Personality Cult

Reviews

Personality Cult Dilated LP

That lean, angular, almost too perfect punk we’ve come to expect from Dirt Cult Records is delivered here in spades. Fast songs, dark lyrics, and non-stop hooks that stick around for days. This is their second album on said label, with the first one having been recorded by Mark Burke of MARKED MEN and RADIOACTIVITY, and you can feel the inspiration and influence. Ben Carr’s vocals have the right amount of snot and nasal range to keep it unique, and they play as another instrument in the mix.

Personality Cult New Arrows LP

This is North Carolina group PERSONALITY CULT’s second LP. It features past members of MIND SPIDERS, BASS DRUM OF DEATH, and too many others to list in this review. Serving up tunes that bring to mind the garage punk revival of the early 2000s, with an undertone of almost post-punk-like minor key explorations. Some songs move towards more of a garage pop vibe, while others have stronger punk leanings, maybe a DICKIES influence peeking through at times? The moments when they throw out curveballs, like unexpectedly dissonant guitar leads or back-up vocal parts, end up being my favorites.

Personality Cult New Arrows LP

A tidy little pop punk rager from North Carolina’s Ben Carr. It was recorded by Jeff Burke of RADIOACTIVITY and MARKED MEN, which should give you some pointers as to the sound, and the music hums along with a similar propulsion, but there’s something snottier and less romantic about PERSONALITY CULT’s songs. Layer upon layer of immediately memorable hooks and melodies draw on elements of BUZZCOCKS at times, and SCREECHING WEASEL at others. Fans of any of the bands mentioned are advised to have a listen.