rekless youth

If I were a teenager who played in a punk rock band and found myself lucky enough to get a CD or record out I would hope that none of the review copies that I sent out would wind up in the hands of a substantially older punk rock dude. Older punk dudes are more often than not known for their cynical attitudes toward the younger kids who are just now getting into this music. I mean, the nerve of you guys not being born before the 1990's! What were your parents thinking? Seriously and fortunately, for Rekless Youth (and for me) I'm a subscriber to the Mike Watt view of punk rock which goes something like "just because you didn't play in a punk band in the '70s doesn't mean you can't play in one now". Of course, it's hard for me to turn off that part of my brain that has been listening to this music for longer than I care to admit and to try and hear younger groups with fresh ears but I always give it my best attempt.

The first thing that I thought when I put this CD, their second release, on the stereo was "UK 1982" because the production sometimes brings to mind that period's dark, cold new world feel. I honestly don't hear many newer recordings which evoke this era quite so strikingly, so this was a pleasant surprise. A lot of the songs I was already familar with from having seen the band live numerous times over the last year. I remember thinking that I liked this CD much more than I remembered liking their first one, "EZ Street". Then I re-listened to that first one and the difference was clear. They've grown considerably as a band and as songwriters. Their lyrics are still a little vague here and there for my tastes, but that gives them something in common with 95% of the other punk bands out there, past and present. Their strength is in their uplifting music and the increased enthusiasm that carries it. I remember telling these guys that I would review their first CD when they gave me a copy, but I never got around to it and that's probably because it didn't interest me as much as I would have liked. I didn't have that problem with this CD. I hear all kinds of things on here that I like such as Morgan's Steve Youth-inspired bass playing (although they're all equally advanced on their respective instruments), the integration of non-punk instruments that really work here (such as the harmonica intro on "Power and Greed" and the accordian throughout "Throw It All Away"), and the improved and frequently killer riffs. This old-school punk album is more consistent than any that Rancid have made since "Out Come the Wolves" although the high points here don't peak quite as high as Rancid are still sometimes capable of. Still, a year ago I never would have thought I'd be writing that previous sentence in reference to Rekless Youth. So, yay for them, and for you if I've convinced you to check them out for the first time or to give them a second listen.

-Chris Peigler

- stillnotdead/Chris P.

The Deal: Fresh off their win at the Muzak Battle of the Bands in March, the punk trio releases their sophomore album.

The Good: Ah, good ol' punk music – rough around the edges, fueled by teen angst and gritty like it should be. The 13-track disc clocks in at 33 minutes, but that's about all you need. It's fast and furious without drowning out the vocals. They're sticking to the punk mold and showing a good amount of musical maturity for a young group. They get political, but keep it simple. It's that good skater punk reminding me of bands like Sex Pistols, The Ramones, Black Flag and Operation Ivy. The band also shows a hint of diversity with the acoustic, instrumental "Abrir Los Ojos."

The Bad: Not much to gripe about – these teens have a long road ahead of them. The only complaint might be the lack of a visual of guitarist Madison's Mohawk that goes so well with the music.

The Verdict: The CD keeps the band's energy intact. As one of the judges from the Battle of the Bands, I'm glad the CD sounds just as good as their live show.

- Creative Loafing