SoundOff – “Outta The Basement”
I’m not feeling very well today. Just a little stomach flu or the end of my days, either way, not too important. And I’m at work and I noticed I left a CD in the vehicle yesterday. It’s from an opening band from a show we saw a couple of weeks ago. The club had a nice big stage and sound system so, of course, the sound sucked. The place was set up more for a big dance crowd. What was the band called- Showdown? No, it’s SoundOff, I don’t even remember this band, just a demo so I’m not expecting much.
I put it in and now my mood changes, I’m feeling better! A pounding rock beat, then a vibrating bass, followed by four chords grinding and some snarling vocals start happening and I realize- this is old school punk like the Dead Boys, Dictators, The Damned and some other bands that start with D, you choose! In the lyrics of the first song there’s a reference to “No Feelings” by the Sex Pistols with the words, “My self / my beautiful self,” and also mention of “blank generation” and “Generation X.” When the seedy, trashy guitar solo comes in (that’s a compliment) and the band’s groovin’ along in a garage rockin’ way, I’m sold. The song is called “Ultraviolence.”
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/01 – Ultraviolence.mp3|titles=Ultraviolence]There is a funny song with a ska guitar called, “I Lost My Mind,” he keeps trying to locate it and some of the lyrics go, “Did I leave it in the closet? Did I leave it under the bed? Did I leave it in your heart after you messed around with my head?” I think the writer of the lyrics on this CD has had a bad relationship ending or two. But I’d rather you hear this one, ”Slave To The Grind,” which is not about the many sex slaves the band The Grinds own.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/06 – Slave To the Grind.mp3|titles=Slave To the Grind]“Straight Up” reminds me of a Gary Glitter song (that’s a compliment) and lopes along nicely into a catchy chorus.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/07 – Straight Up.mp3|titles=Straight Up]“401 Pride” is a great, moving tune about taking pride in Providence, Rhode Island; (401 is their area code). It takes a very humble, self-depreciating tone that renders their take even more touching and effective. “Even though this place is really small, it’s got the biggest heart of all,” is a great line. It’s got a rousing sing-a-long chorus and a breakdown part toward the end before it goes out with a flourish. This is a great, great song that really gets to me and I’m from fucking Boston! “Though L.A. may be tops and Boston’s got it going on / Providence is where I will belong / with my 401, 401, 401 Pride!”
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/05 – 401 Pride.mp3|titles=401 Pride]I almost wrote Showdown shows a lot of promise but let’s say SoundOff sounds great and I hope we get something else from them and catch them again real soon.
(Slimedog)
