Art of the Underground has been steady for quite some time now, they put out singles by some great groups. The downside of this operation is when these singles come out they’re generally limited to 300 so you need to scoop them up quick. Anyway, here’s a look at a few of them.
The Steinways: Art of the Underground Single Series Volume 27
Oh fuck, the Steinways! Art of the Underground and the Steinways have really outdone themselves with this one. Volume 27 is one of my favorite releases from this series, if it wasn’t for the Ergs! one this one would take the gold. The first song on this gem “Black Lung” is one of my favorite Steinways songs, as with any good pop punk song, it always get stuck in my fucking head. This song also has some classic Steinways lines in it. The second song “Headache – Girlfriend = Zen” holds up to another Steinways standard, great song titles. And oh shit, we’ve got ACE on vocals in this one. This one is yet another great tune from the group that should have never broke up. Make sure you go out of your way to check out these songs kids, it’ll be worth it!
1. Black Lung
2. Headache – Girlfriend = Zen
The Apers: Art of the Underground Single Series Volume 28
Ah here are the Apers, aka Screeching Weasel of Europe with an addition to the Art of the Underground singles collection. A great addition to the collection too might I add. “One More 2nd Chance” is a great pop anthem anyway you look at it, it’s definitely a great addition to the songs you’re gonna listen to after you fuck up and your girlfriend kicks you the curb. She might not take you back but at least the Apers won’t judge you, (well maybe but you fucked up so you deserve it right?). The second tune we’ve got here is almost as great. It’s a nice catchy pop song with an easy to learn chorus that you can get down after hearing once so you can trick everyone at the show into thinking you know the song. This one is another of the AOTU series that you should be keeping an eye out for because it’d like to have a home in your record crate.
1. One More 2nd Chance
2. Wait A Little Longer
The Manges: Art of the Underground Single Series Volume 36
The Manges have a generic pop punk sound, but that’s not a bad thing. If you looking for something that sounds like it could come from lookout records in the 90′s you should look into the Manges. This single has a couple of songs (as always). The first one “Duck and Cover” has some great poppy guitar work and lyrically it’s about what you expect from a punk song, love this one. The second tune on here “Bad Brain” is fun, it starts out really strong, maybe better than the A side but then it’s down fall comes in, the last part of the song just repeats ‘Bad Brain’ over and over and over and over and over. Generally I don’t mind when a song finishes like this, but here it’s actually quite annoying.
1.Duck and Cover
2.Bad Brain
The Measure [SA]: Art of the Underground Single Series Volume 37
This was one of my first encounters with The Measure [SA], and enough to keep me on the hunt for more of their tunes. The Measure [SA] is a little hard to describe musically. They combine elements of pop punk, indie and folk, somehow. Nothing really shines through more than the others (except maybe the pop punk), it’s more like hints of different types of music blended beautify. If you’re a fan of these guys you should be on the hunt for this record, both songs are great. The first song maybe a little better than the second but both are on constant rotation for me.
A. We’ve Upped Our Standards, Now Up Yours
B. The Five Chimes
Kepi Ghoulie: Art of the Underground Single Series Volume 38
Kepi Ghoulie of the Groovie Ghoulies was forced to split out on his own when the band split, some people say it’s worked out for the best. Personally I think Kepi’s stuff is pretty hit or miss, luckily this one is a big hit. Volume 38 of the Art of the Underground collection I think is the best solo stuff Kepi has put out. Both songs are done with an acoustic flair, the first one “Bye Bye Brain” is my new favorite Kepi Ghoulie song, you just can’t go wrong with this one. The second song stays steady with a good rhythm that threatens to get stuck in your head and compliments the first song excellently.
1. Bye Bye Brain
2. Brain Scrambling Device
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Filed under: Indie, Music, Pop Punk, Punk, Reviews, Rock | Tagged: AOTU, Apers, Art of the Underground, Ergs, folk, groovie ghoulies, Indie, Kepi Ghoulie, lookout records, manges, music, pop punk, poppunk, punk, records, review, Reviews, Screeching Weasel, Steinways, the measure | Leave a Comment »
Feel pop punk has gotten too sugar coated and sweet? Think it’s lost its edge and raw energy? Think the Dutch can’t rock? Wish more bands like Screeching Weasel were around and less like the Ramones? Do yourself a favor and check out the new Apers album. Asian Man Records is bringing us this album with a monkey on the cover, which is always a plus. “You Are Only As Strong As The Table You Dance On” not only has a really fucking long name, but it’s got some damn good songs too. My favorite probably being “Friday Night Killed Saturday Fun”. My advice if you like the early stages of the pop punk scene is to go pick this one up.
