Ingrates - "Don't Be a Stranger"

As a couple of my like-minded and far more talented associates have already reported, the new Ingrates single is a must-hear. On "Don't Be a Stranger," its third single, the now-trio from California's High Desert continues to sound like some long-lost glam-tinged first wave UK punk band. Again the analog approach gives the band's recordings an old school feel that nicely dirties up its pop sensibilities. I could sneak one of these tunes onto a playlist of obscure '77 punk A-sides, and few people would be able to tell. One thing I'm noticing about Ingrates is that they truly aspire to write anthems. The title track here is downright inspirational — urging the listener to remain resilient, fearless, and determined no matter how hard life gets. That's some solid life advice, and Ingrates dispense it with tremendous conviction. Man, this song makes me wanna go out and kick some ass! The lead guitar sound and general pacing of the song acknowledge a big glam/bovver influence. Like Mick Fletcher, I'm catching Cock Sparrer vibes. And there's nothing wrong with that at all! On the B-side, "I Don't Care" is a faster and more straight-up rockin' number with lyrics exploring how insufferable our public discourse has become in the age social media. Check out this verse:

Everyone's got an opinion

They wanna tell you what they think
But they can't tell their ass from their elbow
When they're pissin' in the bathroom sink

My god, that's hilarious....and so completely true! 

Now with three excellent singles to their name in less than a year, Ingrates are officially a force to be reckoned with. I'd say it's about time for an album! 

-L.R.

https://ingrates.bandcamp.com/album/dont-be-a-stranger-b-w-i-dont-care-2

https://www.facebook.com/Ingrates-110389511496921

Ingrates - "Kickin' Down The Doors!"

Now this is how you avoid the sophomore jinx! Ingrates, a duo from the California desert, burst onto the scene last year with a debut single that could have passed for a long-lost punk rock 45 from 1977 U.K. I was blown away by the band's righteous blend of energy, rawness, and killer hooks. This set high expectations for a follow-up release, and I'm here to tell you that those expectations have been met. New single "Kickin' Down The Doors!" is nothing short of an anthem. If you're looking for a song to get you pumped up to take on whatever challenges await you today, this is it! This tune manages to be poppy and supremely rockin' at the same time. I love that vintage '77 punk guitar sound, and these guys could write the manual on how to turn out a sing-along chorus. To my ears, the production sounds a little tighter and cleaner on this go-around, but it's still plenty raw. On the virtual flip side, "Learn To Love It" adds a pinch of classic glam rock influence to Ingrates' punk/power pop sound. Again, the energy level is off the charts. This single, like its predecessor, was recorded as a duo. However, Ingrates are assembling a full band with live shows in mind. That is a very good thing since two singles from this band leave me wanting more!

-L.R.

https://ingrates.bandcamp.com/album/kickin-down-the-doors-b-w-learn-to-love-it-2
https://www.facebook.com/Ingrates-110389511496921

Ingrates - "Don't Wanna Work"

Well here's a new release that hits me right in my sweet spot! Ingrates are a duo from southeastern California who play '77-style punk rock with a touch of power pop. They've debuted with a digital single called "Don't Wanna Work". If I didn't know these guys were from the Mojave Desert, I might have pegged this track as a genuine artifact from the U.K. circa 1978. It's got an old school pub-rock inspired British punk sound with a really raw production that totally fits the song. And it's topical too -- celebrating the financial benefits of unemployment in COVID times. On the virtual flip side, "Leather Lover" is an ode to a stolen leather jacket. It leans a little more to the power pop side and reminds me quite a bit of the Exploding Hearts' demo tape. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I realize that new bands are still worshipping at the altar of the almighty Hearts. I don't hear bands of this style as much as I used to, so I am quite grateful to have been introduced to Ingrates. I'm my record collecting days, I would have flipped my shit if I came across a single like this in the 7" bin. Well-done, gentlemen!

-L.R.

https://ingrates.bandcamp.com/releases