Fun punk perspectives on rockabilly beats

Fresh group Dangereens are ready to rock. Hailing from Montreal, the Canadian band assembled in 2017. Following a self-titled EP and several singles during their career, Dangereens’ newest album is also their debut LP. With a drop date of December 2, the band delivers 14 tracks on their punk record, Tough Luck.

Dangereens jump right into Tough Luck with power-packed guitar riffs against a cheerful drum beat on “Streets of Doom.” The track is consistent in pace and tone, urging listeners to bounce to the beat with a catchy melody and charming vocals. The singer is especially funky as he playfully approaches different vocal qualities. For most of the song, he exudes lively lyrics in regulated succession, but then draws out his voice like a harmless growl in the song’s bridge.

The album’s second track is a fun one: Dangereens kick off “Thieves” with measured but bright guitar chords that settle comfortably into an old-school rock rhythm. “Thieves” would feel right at home on a jukebox in a ’50s-style diner, especially with what sounds like added accents from some jammin’ piano keys. Dangereens later break out a horn it seems, as an electric guitar wails against a humming bass. Check out the band’s casual but sporadic music video that accompanies “Thieves.”

Pre-released almost one month before Tough Luck came out, Dangereens dropped a single titled “Nomadic Step.” The song initiates an isolated drum beat before breaking into melodic instrumentation. Dangereens’ singer demonstrates his range by hitting high notes and flaunting rich vocal quality, backed once again by a groovy beat. The lyrics are easy for fans to remember and sing along to: “I’m down on my knees and I’m begging you please” are straightforward lines in the first verse, for example, followed by the tune’s familiar phrase “Come on.” Their song, “Nomadic Step” is especially dynamic as Dangereens later features a jazzy horn solo against the animated rock beat.

This album is spirited, not just due to the overall upbeat pace but also from the band members’ fun and infectious energy. Though new, their music captures a complex musical nostalgia. With Tough Luck, Dangereens take the charm of rockabilly bops, with added flair from flashier punk bands to help rejuvenate a dated genre. The band’s sound and look screams vintage glam, and folks are ready for more.