The phrase "77 punk" is tossed around so much its lost all meaning, sort of like "have a good day". Does anyone really care if the person they say that too is going to have a good day? Certainly not. I, myself usually think "sod off" while uttering this pointless phrase.....back to the bidness at hand. 77 punk is used to add some sort of authenticity to music, I've seen it tagged on to Avril Lavigne (no joke, I heard some kid use this term for her in a music store once), to Rancid, to Anal c*** oddly enough. Rancid I could see since they unapologetically ape the Clash (why not mold yourself after the best?) but the lovable boys from a/c? Contrary to popular belief 77 punk isn't a wall of noise(usually). Straitjacket's description said they sound like a mix of the Clash and Buzzcocks, so I really didn't know what to expect. Who wouldn't want to have their name associated with these two legendary bands?The band does indeed have a self-titled era Clash fronted by a less whiney Pete Shelly thing going on. In short this band could be huge if TKO gets the word out about them to the right people. Straitjacket bounds along with fantastic energy and just has a great feel to it. No song is over the 3 minute mark. I think the longest one clocks in at 2:55. So far "Legendary Failure" is one of my favorite tracks. Lovely ditty on how a kid could have been the first to start the school shooting fad if he hadn't fallen asleep (at least that's how I understand the song. I might be wrong)
"I'm On Fire" is another choice track, just classic punk rock: "don't try to stop me, I shine like a torch. I'll rise above you, I don't need no remorse, no. don't try to stop me and my cause. I feel for the new kid in town, tired of being kicked, pushed and messed around. I fear for the new generation".
"A New Disaster" is dandy as well. C'mon with the line "a new disaster is surely just at bay, well if it won't or don't come, will you manufacture one" how could it lose? Actually I could go on for all 13 tracks.
My bob, if these guys and the Templars are typical of the talent on TKO records, I wish I would have known about the label years ago. This band gets the GM seal of approval.
