Punk Rock Saturday VII
Okay, people. This edition of Punk Rock Saturday has something for everyone, but let us begin with Belgian pop-punks Charlie Bit My Finger. This group of melodic rockers have hammered down the sound that has been carved into existence by the bands that populate the American Pie soundtrack; however, their latest jam, “Breaking Out,” offers listeners some heavier riffs, as well as subject matter that is a shade darker than your typical summer chart topper. Charlie Bit My Finger have toured most of Europe and North America, and if you haven’t seen them yet, here’s what you’ve been missing:
Leaving Belgium, let’s hit up New York City for some new school pop punk via Baby Got Back Talk. This group is a “D-I-why?-because-we-gotta punk party” and, upon teaming up with producer John Naclerio (Just Surrender, The Audition) at Nada Recording Studios, have just released their new EP, Existential Shred on Wiretap Records. My 11th grade English teacher always told me that if someone else said it better, don’t go messing it up with your own interpretation, so, according to the band: "We’re what punk looks like in the 2020s: driven by a DIY ethic, conversant with social issues--especially as they pertain to gender and race, enabled by inter-web, bankrolled by day jobs, powered by a rad likeminded community, resonant with the most venerable iterations of rock ‘n’ roll but firmly committed to injecting some new flavor into the mold." Very well said, but if you would rather let the music speak for itself, check out their latest video:
Lastly, for fans of an older school of sound, we have not forgotten about you! From Munich, Germany, please give it up for Straightline, with their “metal-infused thrash skate punk.” While their latest LP, Keep Your Cool, was written and recorded before COVID ruined everyone’s plans, the band waited for the world to start reopening before releasing it. They wanted to be able to back it up with their explosive live shows, which is exactly what they’re going to be doing while touring Canada and Slovenia. In fact, you can catch them tonight in Jonquiere, QC at Deluge Fest. Cop an earful of one of their latest cuts, “Earth Defenders:”
Until next time, stay hydrated, practice random acts of kindness, and fuck racism.
-TM