I've been weary about punk lately, too many bands sounding like the next. But when I put on this seven inch, "Want Me Back" started to erase some of the fears I was having. As the tune progressed, I fell for it. I loved it. Very fast-paced punk rock, yet the vocals help add melody to the song and keep everything from going stale. That's another thing I've hated about punk, bad vocals. But you won't find any of that here. The vocals are rough and combine with the music easily, but they are also melodic and clear. "Go To Hell (Fuck Frat Boys)" offers up both a great song and passionate lyrics about people who think they're better than everyone else. Punk as fuck, the song is tough and edgy, but you still get a chance to sing-along. "Natural Disaster" offers up a different side to the band, a ska-tinted number. The upbeat fills the song, making it easy to dance with, while the backing vocals help add a bit of a "bop-bop-bop" pop touch. "Pork Chops & Soda Pop" finishes everything off with more punk rock.

After hearing this, I am now eagerly awaiting a full-length from these guys. Some of the best pop-punk I've heard in a long time, maintaining a perfect edge between fury and melody. I'll give this 7" an A.

Rabies Caste: Let the Soul Out and Cut the Vein

Race For Titles: Race For Titles

[Issue Ten // July 1998]