Reviews

Moodkiller

Merwulf In the Golden Age LP

MERWULF kicks in with some THOMAS DOLBY keyboards and balances that with AmRep/SHELLAC throaty, buzzing bass. I’m caught completely off guard, in a great way. All the way from Portland, OR, they’ve pulled in elements of VICTORY AT SEA from Boston, MA. Merri’s vocals are haunting and comforting within the abundance of open space in these songs, which can sometimes be a disaster. But with Misty on bass and Larry on drums, that isn’t the case here. Somehow this record feels like an uncomfortable and intimate rock opera, or reading through a friend’s diary that fell open when they left the room. This is what they think. I shouldn’t be reading this. I can’t turn away. In the Golden Age undulates, and while not at the urgent pace of most hardcore or punk, it establishes an urgency and turbulence within the simplest of structures. It builds tension so gradually that you may not even realize that you’ve been holding your breath until suddenly, your chest hurts.

Taste Testors Taste Testors LP

Bubblegum punk with a hint of pub rock. Has a classic ELVIS COSTELLO vibe, but of course brings to mind the RAMONES. Reminds me a bit of radio darlings the OUTFIELD, except more lo-fi. Poppy guitars and catchy-yet-haunting vocals. Nothing groundbreaking, but this is some solid punk rock here. Perfect for a drunken summer beach day.

Taste Testors Come Back! LP

The second record from Seattle’s TASTE TESTORS, Come Back! is a smooth blast of four-chord style. These guys are super dialed-in, with a sound that applies lounge act levels of class to their O.G. pop punk spirit. Delivered with complete control, these eleven tight tunes stick closely to the tried and true RAMONES rock’n’roll formula. Just when you think they might let loose, they show you the impeccable shine of their pristine leather jackets once again. Highly polished and perfectly composed, the songs aren’t angsty, but assured, reading something like DARK THOUGHTS with post-nut clarity.

The Snubs 2505AD LP

Melodic Seattle punkers who probably enjoy the CLOROX GIRLS and ’70s rock staples, and who definitely enjoy re-watching Idiocracy, attempting to conflate said liberal eugenics take with the current fascist moment. Their lyrics tell tales of wacky dystopia scenarios in between lashing out at assorted stripes of stupid bullshit, be it do-nothing liberals, the right, or being displaced to Lynnwood (a generic suburb where my dad used to live—it sucks) as the latest victim of Condo-zilla eating up one’s neighborhood. Musically, it’s competent and fun, if not memorable, though I’d go catch them at the Ballard Firehouse if it hadn’t been turned into a fancy restaurant.