The McGunks – “Highlifes For Lowlifes”
Well, as you’ve probably figured out by now, Slimedog never, ever reviews or writes about a show under the influence. Hey, if the text messengers lose their life texting so am I afraid that a big ol’ truck will barrel into my bunker someday while I’m writing impaired and I’ll be unable to dive away, blowin’ me to smithereens.
Not like that would be a bad thing, most would say.
So I’m careful not to have even a drop when I review these CD’s. But tonight, or today if 4am meets your requirements of such, I’m letting the elixir of the Gods flow, I will make this one exception- for The McGunks.
This is punk’n’roll, this is drunk’n’roll, this is the real thing. This is the sweat flyin’ off the neck of the lead singer, the young girls topplin’ into the speakers, the moshin’ of the crowd, the bashin’ of the instruments, the drinkin’, the carousin’, the happenin’ good times.
Bottom line, this is The McGunks from Rhode Island, one of the best bands in New England, one of the best bands on our site. They blend traditional punk, rock’n’roll, country, street punk without touching upon hardcore or metal and deliver a sound that is raw, powerful and true and embodies all the elements of the original punk scene. They may embellish what they do with a bit of street punk here or a dash of country punk there, but when it rips so hard into your guts and soul that if you don’t react positively I strongly suggest a 911 call as your vital signs most likely, should be attended to.
This is working class, drinking class, blue collar, street level rock’n’roll. Invite yourself in, imbibe, enjoy yourself and your next hangover is a price worth paid for what is priceless.
The first song, “Halfway To Hell,” starts like it’s an old Alice Cooper song with high pitched ringing guitars and smashing drums. Then we’re off to the races with razorblade vocals and shout along chorus’s adding gasoline to the fire. As the vocals are welcoming us into AC/DC’s highway to hell and the guitars are soloing in Chuck Berry’s paradise all is good and though they claim we’re halfway to hell this song is two times past paradise.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/01 Halfway to Hell.mp3|titles=Halfway to Hell]
This is another pushing, accelerating, generating song where bands like The Clash are invoked but the party time rush is exploded in front of your eyes and the payback of the next day is put aside. Sounds like street punk meets The Ramones meets Johnny Cash then crashing into a splendid county/ punk/ rock’n’roll number that shouldn’t be missed.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/02 Working on Another Hangover.mp3|titles=Working on Another Hangover]
“One More Ride” is a reason I feel more than happy reviewing this album. The McGunks have more than proved themselves with me (or anybody’s who’s heard them over the years) but here the passion, the feeling, the intent shines so true and pure that I can confidently say you’re a fool if you don’t see it. The clarity of The Replacements writing, the energy and guts of Iggy Pop, the greatness of all the classic bands is here in this song, wailing and swaying hearts and souls at 2am in the local dive while the waitress tries not to tips the pints on a tray walking through the crowd. All the while the country’n’roll licks keep on glidin’ through as one more ride of pure passion perfection is zeroin’ upon us. My personal favorite on this CD.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/08 One More Ride.mp3|titles=One More Ride]
“Dead To Me” is a sweeping cauldron of emotion, spite and feeling that resonates truly in an effort that tries valiantly to avoid any conflict. All sparks and fire with stop and start rhythms, grinding rhythm chords and a voice that eliminates any chance or choice of misunderstanding that this laser shot of emotion is being aimed toward you.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/07 Dead to Me.mp3|titles=Dead to Me]
The McGunks have a long, local punk rock history. They have quite a bit of great recorded material and an immeasurable list of great performances. They are 0ne of the best live acts on our site, probably always be.
This is probably their best output yet. Their best “product” if you can measure blood and guts, passion, belief and emotion as simple as that. This is a band that hits you hard and right where you will feel it most but leaves you smiling and happy after the first hard hit sets you a bit reeling.
You could ask how I base this, what are my qualifications?
I base my life on this. This is my life.
Enough said.
(Slimedog)
