Uncle Spudd – “Meat The Robinson”
Uncle Spudd is a hardcore/punk trio from the wilds of Skohegan, Maine.
And though we profess to cover New England, New York punk, metal and hardcore (along with the occasional goth/country band) we have scant few bands from Maine.
I’m probably forgetting some- hell, today I forgot to put on my pants before sailing out the door to retrieve the morning paper with the neighbor’s three dogs- Max, Chico and Bella, nipping, not at my heels, but at a far more delicate place.
But I do believe…in miracles, where you from? You sexy thing.
Sorry, that was the lyrics from a hit song in 1975 by Hot Chocolate, a band which Andy Bang played drums in.
I do believe…that besides USA Waste, Uncle Spudd is the only band from Maine we’ve reviewed.
But they do have bands up there and it seems like a thriving scene. I get invites to some shows there, most are organized by Vic Robinson who puts on straight edge/all-ages shows covering a wide array of punk, hardcore and even some metal bands. (He does seem to have soft spot for folk/punk.)
“Vic Robinson” is one of the songs on this Ep and it’s my favorite one, too. And Vic is a vegetarian, hence the title.
But I would be amiss if I spent the whole article without talking about the band, who I saw recently at a show at the Midway. I was very impressed with their songs, their casual but exciting performance, excellent rhythm section and effective singer/ guitarist.
Let’s head straight to the music before I digress again:
With a big rock drum beat and soaring, repeating power chords, “Burn The Place Down,” soon erupts into a galloping, hardcore rhythm. “We’ll burn the empire down, watch it crumble to the ground. We will never die, we’ll always be around.” Something about the crisp, hard delivery by the singer, Scott, makes me think of Ministry or Rob Zombie. Most likely, not an influence, but still offering a feeling of impending, perilous doom or danger. I recall this song from their live set so I guess it left an impression. An impressive song, as well.
Three frantic chords push “Out The Door” into our bloodstreams like a bouncer escorting an unruly patron to another destination. This song is about drunk assholes not respecting the fun and camaraderie of the pit. “Need to feel like you’re a man, to make up for what you lack in pants.” Sadly, this song could be about me, what with my lack of pants puppies and the mayhem I usually cause at clubs. There’s a cool breakdown part but we’re soon off skating again, at a supersonic speed. Another great tune.
Starting off with a rockin’, high energy, hardcore beat only to switch it to a slower, almost metal headbangin’ one, “Meet The Robinson,” settles into an awesome, heavy groove. “Doesn’t eat meat and he doesn’t drink milk…been called the Hitler of punk but he’s an anarchist…Don’t offer him a joint, don’t offer him a beer. Don’t even bring it to a show, he’ll kick you out of here.” The chorus is the title slamming back into the intro of the song. This is a great mash-up of hardcore and metal and a funny tribute to a guy, whose personal habits clash wildly with the debaucherous staff of TNB, but seems to be doing the best of anybody with keeping the spirit of punk alive in Maine. And seriously, I believe punk is way better and more rewarding than any substance or food.
“Obey” starts off with a slow 5/4 time indicating it may now be time for a jazz samba- but in a blink of an eye we’re off into another blistering, hardcore race. “You take away our minds and you tell us we’re all wrong. Thinking what we think, saying what we say. If you remove the only option of rebellion, then what does it mean to obey?” The chorus pulls back a notch in velocity but the intensity stays the same. “You take away my mind, you take away my life.” What I take away from this EP is a slew of great hardcore/punk tunes.
Uncle Spudd were supposed to make it down to the Jamaica Plain Earth Fest Punk Stage but that got rained out and moved to a date that they couldn’t play.
Though I do hope they make it down again and if they’re typical of the bands up there, then they certainly represent a strong one.
I’d say that Uncle Spudd is a great hardcore band with very little metal influence but a whole lotta punk spirit. Great songs with some awesome lyrics and they put on a fun, exciting live show.
And as I told those Spudd boys in my only meeting with them, next time bring Vic Robinson along.
I’ll gladly buy him a beer and a hamburger.
Then force feed him.
(Slimedog)
