It’s not every day that a package from Slovenia drops through your letterbox, and it’s certainly not every day that you discover a quality punk rock band from somewhere you least expect it. While Multiball has a pretty shitty name, the music they play is far from it. If this is the state of Slovenian punk rock, then we should all consider moving out there – Multiball’s Millencolin meets MxPx melodic skate punk is slick, fun and very, very good.
The band go back to 2001 and have put out three independent demos, featured on two compilations and have now secured a deal with Panika Records, a Slovenian label. Quite how they found out about Punktastic is a different matter – but I’m glad they did. The guitars are poppy as hell, and Gregor’s vocals are reminiscent of Millencolin’s in that they’re very Americanised, yet keep a foreign edge to them. The opening salvo blast of ‘Intro (Multiball Hits Your Town)’ is a sonic blast that really makes the ears prick up. If I’m honest I wasn’t really expecting the band to be quite this good.
But this good is exactly what they are. It’s a tried and tested formula that Multiball stick to, and they don’t leave the battered path of skate punk goodness, but this is a record that does the simple things extremely well. ‘Today or Tomorrow’ features guitar riffs that Strung Out or Bigwig crave, while the drums pound away, while ‘At Last!’ maintains the vocal harmonies and melodies. The production on this record is huge, making the record stand out even more. ‘There You Go!’ reminds me of ‘Life In General’-era MxPx, which I know will have many of you salivating at the mouth, while ‘Downtown Party’ is even better.
I guess Multiball don’t push any envelopes, but then there’s no real need to. They have fun, they do the simple things well and they rock the fuck out. When the sun shines and you need a pick me up, there’s nothing better than some slick melodic punk rock – and Multiball can satisfy your every need. Check them out, you won’t regret it.
ww.multiballband.com
info@multiballband.com
Paul
