It’s crazy to me how quickly the season is changing from summer to fall. It seems like just last week it was light out until 9PM and now it’s 7PM and already starting to get dark. I feel like this summer has been wasted due to no festivals or outdoor block parties with live music but discovering new bands and new albums through my random box of releases to be reviewed has definitely helped curb the depression. Was The Idolizers’ new self-titled EP going to be just what I needed to help get over the fact that it’s already getting dark at 7PM? I hit play and waited for the answer.
“Stranded (Again)” kicks off this quick EP with the perfect mood booster. Fast and grungy but still perfectly finished, I was instantly in love with the gritty taste that is The Idolizers. The nods to all of the punk greats before them is clear but you also get this taste of hidden glam-rock. This opening track is straight power chord and driving drums with gang vocals and a prominent lead vocalist. Garage rock at it’s best, I was instantly in love with the atmosphere this opening track was creating in my house and a smile stretched across my face as I let the two and a half minute long song play.
Second on this four song EP is “Golden Days” which brings an almost thrashy and rockabilly vibe to the forefront. I promise, I’m not crazy, those things go together when it comes to this band and the way they blend these styles flawlessly is definitely a sound to be heard. There’s something old-timey about this song that instantly made me picture poodle skirts and an old school diner complete with perfect milkshakes. “Golden Days” seems to be a throwback to, well, the golden days, and it was a track that got a couple of plays before I moved on to “Exile on Pain Street”.
There’s really no transition into “Exile on Pain Street” but The Idolizers bring in new elements to this song that had yet to be heard on the previous two songs. Mike Dee Thrill Sergeant’s vocals seem to be louder and clearer in this track along with a pounding piano part that you know, if you know me, I’m a sucker for. If Jerry Lee Lewis had a child with The Ramones that was raised by Kurt Cobain, The Idolizers would be that child and then some. Unique, fun, in your face but not abrasive, “Exile on Pain Street” is an instant classic of a track.
Closing out this all-to-quick EP is “She’s A Killer”. This one is easily the longest track sitting at just over four minutes and is also the slowest when it comes to tempo but there’s no lack of energy or innovation on this track. The band takes their time with this one giving each instrument their own chance to shine which is a super nice touch. It’s clear throughout this EP that all of the band members bring something to the table and this song just seems to showcase that thought. Mike’s vocals take a turn to the Danzig side with a dark tinge to them but there’s no mistaking who is singing which is just freaking brilliant.
Sure, this EP is quick. Super quick. But I promise you it is worth every penny. This album will be going straight to my car as my early morning pick-me-up for my drive into work everyday.
My Favorite Track(s): “Golden Day”
For Fans Of: Vintage Punk; Fast Paced Distractions; Quick and Dirty
Dance-ability: 8.3 out of 10
What My Cats Thought Of It: Artie laid right by the speaker; Autumn slept upstairs
How Badly I Want To See This Performed Live: 9.1 out of 10
My Overall Rating: 8.3 out of 10
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