The Blisterz - Rebels WithoutApplause
2011, Chickenstock Records
2011, Chickenstock Records
Albany, NY power-punk trio TheBlisterz look to unleash their blend of chaos, charisma and power chords in thekey of G on an unsuspecting world with their sophomore effort, RebelsWithout Applause. Davey Blister (vocals/guitar); Drew "Blood"Blister (bass) and Vinny Blister (drums) smash and bash their way throughfourteen dynamic punk-rockers on the follow-up to their 2007 debut, Who'sLaughing Now? With a penchant for three chord anthems and moderatesocio-political commentary, The Blisterz follow in the sonic footsteps of bandssuch as The Ramones and the New York Dolls.
Rebels Without Applause shows flashes of this musical charisma, but also spends afair amount of time muddling around without a message. "BOTB (We ShouldHave Listened To Our Friend Gus)" borrows a bit from The Ramones but is asolid start. "Friday Night Girls" is a classic band complaint aboutyoung bar-goes who only want to hear songs currently on top-40 radio. It's a catchynumber full of brash humor. "Your Girlfriend Wants Me" opens with achord progression that could have been lifted from "Baba O'Riley"(The Who). The song is a fun bit of trash-talking bravado. The Blisterz get ina catchy kiss-off song with real pop sensibility in the form of "Hear UCry"; this could be a breakout hit for the band, particularly if it werepicked for a movie or television soundtrack.
Kvetching is the word of the day on"Yellow Flag", a WTF song about the state of the world that is likelyto reverberate with anyone confused about the direction of the world. Likewise,"The DJ Let Us Down Again" could be a socio-political commentary, ormight just be what it sounds like. Either way, it's an enjoyable listen thatshows a bit more depth from The Blisterz than you might expect at first glance."Wrecking Ball" is a catchy-mid tempo number that's a lot of fun andwell-played. The Blisterz explore the ultimate workplace diversion on"Paper Jam", putting copy rooms to their proper (alternative) use. RebelsWithout Applause closes with "Over And Out", a somewhat weakending for a generally solid to above average effort.
The Blisterz have the same energyand ability to surprise that could be found in early Green Day recordings,although without the apparent, pervasive drug cloud. In spite of the uncutapproach to music, The Blisterz show a surprising pop sensibility andcomplexity on Rebels Without Applause. It's easy to imagine The Blisterzgrowing up beyond their three-chord punk anthems into a band of real substanceover time. For now, they're a fun diversion with great things afoot.
Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more about The Blisterz at www.facebook.com/theblisterz or www.myspace.com/theblisterz. Rebels Without Applause is availablefrom Amazon.com as a CDor Download. The album is also available via iTunes.