Round One
Recess, 2019
10/10
Two of the most legendary names in the underground rock community, Mike Watt (Minutemen, FiREHOSE) and Todd Congelliere (Toys That Kill, F.Y.P.), come together on a project that punks of all ages won’t have a problem latching onto, as they use a rotating cast of drummers on the energetic listen.
“On The Counter” gets the record off to a scuzzy punk fueled start where gritty guitars, fuzzed out rock and surf nods make an instant impression, and “The Punk Setup” follows with throbbing bass work and a rawness we tend to associate with the early days of punk.
At just 8 tunes and most hovering around 2 minutes, it’s a quick listen, but leaves an indelible mark with the proto-punk tendencies of “Claws Break Down” where Patty Schemel (Hole) lends her talents behind the drumkit, as well as the jagged, off-kilter execution of “Yeah, We’re Gonna Learn To Fall”.
Near the end, “Makin’ It Al Settle Down” illuminates Watt’s incredible bass playing well in the most abrasive tune, and “Babylon Gone” ends the fun with nods to garage rock where F.Y.P. alumni Raul Morales is on hand.
A phenomenal listen that occasionally touches on Watt’s SST days as well as ‘80s post-punk, with 8 different drummers on the recording each track brings new surprises in the often anthemic and hooky, yet chaotic delivery. Modern day punk rock rarely sounds this good.
Travels well with: Unknown Instructors- Unwilling To Explain; FITTED- First Fits;