I don’t know why it’s a rat either
Reviewing punk rock music is one of the hardest things to do.
Let’s face it: even fans of the genre, no matter how casual, realize that nearly everything being done now has been done before. That’s sort of the case in most genres, but punk is definitely one of the more staid and frankly repetitive. That’s part of the reason I had some trouble putting this review together.
Wardogs is a San Fransisco (some would say “Bay area”) punk band. Call it street punk, hardcore, whatever you want, this young group has a sound that isn’t exactly breaking down walls and re-inventing the genre (nor, I’m sure, is that their intended purpose). I’m not saying that’s necessarily a bad thing, but their style will be easily recognized as something that isn’t a far cry from what bands like the Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, Street Dogs, Avail, Adolescents, GBH and many others have/are playing. When you’re stuck in that kind of crowd, it’s not easy to set yourself apart.
For me, the songs on the band’s debut 7” (out soon on Solidarity and Asian Man) are kind of a 50/50 split; two of them are fairly engaging and leave me wanting more, two of them seem a bit rote and plagued by the sameness that outsiders like me tend to hear in this sub-sect of the genre. That is to say that they seem intensely familiar: fast-paced drums and four chord progressions with lyrical themes of an inspirational bent (ie continuing to fight for something even while your back is against a wall, not giving in to it/them, taking personal responsibility, trying not to “fall,” not letting your will be broken, etc).
The opening and closing tracks are far more engaging. “Neckline” has a great energy and features vocals from three of the band’s four members, while “Wake Up!” is a slightly down-tempo but still bouncy rallying cry that matches it’s call-to-arms with some great clean singing and a generous helping of hooks. The songs also showcase one of the bands biggest assets: the quality and skill of the performances. In a genre where Tim Armstrong’s laconic marble-mouth drawl has made him a legend, all of the singing Wardogs are more-than-capable vocalists and as musicians they prove just as adequate.
I can unequivocally recommend this release to anyone with the slightest interest in punk rock, as a group with such a passionate manifesto and ethic appeals to me. The music, as it turns out, also holds all the promise of a young band on it’s way to finding its voice –- and that really is what’s most exciting to see.
Randy tells me the album isn’t quite out yet, but I’d imagine when it is you’ll be able to find it:
Asian Man: Mr. Park’s website has lots of instructions for that sort of thing
Solidarity: just a myspace right now, as it’s a one-man operation (and a labour of intense love)
Vinyl Collective: I’m guessing here; Randy from Solidarity is a board member, so I’m sure copies will be available
MySpace: seems to have a ton of merch already
