Labels: No Idea Records
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Now there’s an original name for a band. A bunch of American hardcore mongers too. Panthro – easily the best character in the Thundercats cartoon, no? Just exactly how cool was that great big fuck off tank thing that he drove? Way cool I’d say!
This is pretty damm powerful stuff! Opener “Alien KOK” kicks off with some truly bruising and brutal heavy hardcore, whilst the gruff singer shouts out some vocals that are sort of half way between Avail and Hot Water Music. Other songs like “PUKU13 Fight Song” and the ripping “Jackson” (‘a song about a cat, a dog, and a bit of animosity’) bring to mind what the Dillinger Four might sound like if they were more hardcore.
The album also has a really dark edge to it, a feeling that seeps out throughout this album – with songs like title track “Sound of a Gun”, which has a slightly more melodic, punk rock Avail-esque feel, having a great deal to say about making the most of yourself. And if you aren’t gonna bother, shoot yourself. Yikes! And having a song called “So Much To Hate” speaks for itself.
PUKU13 like their chugga-chugga guitars, and so do I. At times it sounds like your speakers are going to collapse under the weight of it all. Luckily it’s not an all out thumping assault, “Princess” even almost has an emo style intro! So you get a good trade off between the out and out blasters, and the tracks that are toned down a little. What struck me most about this album though was that although it is damn fine, I think this band have a lot more to offer. I think album number two is going to be something to behold.
Well, a supremely fine release all told, but then again it’s on No Idea, so whaddya expect? This would make a great soundtrack to an NHL video of “The Most Brutal Hits In Hockey”. Every thump of the bass would be perfectly timed to a crushing blow delivered by Chris Pronger. Oh yes.