The Streetplants are from Brunswick, Germany and this release contains five songs. This one is a crossbreed between Deutschpunk or German pop punk mixed with some grungy feel in some songs, but also melodic punk/skate punk thrown in for good measure. This is pretty raw recording being a demo of maybe even rehearsal studio recording. But, this is DIY and who cares about recording if the music is alright and this is more than alright. Lyrics are in German, this is such good language for punk rock and as I learned it in school decades ago and speak German, there are more personal themes and the music reminds me a lot of old Yugoslav punk band KBO!, their slower songs, because here prevails more mid tempo to some up tempo punk rock, this is not your ultra fast melodic hardcore punk if you thought about that, but this one has great guitar melody main lines, good vocals who could be a little more energetic in some songs and in all, has that punk energy that we all love so much. I am looking forward to future releases from this band.
Big Batch are hailing from France and this is their sophomore full length release consisting of eight songs. The music of Big Batch can be described as a mixture of punk rock and rawer dirtier side of rock n roll, yet retaining enough melody in vocal lines and anthemic guitar riffs to be counted as melodic punk rock. Vocals are great, rough and raspy, but singing at the same time and fit perfectly to the anthems like one of my personal favorites ‘Dance with Me’, having that beautiful melodic chorus and lyrics. Smart songwriting and lyrics are what makes this great punk rock record. If I must compare this band to some other bands, it would be to Bouncing Souls, Off With Their Heads and The Menzingers. I can also hear Motorhead in couple of song parts. Backing vocals are important in bands like this, they are immaculate here with harmonies, oooohs and aaaahs just made for singing along with these anthemic punk rock songs. One other song that I must also mention and whose chorus brought smile of satisfaction upon my lips is ‘Even Alive’, also the title song is one of the definite highlights of this album. This is great band, have a listen.
Equipment are hailing from Toledo, Ohio and this is their new release containing five songs. Music of Equipment can be described as emotional filled melodic pop punk with indie and alternative influences thrown in for good measure. Songs like ‘Talk To Strangers’ I can lyrically totally relate to, although all songs are very personal and kind of dealing with something with most of us are dealing with or have dealt with in the past or will deal with in the future. Vocal lines are melodic but also kind of harsh voice in some songs, I like that very much, with great backing harmonies and sometimes also harsher backing vocals especially in aforementioned song. ‘Finstacore’ is a great song about prejudices and hating the different, this one if one of my favorites on this record. As the band says, this EP is in fact part four of the quadrilogy and I am really glad I discovered this fine band.
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 