Indestructible Records. Too Much Like Hard Work. Volume 1, Various Artists
Indestructible records bring us volume 1 in what will hopefully be a series of future compilations. 29 tracks of pure pop punk and a sprinkle of ska bring us tales of relationships, broken love, hate and getting drunk. Combined with musically perfect guitar structures, fast drumming skills, incredible bass links and where would you be without a pop punk CD containing more hooks than a fishing tackle shop? You know the score. Its short, sweet and simple (74mins) and it works brilliantly. Obviously this is not for the sort of person who thrives on variation, but whack this one with your mates and you’ve got your self an easy listening CD that most should relate to.
To comment on all 29 tracks may be a bit much, but I can tell you stand out songs are the hilarious “Stuck With You” by Route 215 and “My Girl Don’t Think I’m Funny” by Hate Fuck Trio. Other bright stars are The Gammits, RX Bandits, MU330, Allister and also Get The Girl with their track “Glazen Eyes.” Bands that are slightly disappointing by their own usual standards are Not Katies and Lightyear. Bands like Zigger and their extremely poor effort, “I Took My Mom To The Prom” make you wish this compilation consisted of 28 tracks and not 29.
The thing I liked about this compilation was discovering a fair few of the bands are brought in from across Europe. To mention a few of the better groups, The Apers and The Peawees both from the Netherlands, and also The Stinking Polecats from Italy. This is something I’ve never experienced before and it certainly makes a change, especially knowing that the quality of music on the European scene is competing against some of the American bands which to be fair are a bit over rated. One of the other things I like about this CD is Get The Girl, an unsigned band who I previously mentioned as having a very good track, have earned themselves a highly regarded position, not only on the CD, but to be wedged between 2 drive – thru bands, Allister and RX Bandits.
If you like your pop-punk, or you have heard lots about the bands on this CD, but have never had time / money to invest in their stuff, this compilation is bound to satisfy you.
http://www.indestructiblerecords.com
Pete
