Maryland rockers The Dangerous Summer‘s new record Coming Home (Rude Records) starts with the evocative title track – with its hypnotic piano riff and prominent Pixies influence. This is TDS’ sixth album, and it is a rockier affair than its three-year-old predecessor, Mother Nature.
It feels as if it has been a long, long time since Puppy released their debut album, The Goat to the world – although the pandemic may have something to do with that considering it has only been three years. When the album was first released, the trio stunned us with an eclectic mix of heavy sludgy, grungy riffs combined with even more eclectic vocal harmonies you’d find somewhere on a Weezer or a Wheatus release. The combination of the two has allowed the band to access the best of both worlds, appearing on some heavier lineups, while still being able to go onto support acts like Creeper. Whether the three-piece will be able to keep this up with their sophomore release is another matter. Continue reading
Weymouth-based punks Weatherstate have returned with their second album, Never Better (Rude Records), a lethargic commentary on the current state of the world. Bringing a unique edginess to pop-Punk, the band shines a light on the common outlook of society over the past few years. The vocals deliver an ironic unity of bouncy melodies and jeering grittiness. Though they provide a limited range in pitch and tone, the monotony works for the record’s apathetic theme.