So, cast those ex-OPERATION IVY and even COMMON RIDER comparisons aside, Jesse Michaels’ CLASSICS OF LOVE are a band releasing music in 2012 (!!!), and following a debut EP in 2009 and 7″ in 2010, their self-titled album sees them dish out a healthy musical punch in the face.
If you’re familiar with anything Michaels’ has been involved in, you’ll know where you stand on the vocals from the word go, but otherwise, the style here is the scrappiest and most urgent that he’s ever been involved in.
Because most of it’s fast paced and the recording relatively lo-fi, CLASSICS OF LOVE come sounding fairly scrappy, but despite the fact that it’s a bit of a bumpy ride, it’s nothing short of exhilarating. Every note is one conceived from graft and passion, and if you’ve ever had a fond ear for the Lookout! Roster (lazy label comparison alert), you’ll be right at home.
Stemming influences from hardcore and garage punk, the album departs as fast as it progresses, and is never in danger of outstaying its welcome. The faster the band are, the better they are, but if you’re tired of slick and safe punk, you may well find some relief within.
Tracks like ‘Castle In The Sky’, ‘Gun Show’ and ‘It Will Not Be Moved’ are excellent, but it’s really all worth checking out, and it’s great to see Asian Man Records carrying on in fine form. This could well be an essential release for punk in 2012.
TOM AYLOTT