Trashed Ambulance from Alberta, Canada are in no way strangers to the pages of this zine and I am glad we kicked off 2021 with their new e.p. out digital with Thousand Islands Records.
There are three songs on this e.p. For those who don´t know it yet, Trashed Ambulance play more technical version of epic and fantastic melodic fast skate punk, bordering somewhere between old school nineties melodic punk I love so much and newer technical modern skate punk with fantastic guitar work and songwriting coupled with some of the sweetest harmonies and melodies I have listened in a while. Vocals remind me a bit of mixture between Fat Mike and Chris from Propagandhi, great voice, but maybe only I hear that similarity. On The Mend is fast song, having melancholic line throughout whole song, being my personal favorite on this record. The title song is punk rock song with awesome chorus just made for singing and humming along whole day after you finished listening to the record. Throughout all songs, there is a soft, melancholic, almost sad and nostalgic vibe that I feel while listening, but I love the feeling that music gives me. Delinquent is the last song and it is again song that leaves you only wanting more and more. Can´t wait for the next full length.
Dutch veteran punk rockers Antillectual are back with a new release entiled “Covers EP”. The band’s first new material in 4 years consist of 4 re-recorded classic punk songs: Truth Hits Everybody (The Police), Hanging on the Telephone (The Nerves, Blondie), I Believe in Miracles (Ramones) and Search and Destroy (The Stooges).
Singer/guitarist Willem explains:
“When the cover idea surfaced we didn’t feel like covering the bands we grew up on. Most of them are still around or reunited. It seemed much more interesting to go back some more generations and find early punk songs with a melodic vibe to them.”
The cover artwork consists of adaptations of the four original layouts, re-designed by Andy Dahlström (Satanic Surfers). The rhythm section was recorded live by the band’s sound engineer Emiel Thoonen. Vocals, guitars and hammond are recorded by legendary Dutch producer Menno Bakker (NRA, Seein Red, Undeclinable Ambuscade) at Amsterdam Recording Company. Dubs and edits are kept to a minimum, this is as raw/unpolished as Antillectual gets in the studio.
The self-released album is available via the most popular digital platforms and on classic black 7-inch via the band’s website, with a distribution partnership here in North America with Thousand Islands Records. Additional international distributors include Mud Cake Records (Germany), Lockjaw Records (UK), White Russian Records and Fond Of Life.
Because of the current corona crisis Antillectual can’t promote the release with live concerts, instead they will throw a live online release party via Facebook and Instagram on Friday May 15 with acoustic renditions and a Q&A, more details HERE.
Tracklist:
Truth Hits Everybody (The Police)
I Believe In Miracles (Ramones)
Hanging On The Telephone (The Nerves, Blondie)
Search And Destroy (The Stooges)
About Antillectual:
Music
Unlike some bands, who feel they can’t be described or labeled, there are several ways to describe Antillectual. Their music can be identified as melodic, philosophical and urgent. Influenced by ‘90’s skate punk, ‘00’s emo and ‘10’s orgcore. And a mix of the DIY politics of Crass, the authenticity of Hüsker Dü and the guitar acrobatics of Van Halen.
Past
In 2005 Antillectual started releasing albums and touring. Ever since, the band has perfected the romantic idea of being a dedicated touring band. They’ve played their energetic live shows all over the world, probably over a thousand times. Their albums have been released from North to South America, from Europe via Russia to Asia.
Present
Antillectual has stopped making albums and started releasing songs one by one. The first single of the series of new music is Heads You Win, Tails We Lose. The song is a response to the current populist wave. Trump’s election and catastrophic policies are part of a worldwide epidemic of right wing politics disguised as anti-establishment movements. The energetic, fast-paced single is a sharp critique of current events, and the impact on this planet and all creatures on it. Living in a world that is coping with conflicts and crises it is time to engage! Critical times call for critical music.
Bates Motel were already featured on the pages of the zine with Spaniards making their grand vision of technical skatepunk, fast, emotional and fantastic at the same time. Their two songs on this split release are great, but Distorted Reality is a bit more my favorite than Believe In Something. I must admit that I have never heard of Stone Leek prior to this release and they are coming from Japan. They are not so melancholic like Bates Motel, rather more faster, straightforward old school hardcore melodic skatepunk. The vocals are not cheesy but strong and powerful with nice backing vox harmonies behind. Blast and Who Knew are two songs representing their side, I love both of them with latter being a bit more favorite of mine. Nice release.
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 