Classic punk, repurposed for 2018
Because of the social turmoil that is so prevalent at the moment, this era seems like it should be an excellent time for punk music. However, the revival of American punk is yet to come. Most recent albums in the genre have been self-serious and humorless, neglecting to provide any levity, which is all the more important in times when people are feeling hopeless. Fortunately, the Los Angeles band FEELS don’t make this mistake on their second album, Post Earth, maintaining a sense of playfulness and balancing the personal with the political.
Though the most obvious reference points are Sonic Youth and 1990s punk—Sleater Kinney, in particular—FEELS also find plenty of inspiration in classic rock. “Awful Need” is a strong example of this. The track introduces some psychedelic rock influences before breaking into one of the album’s first and most impressive guitar solos. Even so, this track is still rich with punk elements. The circular vocal line showcased on this track is punctuated by a more staccato signing style. On top of this, the undulating riffs played throughout are mixed with plenty of feedback. So these classic rock influences are not too distracting from FEELS’ signature sound.
The band’s loyalty to their roots is further proved by The Sonic Youth influence on the track “Sour.” This track includes another great solo, this one more epic and tangled. But it is not only the guitar work that shines on this record. There are many other enjoyable instrumental moments on this record. Drummer Michael Perry Rude and bassist Amy Allen’s work on “Flowers” and “W.F.L.” respectively immediately comes to mind. As the rhythm section of this tracks, these two lay down solid foundations that both cater to the band’s tenacious and free-spirited attitude.
The lyrics are witty and delivered with confidence by the two lead vocalists and guitarists: Laena Geronimo and Shannon Lay. The album’s opening line, “My friends, come with me to Candyland,” sets the tone well, demonstrating the band’s mix of exuberance and power. The fourth track’s refrain, “Now I wonder if we will find a way,” is sung in a tone that sounds anything but lost. One of the highlights is “Deconstructed,” which features frantic, overlapping vocals from Geronimo and Lay that somehow make stress and anxiety sound fun and concludes with both women screaming, “Just give me a fucking cigarette!” On “Last Chance,” the singer asks, “Now tell me something ‘bout good and evil / Is it black and white? You tell me,” but it seems more like a challenge than a question. Effective as a political diatribe indicting the wealthy, but also retaining a sense of humor, the title track describes the one percent of society as they leave for Mars, after destroying Earth with their greed.
As one of the first albums to use an authentic punk ethos to effectively discuss life in modern times, Post Earth will appeal not only to fans of the genre but also to anyone who enjoys precise, energetic guitar playing or funny, incisive lyrics. Hopefully, other American punk bands will follow FEELS’ example and learn that a sense of lightheartedness does not exclude effective social commentary.
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