It's not often I use the word "genius" to describe a rock 'n' roll record, but what Glenn Robinson has done with his latest Pavid Vermin album is absolutely, positively a work of genius. A few years back, he was goofing around with a death metal song title generator. Then he got the idea to actually write songs based on these titles — but to make them sound like '50s and '60s rock 'n' roll! This might have been a jokey project if he had just written one song or gone through the motions with the songwriting. Instead, he worked for a few years to really perfect the material — making sure the songs were legit good and up to his usual standards. Pavid Vermin for several years has been one of the most dependable "bands" in the pop-punk world. With this new album Brutality Is My Only Friend, we get the familiar spirit of Pavid Vermin. But this is not really a pop-punk record. It's an oldies-influenced pop rock 'n' roll record that is about as musically upbeat as it gets — creating quite a contrast to the absolutely brutal lyrics. Of course I was laughing the moment I heard the line "We'll all be dead in a couple of days" delivered as if it were the happiest phrase ever uttered. But the joke never wears thin since these songs are just so catchy and well-crafted. Essentially, Pavid Vermin has given us songs about murder, torture, dismemberment, and cannibalism that we can dance to. "Excremental Feast on the Decomposing Remnants of Humanity" is an infectious garage/beat party-starter. "Sacrificed by Cannibals at the Bottom of the Stairs to the Church of Blood" sounds like Elvis Costello and the Attractions if they'd gone really dark. "Baptized in Searing Acid in the Cesspool of the Necrotic Slaughterhouse" has a swinging '60s feel. "Tormented Corpse Exsanguination" could almost have been on the American Graffiti soundtrack!
I suppose some people will check out this album and be like, "Man, that's messed up." But isn't that the whole point? Dark humor has always been a sweet spot for me, and the level of commitment to dark humor on this record is beyond impressive. These are genuinely some of the best songs in the Pavid Vermin catalog. The novel aspects of Brutality Is My Only Friend will grab your attention, but the quality of the execution will keep you coming back. The digital album is available now. A limited vinyl release is available from Memorable But Not Honorable Records. A CD release is coming June 14th on Rum Bar Records — which will be kicking off its summer of pop-punk by also releasing new albums from J Prozac and The Cretins on the very same day! Pre-orders are open, so step up to the bar!
Agree 110%, this album delivers the goods in twisted and fun ways. The cheery and well coordinated vocals of "Desecrate The Cathedral" are a real commitment. This one bears many replays
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