Labels: Paramnesia
Review by: Andy Malcolm
It’s nice to get sent a 7″ for review. Especially a good one. Amateur Party play some driving, melodic post punk that clearly takes cues from bands such as Mission of Burma and Wire, whilst being born out of the hardcore scene of the last 15 years in featuring folk from Off Minor, Limp Wrist and Kill the Man Who Questions. So it capably fuses in influence from DIY punk of the past 15-20 years too. And if that isn’t Heartattack enough for you, then the cover photography is by Chrissy Piper and features various beadies / punks wearing big coats. The big coats aspect coming from the fact that the title song is about how in chilly Philadelphia, power utility companies have been disconnecting people who haven’t paid their bills in the midst of winter. Yep, this is a throwback record to a time when punks were concerned more with community than mp3s. I am sure the cynics out there reading this review have long since pressed ALT-F4. Anyway, the record comes with a nice booklet with lyrics and some writing. Dig into this for the song explanations.
The music is twisty and intense, yet eschews complexity for catchiness and energy, which seems to be something that a lot of bands today simply can’t (or won’t) attempt. The vocals are super, all urgent and free wheeling. “Gun Fever” bounces into a territory that blends together the old sound with something that would appeal to young uns reared on No Idea records. The ending of final track “Waiting For the Reconstruction” is rather mod. So, 4 tracks all told, each with plenty of variety and interesting things going on. This makes for a fine 7″, although as none of the tracks really flow with the others, I assume they are still working things out, and that an LP is some way off. I reckon that if you enjoy the Young Offenders then this 7″ should also float your boat.