Thursday March 28th 2024

The Blue Bloods – “Non-Rhotic”

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The Blue Bloods – “Non-Rhotic”

 

You know, I get more excited about the little shows, the new bands, the up and coming bands. Maybe because our site can be more helpful for them and they display the spirit of punk which is always of the underdog.

But I still like the bigger bands too, like the Street Dogs, and on a more local level I think my favorite established, popular older band would be The Blue Bloods.

And I happened to find out that their new CD was released this week. And what better way to tie it in with the big benefit show next weekend.

That’s right- it’s a Refuse Resist reunion show! It’s Sunday October 26th, one P.M. at the Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge, MA. And along with Refuse Resist the bands playing are Taxi Driver, BarRoom Heroes and yes, The Blue Bloods.

And it’s a benefit for Punks For Princess which originated with an e-mail from them to me but that’s really all I had to do with it. I put it in the able arms of Brass N Ammo and along with Shawn Refuse and Chestnut Hullabaloo this great show for a great cause became a reality.

But back to The Blue Bloods. They play Boston street punk with a heavy dose of hardcore while never getting too poppy which sometimes inflicts the more popular punk bands. Headed by T.J. Welch they’ve been releasing music since 1999 and always turn in a rough and ready, gritty and passionate live show. And now they’ve hatched a new album with a great batch of songs.

Let’s give some a spin.

This song starts with four scratchy chords just bursting with energy until a bombardment of drums knocks the doors off its hinges and we’re into “On Our Own.” The guitars come in full force now along with the bashing bass and drums, but change it up a bit during the first part of the verse with an almost reggae feel. Then we’re full speed ahead to a crashing chorus with some background wooh-oh-oh’s as we’re off to the races again. A simple but effective guitar break pops up and then ending with the chorus with vocals making me think of Motorhead. A wonderful thought and a wonderful song, indeed.

[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/01 On Your Own.mp3|titles=On Your Own]

The fifth track on the album is called “#5”. I guess they didn’t know what to call it. A mad, rolling avalanche of drums starts this song and never really ends with a hardcore beat that gets more aggressive as it goes on. With its growling guitars and vocals recalling Bad Religion, without that bands tendency to get too fancy, this song kicks major ass. “So hold your head high/ And stand your ground.” They might not know what to call this song but with such a great arrangement, playing and vocals I call it my favorite song on the album.

[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/05 number 5.mp3|titles=#5]

A bouncing ping pong of rhythm slashing through the air starts off “Deaf, Dumb And Blind,” as another anthemic call to arms is presented again. “Are we born deaf, dumb and blind/ Or are we just wasting all our time.” This song has a moderate but energetic beat and is more of a straight ahead punk’n’roll or Oi number. A couple of “Hey, Hey’s” shouted in the background and a simple but electrifying guitar line guides this song along fine. I don’t know about wasting time but I don’t regret a second listening to this great tune.

[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/07 Deaf Dumb & Blind.mp3|titles=Deaf, Dumb & Blind]

This song starts with the excellent drummer rolling drum beats faster than the speed of life as this fast hardcore tune explodes in a matter of seconds. “Alligator Arms” moves along with a blaring rhythm guitar and a partly hidden melodic guitar line in the chorus. Gone before you may even have the chance to finish reading this; this song is a good example of good things come in small packages (I tell that to the girls!)

[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/10 Alligator Arms.mp3|titles=Alligator Arms]

The definition of “blue blood” is someone of noble descent or origin and it went on the mistaken assumption that the royalty had, not red but blue blood.

And though this band should be considered up there in the heir-achy of Boston punk, there’s no snobbery tolerated in the Boston punk world as all would agree. And these guys are always able and willing to play a benefit show. (As they did for the firefighters last spring).

That’s why I don’t think they’ll mind that their review was hijacked for the upcoming benefit show because that’s what the punk community is all about and what it stands for, picking people up who fall in the pit, and picking people up when they stumble in real life.

But this CD is highly recommended. If you like this band you won’t be disappointed. They’re on a Michigan label and you can get it here.

http://eastgrand.bandcamp.com/album/non-rhotic

Hope to see you at the show!

 

(Slimedog)

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