DRIVE BY PUNCH “Dear Flannagan”
This Canadian five-piece really surprised the heck out of me. Yes, I’ve heard this emo-popcore sound before, but there’s a freshness to both the band’s songwriting, and quality coming from the pipes of lead vocalist, Chris Ruddy. As essential in any band playing this genre, that dude can sing! Another sharp thing this band does is spread their influences around through all six tracks, never giving in to one specific rut, but allowing their songs to merge into each other, while retaining a fairly distinct flavor. This is especially noticeable on the fifth track, which starts off as in striking fashion similar to the ALKALINE TRIO, but carries into the final track, slamming against something more akin to the STARTING LINE, until the hardcore breakdown kicks in. Crisp, thick production takes DRIVE BY PUNCH past the realm of amatuerism, and drops them just short of sounding wholly professional. Although there’s only six tunes on here, given each song’s distinct flavor, a ton of ground is covered. Sometimes a band doesn’t have to invent a new genre to get noticed, they just have to know how to use their tools wisely and craft a song that feels good to listen to. I hope to hear more from this band in the future (just find someone to do your artwork who doesn’t suck – the packaging on here is miserable!).
Sterile Records
