Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
7Days review!
Totally sweet Seven Days review : click here!
Husbands
AKA, Husbands AKA
Album Review
BY JUSTIN CROWTHER [03.21.12]
(Self-released, digital download)
Burlington’s
ska scene isn’t prominent — it lives primarily on local turntables rather than
onstage. But ska-punkers Husbands AKA are gaining momentum. On
their new, self-titled album, which showcases their hardcore and punk-rock
roots, the musicians bring checkered hellfire.
“Controlled”
opens the record on a serious note: drug addiction. Lead vocalist Dylan Burns
sings, “Don’t judge a person by the color of their skin or by the poison that
they have just shot in.” The song barely clears two minutes but evokes a
lifelong battle.
“Nobody’s
Listening” infuses street-punk choruses into the band’s ska-roots modus operandi.
Guitarist Sean Fitzpatrick and organist Tyson Valyou create an intense sonic
assault, and bassist Chris Valyou is equally instrumental in creating the
band’s bouncy dynamic. Collectively, the trio drive this record. But it’s
drummer Alex Pond who shifts the album into high gear. Channeling a little Dave
Mello from Operation Ivy, Pond slams out aggressively quick changes,
accelerating with passion.
“Wild
Girl” suggests the slapstick style of the Queers, with Burns offering similar
skirls while staying grounded on a roots level.
“Nice
& Easy” harnesses the traditional ska feel of the Two Tone era. With
melodies reminiscent of the Specials, this laid-back tune suggests that you
“slow down, now pick it up … take it nice and easy.” The band takes its own advice;
after a few slower tunes, the album rips.
“One More
Time” may be the record’s defining song. The chorus is timeless, and the outro
perfectly encapsulates the Husbands’ style: It makes you want to fill a dance
floor and join in a sing-along chorus. Fitzpatrick alternates quickly between
shredding power chords and upbeat strums. Riffing to the melodies, he is the
only guitar player needed. Early punk-rock structures shine throughout, and
Fitzpatrick seals the deal.
The album
fittingly closes with “Voices.” As soon as Burns sings, “I’ve lost all control,”
the song falls seamlessly in and out of distorted dynamics and intermittent ska
sections.
There is
a lot to like about Husbands AKA’s latest. None of the songs crosses the
three-minute mark. Gone are the predictable horn lines typical of third-wave ska
bands — melodies succeed here with just one organ. And the record’s production
is raw and to the point. Even better, Husbands AKA is available for free
download athusbandsaka.bandcamp.com/album/husbands-aka.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
THE TOASTERS @ Metronome!
We're totally psyched to be playing with the legendary ska killers The Toasters on their 30th anniversary tour at Metronome, Sunday 16th, Burlington VT!!
Get your tix HERE !!!!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
TONIGHT!!
We're playing @ Radio Bean tonight... The show starts sometime after 9:30 and it'll be better than awesome.
See you there!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
HUSBANDS AKA @ RADIO BEAN FRIDAY 4/1/11 W/ ROUGH FRANCES!!
I wish my job was tilling earth, sowing seeds, and growing veggies on some farm somewhere far away. In the meantime, everybody should come out on Friday to see us play with Rough Frances at Radio Bean. It'll probably begin around 10, but by all means come early. Major fun. This will be our last show for a little while, and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm even putting some new strings on my guitar.Tuesday, March 15, 2011
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