Faster and Louder
Punk and rock n' roll reviews from Lord Rutledge and friends
Friday, July 04, 2025
TA-80 - "Roller Rink Days"
On its new single, Arizona's TA-80 is hitting all my sweet spots. Not only does "Roller Rink Days" mix up the perfect cocktail of punk, pop, and rock, but it also pays homage to the culture of roller rinks. Man, when I was a kid, there was literally no place better to be than the roller rink. You had skating, killer tunes, arcade games, snacks, and quality time with your friends under the glow of ultraviolet light. So yeah, "Roller Rink Days" is giving me all the feels. It's fun and anthemic like any TA-80 song, and the music video is an absolute hoot. The band's new album Open Late will be out next month, so make sure you are ready to rock. Y'all can loiter by the Space Invaders machine all day as far as I'm concerned!
Poppy Robbie - "Mind Contorted"/"Naivety Is Key"
Well, lookee here! We've got ourselves a new 7-inch record from the one-and-only Poppy Robbie! This limited edition lathe cut spins at 33 1/3 RPM and comes hand-numbered and drawn by Robbie himself. It was created on a nearly 100-year-old record cutter and is unlike any other piece of vinyl you own. The Google robot tells me it's a single "in the pop-rock genre," and I can't really argue with that. On the A-side, "Mind Contorted" is a cover of Daniel Johnston's classic. There was briefly a digital release of this track last year, but you would have missed it if you had blinked. Thankfully it's back on the interwebs and available for purchase on vinyl. As a fan of Robbie's, I am not at all surprised that he has an affinity for the songwriting of Daniel Johnston. Here he puts his signature on "Mind Contorted" in a way that still honors the original version. This is what a great cover song should be: one artist interpreting another's work rather than just straight-up copying it. This sounds like it could have been a Poppy Robbie original. On the flip, "Naivety Is Key" is vintage Poppy Robbie: a clever and reflective tune with an indie singer/songwriter's soul and the feel of something Rob Fleming might have owned on vinyl. These two songs work together beautifully, and the package that Robbie has put together is quite extraordinary. When he told me he was sending me cookies and it turned out not to be cookies, well, I had to admit this was better than cookies. When I say it's limited, I mean it's limited. The pressing was 25 copies, so I would suggest acting fast if you want something this cool in your life. I don't want it to reach the point where people are getting into screaming matches and fist fights over who gets the last copy, so please shop responsibly. The world might be going down the toilet, but at least we still have music.
Cretonix - Byproduct Of The 80s
Rum Bar Records hits another one out of the park! Cretonix's Byproduct Of The 80s is a solo project by Murph from The Cretins that sounds very unlike The Cretins. Murph, a well-known figure in the pop-punk world, has crafted an homage to the new wave and synth-pop sounds that were all the rage in the early-to-mid-'80s. But what could have turned out to be a gimmicky record proves to be anything but. This is arguably the best album Murph has ever been a part of. It's not just about his chosen musical style — it's about how well he has executed the style. Byproduct Of The 80s broadly celebrates a moment in popular culture when MTV, big hair, synthesizers, and drum machines reigned supreme. Just as importantly, this was a glorious time for well-crafted radio hits. And that's why Cretonix hits the mark. It doesn't just emulate the sounds of '80s new wave. It reminds us that all this music is so warmly remembered today because the songs were so amazing. Beyond anything else, this is a terrific pop record that can be fully enjoyed even if you're not the least bit nostalgic for the '80s.
