Long Island’s THE REBEL DEAD are your classic bar rock punk band with mild rockabilly influences. The band previously released songs under the name THE DEVILLES, but a bit legal wrangling caused them to adopt the just as rock-friendly moniker THE REBEL DEAD. It’s too hard describe this is anything but guitar-charged, sing-along friendly music that doesn’t ask too much from the listener. “Long Island’s Sinking” has an overt melodic energy to it, while the much darker, faster “Murder Ride” has plenty of dragstrip smoke and thumpin’ bass to keep things moving along. “Bottomed Out” and “Carry On” are swift and steady, and no matter what, you’ll leave this release humming backing “ohhhhhhhh-ohhhhhhhhhs.” The bass work is particularly stellar on here and reminds me a lot of former 90s up-the-punx staple, BLANKS 77. There are few divots to THE REBEL DEAD, but occasionally the band has an amateurish patch in the sloppiness of the vocals, or striving for a tune that’s simply out of reach (“Break Me Down” is particularly egregious). It wouldn’t be a strike against the band in the live setting, but in the recorded form, it’s disruptive. Any complaint beyond that is just being picky, and THE REBEL DEAD have enough swagger in their music to overcome the imperfections.

Motherbox

www.myspace.com/therebeldeadrnr