The B-Listers debut ep “Riots to Soundtracks” is crammed full of fast, catchy punk rock just like bands used to make in the old days. Currently a free download, so if you have any slight inclination toward anything remotely close to punk rock, you’ll want to go get this ASAP.
So, who are the B-Listers…that’s a good question. About all we know is that they’re a new band but based on the sound and polish to the tracks, they really must be old and one bio on them does say they “have largely more beard than hair”. Those with a keen ear will be able to come up with some reasonable guesses as to who exactly is behind the project, but part of the fun is the not knowing. The band and I’m sure many listeners thank Brandon Jones of IndieVision Music for hosting the download on the IndieVision Music Bandcamp site.
The ep kicks off with a cool drum line joined by one of those ominous sounding bass lines that used to open up all hardcore tracks “back in the day”, and then the song literally goes from 0 to 100mph in a heartbeat with the driving rhythm punctuated by the ultra-fast guitar and drums moving the tune along. Vocals are clear and have that special punk rock tone to them that fits the music perfectly.
“90’s Punk Revisited” really does sound like every song you loved from that era and “The B-Listers Anthem” hearkens back to songs like the Descendents theme. “War Cancer” does bring in some seriousness, focusing on those fighting battles every day and how “In Christ we have our Victory.” Closing out the album is “Riots to Soundtracks”, a nod to days past and the role of music in being part of the story and now part of the memories. Again, all of this backed by fast guitars, shouted but clear vocals, some good sing-along parts, and a rhythm section that must be coffee-powered.
To me, the lines below from the “B-Listers Anthem” pretty much sums up this project and those sentiments come through loud and clear on this ep.
NEVER CHOSEN IN THE FIRST FEW ROUNDS, OUR TALENTS SEEM TO BE LAGGING BEHIND, WON’T FIND THIS SONG ON THE TOP 40 COOL CHARTS, OUR TEMPO MAY BE SLIGHTLY OUT OF TIME, BUT WE DON’T MIND BECAUSE WE’RE HAVING FUN
And that really is what this ep is all about. Some punk veterans got together and put together some songs that will remind the old-timers of their glory days and at the same time can serve as a soundtrack for the youngsters currently in their glory days.
Written by John Jackson
Rating: 9/10
Tracklist:
1. Thumper Punk
2. 90s Punk Revisited
3. B-Listers Anthem
4. War Cancer
5. Riots to Soundtracks
Band Members:
? –Guitars
? – Bass
? – Drums
? – Vocals
Record Label: Thumper Punk Records, April 2016
Weblinks: Facebook / Bandcamp / Reverbnation
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
Video for ’90s Punk Revisited’