When I think of the most important influences ever on melody-driven pop music, I'd say the Ramones and Beatles are the absolute gods. Next in line would be The Cars. With that mind, I'd say The Cars are to Cretonix what the Ramones are to The Cretins. Murph was inspired to make this record while listening to Heartbeat City, and the influence is palpable. But what I like about Byproduct Of The 80s is that its influences are more broad than specific. It's not trying to sound like any particular band or bands, but it definitely evokes the feel and spirit of the '80s. The album switches back and forth between new wave, power pop/pop-rock, synth-pop, and post-punk in a truly seamless fashion. If Murph was trying to make his own soundtrack to a John Hughes movie, I'd say he totally nailed it. If you fondly recall a time when The Cars, The Cure, INXS, A Flock of Seagulls, the Psychedelic Furs, Eurythmics, The Outfield, Men Without Hats, Rick Springfield, Missing Persons, A-ha, and Bryan Adams were all on the radio at the same time, you'll dig the vibe of this album. And even if the '80s were well before your time, I still think you'll dig the vibe of this record. Murph has always had a flair for writing a catchy pop song, but here he has taken his songwriting talents to another level. He has a surprisingly good voice for this kind of music, and his ability to program and arrange these more sophisticated pop songs is highly impressive. For a DIY solo project, this album sounds remarkably well-produced. Over a number of years, Murph has put a lot of time into honing his skills with the synths and drum machines, and as a result, Byproduct Of The 80s comes off like the work of a true craftsman.
As a fellow '80s kid who grew up to be a '90s pop-punker, I'm getting all the feels from Cretonix. There's nothing ironic or silly about Murph's approach to this music. Byproduct Of The 80s was conceived out of a genuine love for the culture and sounds of the '80s, and Murph really did justice to this style of music. And I love that fate has brought Malibu Lou and Murph back together. I'm sitting here imagining the look on Lou's face when he heard this record — he must have been flipping out! This is an absolute dandy of an album. You'll come for the retro vibes, but you'll stay for the killer tunes!
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
Dark Thoughts - 2025 Summer Promo
Dark Thoughts, who had not released music in this decade, have treated us to a little taster of their forthcoming album. A lot of people would rank Dark Thoughts as the best Ramones-inspired band out there, and I think the key word there is inspired. These guys know how to take a basic musical formula and pump it full of guts and vitality. The band's 2025 Summer Promo release features three new tracks plus a Ramones cover from lockdown times. I don't think anyone is going to disappointed in the slightest. These new tunes come on hard and fast and kick all kinds of ass. The album will be titled Highway to the End, and I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot about it in the coming months!
The Len Price 3 - "Emily's Shop"
Back with its first new music in a couple years, The Len Price 3 has delivered a perfect 1-2 punch of garage rocking powerful pop. Out on Wicked Cool Records, new single "Emily's Shop" is giving early Who vibes, and I am here for it! The A-side is a tribute to the BBC children's series Bagpuss and a stone cold smash. On the flip, "I'm a Fake" is every bit as good. If you like loud, vibrant, and quintessentially British guitar pop that's inspired by the '60s heyday but current enough to fit in with the modern-day garage rock scene, this single will be a mandatory addition to your personal playlist.
Tuesday, July 01, 2025
Outtacontroller - "Hold It Out" + "At Night"
The always dependable Outtacontroller returns with a new digital single. You know what to expect, but that doesn't make it any less of a treat. "Hold It Out" and "At Night" both clock in a little north of two minutes and dish out a whole lot of fuzzed-out poppy punk goodness with just the right amount of garage edge. These guys have been at it since the early 2010s and have managed to retain their signature sound without a hint of decline or stagnation. Free music from a band this good is an absolute gift, and this single is first class stuff. Happy Canada Day!
Trevor Blendour - "She's Still My Baby"
Look who's back! When it comes to pop-punk/power pop music rooted in late '50s/early '60s rock 'n' roll, Trevor Blendour is the freaking king! In advance of his forthcoming album Breaking Up (which will be out at the end of August), Mr. Blendour has leaked the opening track and set up a pre-order on his Bandcamp. "She's Still My Baby" is vintage Trevor Blendour: a two-minute feel-good earworm full of melody and harmonies that brings to mind a punked-up Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, or Neil Sedaka. This guy understands what pure pop music is all about in a way that most people never will, crafting modern-day love songs with the timeless appeal of golden oldies. "She's Still My Baby" is the perfect summertime rocker for cruising in your car or dancing the night away. Get your pre-order in and crank this track all summer long!