Labels: All in Vinyl
Review by: Andy Malcolm
The gruff punk wars are still waged up and down the length and breadth of the United States of America, although I pay little heed to the despatches in 2013. Make that 2014. Dan Padilla is very much a veteran of those campaigns, trooping out to the front line again and again and again. And again. Discogs bears witness to their relentless efforts, a veritable parade of 7″ and a few longer efforts, dating back to 2007. That’s like, a lifetime ago in punk rock. However, I probably haven’t listened to the band myself since before I moved house last time around, which was 2008. That’s a long time ago. Shame really as Padilla know what they are doing, opener “Why Bother” is a real delight, pounding away in the genre fashion, every tradition honoured. Padilla do completely nail it though, I think it wins me over with the little touches, like the excellent backing vocals that slip in to provide a contrast with all the throat clearing.
Down and Outs are a new one on me. These guys fight their battles on this side of the Atlantic, and play catchy and snotty punk like wot I think of when I think of Rancid. Simple and melodic, well crafted punk. The kind of stuff that will get the skunk eye from the serious punx, but at a gig would inspire a nice little mosh pit filled with goofy youngsters from your local DIY pop punk scene whilst a couple of old farts stand a few rows back and nod their heads. Fine by me.