This intermittently great band from Albany, NY revolved
around Jim Furlong (vocals) and Bob Nati (guitars). Their first three singles are
good examples of hard, melodic punk rock, sometimes straying into near-hardcore
territory but retaining a mainly poppy edge.
Living Downtown
c/w Testing was their first release in 1980 recorded at the fabulous
Arabellum Studios, Colonie, New York. Side 1 is great rocking US punk, cool and
melodic, with a powerful guitar sound. Side 2 is in a much faster
proto-hardcore style, a bit like the accidental hardcore style of Middle Class
(but not as fast and wild). Probably their best release but that’s for you to
find out.
Alone Again c/w These
Four Walls/Bad Girl was recorded April 1981 at Arabellum Studios, Colonie,
New York. Side 1 is melodic mid-tempo punk; not bad but nowhere near as
memorable as Living Downtown; the flat and somewhat muffled production doesn't
help either. 'These Four Walls' adds more generic rock influences; 'Bad Girl'
is in a faster hardcore style again, but pretty monotonous. This is still a
decent punk record, but out of the three 7"s this is my least favourite.
More Than Once c/w
New Years Resolution was recorded November 1982 at MCE Studios,
Schenectady, New York. Side 1 goes back to cool, rocking and melodic punk in
the vein of Living Downtown; Side 2 is a bit faster but in the same style; the
production is way better than on their second 7": clearer and more
powerful. Their first release remains their best, but this is a strong
contender.
From the Discography
Of North American Punk, Hardcore And Powerpop 1975-1985