 26-track compilation, with proceeds benefitting Sly’s wife and two daughters. The resulting album features some of the biggest names in punk, with bands covering both NUFAN songs and music from Sly’s solo career. By all accounts, Sly was a truly gifted songwriter and this record does a phenomenal job of not only showcasing his talents, but also celebrating his life. Karina Denike, former Dance Hall Crashers singer, opens the album with a haunting, almost a cappella rendition of “Biggest Lie” that emphasizes Sly’s powerful lyrics. Strung Out provides a fast-paced, metallic version of No Use’s biggest hit, “Soulmate,” and it’s simply one of the best entries on the record. Conversely, Rise Against offers a stripped-down, acoustic take of “For Fiona,” which strikes an emotional chord when singer Tim McIlrath concludes the song by echoing Sly’s words of “I’m always here.” Bad Religion, NOFX and Lagwagon all contribute strong and sturdy covers, with the latter sounding particularly spirited. Snuff adds a reggae-tinged song, while Old Man Markley supplies some bluegrass influence, illustrating that Sly’s songwriting transcends genres. Frank Turner and The Gaslight Anthem also present quality interpretations, as do The Bouncing Souls, Teenage Bottlerocket and many additional artists on this compilation. In short, the album very much succeeds in honoring Sly’s memory. He was respected by an array of musicians and will always be remembered for being an especially talented lyricist. If you ever enjoyed any of Sly’s work, there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy this as well. Lastly, check out Alkaline Trio’s unique and chilling cover of “Straight from the Jacket” below.
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/15-Straight-From-the-Jacket.mp3|titles=”Straight From the Jacket”]The Flatliners
Photo by Katie Hovland
With Dead Language, The Flatliners have created their most detailed and cohesive album yet. Having spent the past decade touring the globe, this record highlights the band’s precise musicianship, as well as their adeptness at playing together and feeding off each other’s energy. It also features sharpened songwriting, resulting in an album that’s both mature and accessible. We caught up with the Toronto-based band after their recent appearance at Riot Fest Chicago. We spoke with singer/guitarist Chris Cresswell and drummer Paul Ramirez, and discussed their new record in detail. We also talked about touring, the future of the band and more. Continue Reading…
Masked Intruder
Photo by Katie Hovland
Last year, Masked Intruder released their debut album and subsequently took the pop punk world by storm. They take a unique approach with genre, combining ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll with contemporary punk influences, and emphasizing catchy melodies and humorous lyrics. The finished product is well-played, highly addictive and simply a lot of fun. The band recently played Beat Kitchen and we spoke with them before the show about their new record label, what recording the album was like, their upcoming European tour and more. Pictured above from left to right are bassist/singer Yellow, guitarist/singer Green, drummer Red and lead singer/guitarist Blue. Continue Reading…
Teenage Bottlerocket
Photo by Katie Hovland
Teenage Bottlerocket released a new album several months ago called Freak Out! It’s the band’s fifth full-length overall and their second for Fat Wreck Chords. We spoke with singer/guitarist Kody Templeman and discussed the album’s recording process, as well as the meaning behind some of its songs. We also talked about touring, music videos and more. Pictured above from left to right are bassist Miguel Chen, drummer Brandon Carlisle, Templeman and singer/guitarist Ray Carlisle. Continue Reading…
Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds
Photo by Katie Hovland
Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds unveiled their debut full-length a short time ago, entitled I’d Rather Die Than Live Forever. It marks Brendan’s latest musical project and sounds distinctly different from his primary band, The Lawrence Arms. We spoke with Mr. Kelly about the album’s unique style, what inspired some of its lyrics, the manner in which it was recorded and more. Pictured above with Brendan is Nick Martin, who played a variety of instruments on the album. Continue Reading…
Cobra Skulls
Photo by Katie Hovland
This fall, Cobra Skulls released their debut album for Fat Wreck Chords, titled Agitations. The band hails from Reno, Nevada and plays a unique brand of rockabilly-infused punk. Agitations is an urgent and well-rounded record, and certainly the most impressive effort thus far from Cobra Skulls. We spoke with singer/bassist Devin Peralta and discussed how the album was written and recorded, what some of its songs are about, touring and more.
The Flatliners
Photo by Katie Hovland
Dead To Me
Dead To Me formed in 2003 and has since released two full-lengths, an EP and a seven-inch. They’ve also toured extensively, continuously advanced their sound and gone through several lineup changes, all without ever missing a beat. They recently finished recording a new album in Chicago at Atlas Studios and we talked with singer/bassist Tyson “Chicken” Annicharico before their show at Subterranean. We discussed the upcoming record in detail, as well as touring, substance abuse, the band’s hometown of San Francisco and more. Continue Reading…
Smoke Or Fire – The Speakeasy
Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 11/9/10
The Speakeasy is Smoke Or Fire’s definitive statement. It incorporates the catchy choruses of Above the City and the pop sensibilities of This Sinking Ship, but also adds advanced songwriting and a newfound sense of confidence. “Integrity” opens the record with an ascending melody and a critique of the American media before segueing into “Monsters”, which decries white-collar crime and exhibits an epic, anthem-like hook. “Neon Light” is the first single and it’s one of the more rock-oriented tracks on the disc. It features acoustic guitar, a distinctive beat and an unforgettable chorus. “Everything Falls Apart” is a peppy punk number that provides some seriously badass guitar solos. “Shotgun” might just be the top song on the album, due to both its stirring lyrics concerning a friend struggling with addiction and its powerful vocal delivery. “Utah” closes the album on a positive note, as it offers an uplifting message regarding the importance of individuality. Often compared to Hot Water Music and Avail, Smoke Or Fire proudly carries the torch that was lit by said bands. The Speakeasy is a complete work and will be remembered for years to come. It’s also unquestionably one of the best records of 2010.
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