| Street
punk stuff isn't the most complex or varied sound going
around, so when a band can play a pretty overdone sound
and keep you interested throughout, they're doing alright.
Something for the ska fans, something for the punk fans,
all with a nice easy to swallow vibe about it. If you
missed the last big wave of the genre and are paddling
along awaiting the next, these guys make a good introductory
point, have a listen, punch your fist, chant along, it's
fun. |
|
WHO?
Left Alone have been the band who's been around filling the gap
quite well that Rancid have left in their absence. Now that Rancid
are ready to release new material Left Alone have unleashed a new
album that says they are not just a shadow, or a gap filler and
that they can hold their own. The three piece out of Wilmington
continue to up the stakes.
WHAT?
No surprises in store when it comes to what this album is going
to sound like, these street-punk type bands don't really fiddle
with the formula too much. Short tracks, choruses you can chant
along with and pump a fist in the air at. No wankery or filler moments,
just foot to the floor anthemic punk rock with the odd hint of ska
creeping through occasionaly. If you don't already dig the style,
then I'm not sure they're about to convert you, but if you do already
enjoy the genre, then chances are you are going to dig what Left
Alone have to offer. From the ska-laced 'Sad Story' to the breakneck
paced 'Self Made', Left Alone cover the street-punk thing pretty
well, well enough to keep you entertained all the way throughout
and leave a stamp of their own on the sound, less gravelly voiced
than most, which might add to their appeal to someone just getting
into the genre. Don't think about it all too much, just listen,
and you'll probably be impressed.
WHY?
Maybe you need a warm-up while you wait for the new Rancid, maybe
you need a backup in case the new Rancid sucks, maybe you just need
a fix of street-punk, or a starting point to the genre. Left Alone
aren't really treading new ground, but they are definitely ensuring
no potholes appear and keeping the sound solid.
WHEN & WHERE?
The album is available now on Epitaph / Shock, you can pick it up
in all good record stores and online.
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