War Party Favors
Snappy Little Numbers, 2021
9/10
A long running outfit spearheaded by J. Waylon Porcupine, Friends Of Cesar Romero are definitely a punk band in some capacity, but certainly not in the typical sense, and the 2-3 minute tunes here are never short on hooks, melodies and charming riffs.
The title track starts the listen with a thumping version of garage rock that’s full of sturdy guitar and well timed backing vocals from Ella Sugar, and “The Lonely Popular Girl” follows with plenty of pop friendly melodies and some ‘80s New Wave energy, too.
Further down the line, “Mixed Signals” brings both pop-punk and indie-rock into the gritty yet tuneful delivery, while “Blank Valentine” embraces a retro power-pop spirit to benefit the scrappy album highlight. “Thinkin’ Bout’ Leavin’” then channels the girl group nostalgia of the ‘60s and is quite bouncy amid the infectious demeanor.
Deeper yet, “Lucy’s On Mohawk” buzzes with a head bobbin’ and toe tappin’ appeal that might make you dig out your Ramones records, and “Eyes As Blue As Angels” builds into a more pop-rock landscape that wouldn’t be out of place on the FM dial in the mid ‘90s.
It’s pretty surprising that after 11 albums Friends Of Cesar Romero are still pretty obscure, cause this is some fantastic punk, garage and pop that you’ll play repeatedly and never tire of.
Travels well with: Spells- Stimulants & Sedatives; Greg Antista And The Lonely Streets- Under The Neon Heat