Keeping things new and fresh can be a challenge for many musicians these days with the amount of bands flooding the internet every single day. Whether it be punk, pop punk, street punk or whatever other sub genre pulled out of the air to justify somebody's sound is currently the trend, putting together an album you can sit back, throw on repeat and still enjoy the third time around is no simple task.
However, it is a true testament to these guys with their recent efforts in putting together a killer record. From beginning to end, you cant help but try and sing along even if you don't know the words having heard these songs for the first time. I actually found myself listening to "I Found the One" a few times before moving on to the rest of the album just so that I could try and learn the lyrics.
Teenage Bottlerocket blow the doors off with their latest release Tales From Wyoming available online and in stores March 31st 2015. You can order the album along with other merch here.
Once you press play, you are once again front row and centre to a solid album that makes you feel like you are in the room watching these boys rock out. The introductory track "In My Head" gives Tales From Wyoming a powerful start to the record that only promises to please fans from beginning to end. Ray's voice punches through and brings us back to familiar territory with Teenage Bottlerocket, yet the album offers a crisp and polished new sound. The distorted guitars and Miguel's deadly bass lines set up the listener to some of the best we have received from the boys yet.
The album is not just a re visiting of previous releases, nor is it a departure from those endeavours either. Tales From Wyoming gives us an earful of songs that do not stray too far from their early roots in the punk rock scene, however does touch on some subjects that will be new to fans. On one of the tracks called "TV Set", you can hear Teenage Bottlerocket's ability to delve into more serious subjects without becoming overly preachy and still keep a tone that is both sombre and enjoyable to listen to. Its a refreshing approach to singing about the worlds current state of affairs few bands are able to hone without sounding pompous.
We also get a taste of the regular goods in songs like "Haunted House" and "Too Much La Colina", bringing Kody to the front of the vocal delivery. The lyrics are catchy as hell, the guitar riffs so infectious that you find yourself unknowingly nodding your head along as you listen.
When its time to shake up the tempo of the album, we have "I Wanna Die" which gets gritty right from beginning to end. Its raw, fast and ultimately a good time to listen to and again proof that the boys dont just stick to one formula of getting things done and aren't afraid to kick it into high gear.
"First Time" gives us an opportunity to listen to Ray's vocal ability and songwriting talent. It is perhaps one of the most stripped down and honest tunes we have heard on a Teenage Bottlerocket album about a subject that is clearly close to the chest. I have to say this was one of my favourites.
Tales From Wyoming is witness to some of the best songwriting performed by Teenage Bottlerocket. In having steadily become a staple in the punk rock world, this latest release leaves us wanting to listen to it over and over again. This record is sure to become a fan favourite and is a true display that these boys have carved their way into the roster of essential punk rock bands that will be sticking around with no real end in sight.
Teenage Bottlerocket is currently on tour in support of Tales From Wyoming and if you have never had a chance to see them live, do yourself a favour, check out your local show listings and check them out. They are one helluva good time.
Teenage Bottlerocket plays the Ship and Anchor with The Copyrights June 10th in Calgary.
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