Reviews

Vox Populi

Accidente Caníbal LP

Tight, melodic, high-energy release from Madrid, Spain, with vocals reminiscent of Agent M from the early TSUNAMI BOMB 7″ singles that were released by Checkmate Records in the late ’90s. That label was run by Hunter Burgan who plays bass for AFI, and we can argue if his band sold out well before the Black Sails in the Sunset album, but the tight guitar/bass interplay with thunderous drumming reminds me of those early albums. Recorded in Madrid, the album was mastered by Mass Giorgini (COMMON RIDER, SQUIRTGUN) at his Sonic Iguana Studios in Lafayette, Indiana…so maybe that’s where all this ’90s/’00s stuff is coming from. Translating the lyrics from Spanish, the songs take a strong rebellious stance, putting the common in the center and fighting back the corporate cannibals. I have a feeling this is the kind of band that will pack out the infamous Wurlitzer Ballroom in Madrid to sweaty spastic crowds after the pandemic is over.

Plastic Tones Power Pop Testament LP

I fell in love with this female-fronted Finnish band years ago after reviewing a single of theirs—I remember thinking that they reminded me of someone when I reviewed that record. I still think that’s true, but I also still haven’t solved the mystery. It bugs the fuck out of me. Nine perfect cuts that are seemingly equal parts pop, punk, and new wave. All are super catchy and the vocals are just plain pretty. Despite the pretty vocals, there’s an underlying eeriness in all of their songs. Highest recommendation.

Tiikeri Punk Rock Pamaus​!​!​! LP

“Let’s punk!” says TIIKERI right at the beginning of their full-length record. They play rudimental but very melodic punk rock—not even distorted guitars, at a moderate tempo and with rather entertaining vocals. It’s not the punk mostly I listen to, but this is very punk punk punk. They are from Finland and sing in Finnish, and the language pairs incredibly well with this sort of stripped-down music; it gives a strange aura to the songs. Their music is much more international visceral rock’n’roll that has a lot of power even when it’s not blasting on level eleven. This could be great mixtape music. The simplicity and gimmickless image makes them otherworldly, timeless, and unjudgeable. Therefore, even if you are not that familiar with this subgenre, you can be entertained by this record. Most likely it’s the type of music that has to click with you to really, really like it, but its quality is clear even on the first listen. If you like dumbed-down but super melodic music that is driven by rock’n’roll essence yet it’s punk in a universal and textbook way, then TIIKERI is your band.