Review Summary: Nobody's home...
The North West has been known to produce some of the most influential punk and hardcore bands of the last thirty years. Poison Idea, Wipers, and of course Nirvana all come from either Washington or Oregon. In the early 2010’s a band known as GAG emerged from this same area with a sound and aesthetic that match perfectly. They built a fanbase with their energetic and intense live shows with records that capture the same manic energy. In 2016, GAG released their first full length LP “America’s Greatest Hits” through the renown Iron Lung Records.
The record blasts off with the live staple “Intro/Havana Spliff.” This track showcases what are considered GAG’s best ability to blend mid-paced hardcore punk and switch the tempo to a more traditional fast beat at the drop of a dime. “Pretty Boy,” the albums first single is another absolute highlight of the record. It features somewhat of a verse-chorus-verse approach that works extremely well with their brand of abrasive hardcore punk, which, gives it this almost anthemic feel for the listener to grab on to.
If you’ve never heard GAG prior to this be prepared for an onslaught of distortion, riffs and echoed vocal effects. Many bands throughout the last few years have tried to use this effect and fall short, whereas GAG excels with it. There’s a manic energy to this record that still feels unmatched by imitators even four years later. There’s a way to take influence from other bands without making it feel like a carbon copy and GAG is proof that is possible.
This record offers no reprise, at just eighteen minutes it comes and goes leaving the listener wanting more. Some can see this as a longer EP rather than a full length, however, hardcore punk is best at small bursts and not feeling too bloated for its own good. There’s tons of dark humor to be found on this record. Maybe to a fault at times. Don’t let that deter you from listening to this record. Enjoy the ride and play it loud.
Recommended Songs:
Intro/Havana Spliff
Pretty Boy
Locker Room
It’s Just Me
