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Beach Rats – Rat Beat
Epitaph – Release Date: 7/29/22
In late July, the all-star cast of punk rock lifers known as Beach Rats released their debut album. The band formed over a mutual love of 80’s punk and hardcore, and to simply have fun while creating music that evokes the spirit of that era. Not only did Beach Rats achieve that goal on Rat Beat, they also succeeded in carving out their own distinctive sound. Opener “Bikes Out” crashes through the speakers at a breakneck pace and the signature vocals of Ari Katz, (Lifetime) are front and center in the mix. Bassist Bryan Kienlen, (Bouncing Souls) also provides several prominent bass leads, which really assist in bringing everything together on this short and direct entry. “Heavy Conversation” features a unique, descending guitar lead in its intro, quickly followed by chords that transition furiously in the verse. The song brims with energy and would likely induce numerous fists in the air at a live show. It also enjoys somewhat of a loose feeling during the breakdown, illustrating that Beach Rats are fittingly more focused on mood than they are perfection.
The title track contains a vocal melody and accompanying chord progression that overlap perfectly, as well as a surplus of frantic guitar solos, courtesy of Brian Baker, (Bad Religion, Minor Threat) and Pete Steinkopf, (Bouncing Souls). The song quiets for a few seconds near the end, seemingly fooling the listener before the band charges back at full volume one last time. Conversely, “Blown to Bits” is more of a mellow track that mixes major and minor chords. It has lots of alternating rhythms that transition unexpectedly, and some underlying hardcore beats, all of which showcase the abilities of drummer Danny Windas.
Rat Beat was primarily written and rehearsed in Baker’s basement, and then recorded by Eric Bennett at Lakehouse Studios in just one day. It’s this sort of approach, both instinctive and not overthought, that really defines the character of these songs. There’s also an abundance of youthful drive and an undeniable sense of honesty on this record. It’s traits like this that allow Beach Rats to not only live up to the hype, but ultimately surpass expectations.
Fake Names – Self-titled
Epitaph – Release Date: 5/08/20
Last month, Fake Names released their debut full-length via Epitaph. The band’s lineup features Dennis Lyxzén, (Refused, International Noise Conspiracy) Brian Baker, (Bad Religion, Minor Threat) Johnny Temple, (Girls Against Boys) and Michael Hampton, (S.O.A.). While many will be quick to label them a supergroup, what’s different about Fake Names is that its members share a natural chemistry and their songwriting doesn’t seem forced. One of the first entries that stands out is “Being Them,” as it combines old school punk with contemporary influences. It also features a sprawling chorus and lyrics that champion free thought and oppose conforming to society’s standards. “Brick” begins with a fiery riff and an aggressive verse before a hyper-melodic chorus emerges unexpectedly. Its lyrics are rather timely in that they talk of revolution, (“You will fall like never before / Statues crumble, backs against the wall / You will pay for what you’ve done / Gonna destroy what you’ve become”). Despite clocking in at under two minutes, it’s easily one of the album’s most memorable songs.
“First Everlasting” spotlights the range and command of Lyxzén’s voice and includes a sing-a-long chorus that’s reinforced with multiple backing vocals. “This Is Nothing” embraces more of a post-punk style, with a plodding verse and a distorted bass lead. Its words provide a critique of consumerism and denounce the shallow aspects of today’s culture. The record ends on “Lost Cause,” an overtly catchy song with a driving beat and prominent melodic guitar leads. It concludes the album on a fitting note, with a positive message of not giving up and holding true to one’s beliefs.
Without question, this is a concise and solid debut. Its overall theme of questioning longstanding institutions and societal norms is extremely appropriate right now. Here’s to hoping there’s more to come from Fake Names and that this record is not just a one-off experiment.
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