Labels: Rumblestrip
Review by: Andy Malcolm
This is the first release in ages from what I presumed was the now defunct Rumbleseat label – run by the guy who brought us Hooton 3 Car and put out Apple Orchard. But I know so little about the two new bands that live on this record, it’s unreal!
First up is Ohno Express who contribute “Caboose” and “Just So…”. Looks like we have another one of those cool, super tuneful, melodic punk bands on our hands. “Caboose” is mid-paced, and I’d say it’s an intriguing mix – With the slightly more aggressive touch of Leatherface on the chorus, some of the guitars of Broccoli sprinkled throughout and the higher pitched vocals of Travis Cut. Bouncy like the Promise Ring at the start and all. “Just So…” is more of the same, but with more of the Travis Cut slant on tuneful punk. Neat, look forward to them developing.
Ranger Smith have put out what sounds like 2 demo songs. Heh. That is to say, the sound quality is, shall we say, limited. Not that you can’t spot a good band through this. “Was A Time” is gravelly voiced melodic punk which means I have to roll out the old Leatherface and Broccoli comparisons again. There are similarities, I’d say they are more inclined to the punkier Broccoli stuff than Leatherface, but what the hey. Second song, “Your Choice” has a really bubbly bassline, and is more of the same stuff. I like.
Yay, 2 more dashed fine UK bands. Check this out, but don’t expect the slickiest, glossiest thing, ok?