OC45 – “Happy Accidents”
OC45 started out as a band in June 2011- one month after TNB started as a tabloid newspaper in internet form. And it’s a fact, Andy Bang saw their first performance which took place at The Midway.
We always liked their style of melodic punk, full of hardcore energy with enough grit and passion to keep it real.
Though early gigs could be rough- we used to refer to them as the “malfunction band” as it seemed at every show an amp would blow, something would break on the drums, asteroids would hit the stage.
But we always believed in them but probably not as much as they believed in themselves.
I say this because they have, yearly, done full American tours and are about to embark on another one as you read this. But this time what will follow is a two week European tour for the first time.
TNB does not know of any other band that we cover that is so dedicated to what they do. And along with other exciting news, they’ve released a new album as well.
And as far as TNB goes- well, we got new wastebaskets for the office. Let’s give this record a spin:
“We’re taught to be mindless, we’re taught to obey…they tell us we’re lucky, they tell us we’re free.” So starts out “Titled” that has a rollickin’, rockin’, hardcore rhythm pushing aggressive music with lyrics that say, “Fuck that, we won’t go quietly.” And “If you’re offended by riots, disorder and rage. You’re right where they want you, content in your cage.” A powerfully, potent, protest punk song fit for the next four years.
Besides the great title, “This Bottle’s Got Your Name On It,” is a great example of what I call “matured songwriting.” I know the term sound horrible but to me it’s writing in a more heartfelt experienced voice. “She said, “It’s getting cold here.” I said, “I’ll be right home, dear.” One sad fact remains before long I’ll be gone again.” This is the type of heart-on-my sleeve song that Jenn Lombari of Lucky United does so well. “I can’t drink you off of my mind. Keep telling myself that I’ve got to, truth is, maybe, I don’t want to.” Very melodic and moderate in speed and maybe some hardcore fan will dismiss this as too soft- but for me it takes more courage and toughness to write a song as emotionally open as this one. “I got exactly what I wanted. I’m alone and broken hearted.” I got exactly what I wanted, a great song that made me cry. My favorite tune on the album.
“This world is one’s and zero’s. More than anything I wanna be a weirdo.” The punk rock credo! This song has an eerie new wave/alternative feel to it that exceeds extremely well. It’s ” 1’s & 0’s” adds up to quite enough for me.
“She said, “They call me Lady Death,” and I said, “Let’s go, baby” with my final breathe, ‘cuz I don’t stand a chance, I don’t fucking care. Brain’s gone bad, heart’s a bomb. I wanna die young but it’s taking too long. Thanks in advance for the nightmare.” is a blast of power and energy but not of the hardcore type, more like in a punk/Oi style. “She’s coke and whiskey, (not a whiskey & coke), unsafe at any speed. She’s fucking madness. She’s just what I need.” I think we all need a great song like this and forget the chick.
“Trainwreck” could have easily been called “Fuck The World” and I recognized hearing it at their recent live set. “Fuck this shit. Fuck everyone. Fuck this place, I’m fucking done. I’m too broke to give a fuck, I just wanna self-destruct.” This is actually a fun lovin’, funny song- a kind of rousing, sing along hardcore/punk number that is wonderful.
I mentioned in the beginning how much we supported and liked this band. That being true, I did not expect to hear the album I just listened to.
I did not expect such great songwriting, such “mature” songwriting- “Dad’s Home” (about a deceased father) with the lines, “I never got to say goodbye the way I wanted to. I know you’ll always be with me. I’m never without you.” I did not expect such astute political lyrics. I did not expect a sound that was more polished and more gritty at the same time. I did not expect to be writing that this album surpasses, by far, any of their fine recorded efforts before.
I think I’ve said several times that I believe in this band but now, I fear my belief was lacking.
I think I was more on the mark when I said that this band believes in themselves. And the desire to believe in what they are and could do, has proven them right with the success of this album.
It’s no “happy accident” that this is a great album, way beyond what I expected.
But no doubt, you’re more aware than me. Especially if you’re bright and young.
If you listen to these songs, I believe you’ll be a believer. This is simply a great album, this is simply a great band.
Oh, and did I mention the new wastebaskets we got?
(Slimedog)
