Garbage Point – “Invasion Of The Garbage Snatchers”
So the boys at TNB seem a bit busy these days. What with the convicted criminal, Andy Bang, off the streets and Slimedog just bidding his time before he too, is in the slammer.
I’m Samm Gunn, I’m a private eye for hire.
So those two derelicts asked me to check out this new band Garbage Point.
Which makes me think of when I read their paper, Thrash N Bang, I usually say to myself, “What is the point of this garbage?”
Not about the performers or entertainers they write about. More about the drivel and lies that leak out of their pens and out of their minds (which they are obviously out of). But the bands are great, they just deserve better.
Like this band Garbage Point. They play some really great pop/punk. It’s energetic, it’s catchy, has substance, some excellent guitar work and great singing. And some funny lyrics, to boot!
Not like those TNB jokers.
You might think they’re trying to be funny but they’re completely serious! I truly believe their minds have rotted away like some spoiled fruit!
And the sad part is- Ha! You’re probably thinking, “Why would they print this guy?” Well, these jokers think I’m joking! Meanwhile, I’m laughing my ass off at their sorry asses.
But enough of them, let’s listen to Garbage Point’s music. Seems like Slimeball took some time off from drinking to actually write the next part.
With three chords crashing, a steady rockin’ beat and four melodious sung words, “Lost In The Woods,” enters with a buoyant energy and drive. This is an evenly paced song that’s bursting with fun and joy much like what you get from a good Ramones song. “I’m just a city kid going on a camping trip/ I can’t hunt or fish/ I want my honey mustard dip.” And though this song moves happily and confidently along the lyrics speak of trepidation. “I’m afraid of wolverines, grizzly bears in a cave/ I can’t start a fire/ I can only use a microwave.” This song contains a simple, but effective guitar solo and a great, harmony part that recalls to me, Green Day at their finest. The singer may feel he’s lost in the woods but to be lost in this potent, pop/punk perfection I would have a hope to never be found.
With some nice, grime-y, garage sounding guitar chords jutting out at you, “Bug In A Head,” gets off to a great start. This song has a bit of an early British punk feel to it with its’ strident, marching chorus reminding me of The Clash or The Jam. And it appears to be about alien bugs taking up residence in deceased human skulls! “This place has oxygen and everything that we are after/ The food might taste like shit and everyone is always pissed/ But we will start a new life here with plenty of food and lots of beer.” That last part has me sold. That plus the energetic rhythm and echo-y melodic vocals. Plus another neat, simple guitar line that would’ve fit perfectly in a classic Buzzcocks tune. “Now, I’m a home owner and my wife, she is really fucking proud.” Which is nice but she should be more proud of this fucking great song.
“Carrie’s Revenge” which quite possibly contains the best lyrics on this EP or I should probably say, would have if there were any lyrics. I like to think this is about Carrie Bell, the mom of two-thirds of BarRoom Heroes and her finally getting fed up with them and slapping them upside their heads. Instead this song has a few guitar chords that slap us up against our heads before the rhythm section joins in, bashing along. There’s a little underlying surf feel to this instrumental that tops of nicely this sample of songs.
So after listening to these numbers, though I hate to admit to agreeing with anything that Scumball says, I have to admit they really are excellent.
If I was taking a dame out for a night on the town, like Mitzi, tripping the light fantastic, maybe to a classy joint or cabaret. Where I would enjoy drinking martinis, smoking cigars and dancing the night away while listening to this fine orchestra play, well… that would be grand.
Garbage Point with their influence of early American and English punk along with bands that were influenced by those original bands- I feel that you can’t go wrong in that direction. So they have the right point, focus and what they produce isn’t garbage, it’s more like gold.
I look forward to hearing more from them, hopefully, in a less official situation.
My only advice to this new band, to these young bucks- is to keep your noses clean. Stay way from the criminal elements that are so prevalent and invade the underworld of nightclub entertainment.
And learn a lesson from the fates of Slimebucket and his pal, Andy Blank- I hope you stay clear from them.
I pray you steer clear from their direction.
So help me, God.
(Samm Gunn)
