TA-80

Reviews

TA-80 Open Late cassette

Punk rock that you can circle-pit to with a smile on your face. This is pop punk in the non-pejorative sense, meaning it is loaded with massive hooks and anthemic sing-alongs with enough melody to infiltrate even the most resistant ear. The overall feel of the album is late-night hangouts after a show, possibly in a parking lot, just enjoying being a punk and hanging out with other punks. Lyrically, that feeling is enforced with mostly celebrations of being part of the community, politically and socially. Think of MIXTAPES at their most upbeat or the JETTY BOYS at their most catchy, add a healthy dose of beer and Midwest, and that will take you most of the way to where this record plants its flag. Gotta respect the balls to try yet another cover of TOTO’s “Africa,” but honestly the band does well by themselves on it. A fun summer record if I ever heard one, meant for hangouts with good people.

TA-80 Turn It Up! cassette

This is straightforward, catchy punk rock. The guitar has a great sound, and the vocals are sort of infectious, with a focus on female vocals. And they don’t seem to take themselves too seriously. I like that. In fact, they border on getting a little too goofy at times. These guys might not change the world, but they’ll definitely make your day a little brighter.