There's something about zines starting record labels that is really catching off. To be honest, it's the way forward and I'm surprised more haven't already joined in. IATDE was a zine before the label (I think and hope!) while Fracture's many writers shared a wealth of labels between them. Even Big Cheese/Deck Cheese have shared interests. Here at Punktastic we made the jump over a year ago, while US zine Punk News (not to be confused with the UK variant) did the same not so long back.. I'd be amazed if AP.net weren't planning the same. The thing that binds all these labels together is the fact that the internet is now becoming the norm for discovering new bands and let's face it, some of these publications are becoming very, very big indeed. If these people are discovering new bands, why not release their records to share to the masses?
The first release on the new Punknews Records is that of Minneapolis' Somerset, not to be confused with the New Zealand band who released albums on the aforementioned Deck Cheese label here in the UK. PNR certainly have a distinct edge over many of the new breed of labels having already secured a distro deal through Epitaph, and this release arguably shows why Mr Brett and co would be interested. Maybe he's repaying that favour for helping find Matchbook Romance? Anyway, Somerset play a type of skate-punk, mixed up with a little rough-around-the-edges post-hardcore, with a lot of spit and polish thrown in to make this record really gleam. For a first release, the production really is something to crow about and it doesn't take too much away from the band themselves.
'Pandora' is a decent album. It's not a world-beater, and I doubt it will go on and sell a million, but for a first release it's damn solid. 'Open Books' is a rip-roarer of a starting point, while 'The Tragedy Of Christopher Needs' and Dandelion Wine' are crackers. Vocalist Forrest has a distinctive voice which suits the many styles the band attempt over the course of an album, while the guitarists manage to create a din at any given opportunity. While their lack of a concrete identity costs them at times, the fact that Somerset are more than willing to mix styles up in an attempt to remain interesting will serve them well in the future. For a first record this is a damn good release and worth checking out.
www.somersetrock.com
Punknews Records
Paul
