Archives:
Rebel Spies – Rise!
Underground Communiqué Records – Release Date: 9/29/17
Detroit’s Rebel Spies recently released their debut full-length on Underground Communiqué, called Rise! Featuring members of The Suicide Machines, Hellmouth and Telegraph, Rebel Spies’ sound isn’t especially reminiscent of those bands, but rather suggestive of old school punk like 7 Seconds and Dag Nasty. What’s unique is how they manage to capture the spirit of the genre’s forefathers, while remaining unpredictable and infusing contemporary influences to create something particularly distinct. Album opener “That Mask” is a rousing call to arms with a stirring chorus that quickly sets the tone for the rest of the record. It’s followed by “Sorry About the Mess,” a concise burst of energy that rallies against complacency and evokes memories of melodic hardcore greats Avail. “We Must Be Cautious” changes things up with an expansive chorus and a blazing guitar solo, while “Domain of Evil” is reminiscent of The Clash, complete with an offbeat rhythm and call and response vocals. “What Have I Done” is influenced by East Coast hardcore and encourages making a change for the better, and the album’s final track, “Not Dead Not Yet,” arguably saves the best for last. It begins with a catchy guitar lead that segues to ska-influenced upstrokes, paving the way for a soaring chorus that delivers a resilient message and reinforces the importance of not giving up. With Rise!, Rebel Spies have made a record that draws from the past as much as it incorporates modern styles. It’s well-written, skillfully performed and filled with promise.
Break Anchor – In a Van Down by the River
Paper + Plastick – Release Date: 4/07/15
Break Anchor formed in 2011 and features members of The Suicide Machines, The Story So Far and Seized Up. They’re based out of Detroit and the awesomely titled In a Van Down by the River is their debut full-length. The record encompasses an array of influences, from hardcore punk to ‘90s emo, but the band still manages to create a sound that’s distinctly their own. Much of what they do would likely fall under the category of Midwestern punk, and this LP is by far their most fully realized recording yet. The album kicks off with “First World Problems,” an undeniably catchy tune that uses melodic guitar leads and an anthemic chorus to tell a tale of lost love. It’s trailed by “I’m Sorry,” a track the employs a breakneck rhythm before relaxing to a brief ska interlude that transitions seamlessly to a punishing hardcore breakdown. It might sound like a mishmash of genres, but the band is somehow able to pull it off without a glitch. Additional entries of note include “Fell Part,” a somber post-punk song about losing a friend to addiction and “Bang Bang,” a brutal hardcore blast that addresses the topical issue of police shootings. Break Anchor displays significant growth on this record and really defines their sound. It’s an easy album to listen to from start to finish and fans should definitely be eager to hear what the band comes up with next.
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