Thumper Punk Records have put together two harder-edged punk bands for a split ep and as one might expect with punk bands, it’s fast and furious, 10 songs in around 20 minutes. On one hand you have the, for lack of a better term, patriotic punk rock of Platoon 1107, a solo project from Jimmy Sisco (Absolved, Of Puritans and Lepers, ex-Nomad) and the other half of the ep features The Cants from Nashville.
Platoon 1107
As mentioned, Platoon 1107 is a solo project from Jimmy Sisco and has been labeled as “patriotic” punk rock, which seems rather at odds with your typical punk rock mentality. In a larger view, punk rock has often challenged the status quo and norm and unfortunately in the US, our military personnel often do not receive the respect and treatment they deserve, so in that sense, this is very punk rock – challenging the norm, standing for something, and showing conviction. For those wondering, Jimmy served six years in the US Marine Corps and a previous release We Glory in the Title was aimed at military veterans and those who have given something back to this country.
Musically, Platoon 1107 is fast, guitar-driven punk rock with vocals usually shouted over the top in a clear tone, fast and loud and not strained. The second track “For God, For Family, for Country” surprised me a bit as the guitar in the beginning was completely out of “Mommy’s Little Monster”-era Social Distortion and there’s a great sing-along/pile on chorus section of “For my God, For my family, For my country” and in a breakdown section Jimmy backs up his thoughts with the spoken “God bless America, the land that I love, home sweet home”.
There is one “cover” tune on this ep as Platoon 1107 provides their rendition of the Absolved’s song “And of Heaven In Such a Hell” (Jimmy’s other band). In this case the song is played is played a bit faster, covering the same material in about 35 seconds less time. Interestingly, the intro to the song “American Patriot” are some encouraging words from John F. Kennedy taken from a speech to the US Naval Academy, “Never forget, however, that the battle for freedom takes many forms. Those who through vigilance and firmness and devotion are the great servants of this country–and let us have no doubt that the United States needs your devoted assistance today.” As in the past Platoon 1107 has a distinct message of encouragement for those serving their country and it’s delivered through some fast, raw, old-school punk rock.
Rating: 7/10
Tracklist – Platoon 1107
1. Twenty Six Counts of Battery
2. For God, For Family, For Country
3. And Of Heaven In Such a Hell
4. American Patriot
5. Fools On Parade
6. Separatist
Band Members
Jimmy Sisco – Vocals, guitar, bass
Record Label: Thumper Punk Records, June 2013
***
The Cants
The second half of the ep features four songs from The Cants who hail from Nashville. First thing the listener will notice is a dramatic change in production quality. While I’m not a huge fan of how Platoon 1107 sounds on the album, The Cants take a dramatic step toward the raw, recorded quickly sound. Vocals are shouted and definitely strained, backing vocals are largely gang shouting, and the guitars have an almost jangly, irritating tone quality to them, which may very well be intentional. All that negativity aside, “Particle Man Takes a Look at the Unobservable Universe” has a great opening guitar riff and some good transitions within with song that make it a good lo-fi, raw punk rock song and by far their best song on the ep.
Rating: 5/10
Tracklist – The Cants
7. A Misplaced Sentiment Brings The Date to an Abrupt End
8. The Real Predicament for Any Body Snatcher is The Body
9. A Charismatic Robot with an Agenda
10. Particle Man Takes a Look at The Unobservable Universe
Band Members
Shawn Cothran
JR Goleno
Grant Jenkins
Record Label: Thumper Punk Records, June 2013
Weblinks: Facebook / Reverbnation / Twitter