It was about a couple weeks ago when I headed up into the city for Riot Fest, mainly to witness Propagandhi and the Circle Jerks with my own two eyes. I had a lot planned for that weekend so by the time these two shows finally came around, I was prepared and just stoked to see both these bands and a couple others to have myself a grand ole time. Once the weekend was over, there were only two bands on my mind and one of them happens to be The Brokedowns, not only due to the fact of this review but seeing them live was honestly a blast; these guys definitely know how to crack some good jokes all while giving the audience what they want.
The Brokedowns, from Elgin, IL, have been cranking out some catchy, memorable tunes for about a couple years now, never losing steam on every album. Now with their third album as their debut on Red Scare Records, The Brokedowns have exemplified they're the next big band to not only keep an eye out for but possibly the next big thing in punk for the decade to come. Hell, it took me one complete listening to the whole album to get my attention.
The album starts off with "Wizard Symptoms", a track that's only less than two minutes and yet grabs you right in, with their crunchy, riveting guitar chords that seem to mirror Dillinger Four, but with more attitude provided, brought to you with lyrics reflecting magic and of course wizards. Odd? yes but damn it, do they make it sound so damn good. "I am a Ritual" follows next, displaying some ferocious chanting throughout, incorporated with a downright funky bass line and straight to the face attack from the rest of the band.
One of my handful of favorites off this album is "Noble Rot", due to the sample provided in the beginning of the track but mainly for the lyrics that are so fun to sing out loud, or if you're in my case, in the privacy of your own home/car/etc. The track showcases a great performance of the band, in regards to rhythm, from the drum beats that sounds almost tribal but still emphasizing a punk feel. Another favorite of mine is "This Cult is a bummer", in my opinion one of the stronger tracks off Species Bender. From the intro to the end of the song, The Brokedowns seem to have no difficulty getting attention from the listener, as the group includes a more melodic side to the album, provided by some strong background vocals and an interesting set of lyrics that set focus on past trends and just how dull they can be. Probably not a in-depth meaning about the song from yours truly but it still brings out The Brokedowns at their finest.
"Skvll Skewl" is another strong track in regards to rhythm that just meshes in nicely with the rest of the album. It has all the necessities for a Brokedowns song; catchy lyrics, furious but easy to sing-a-long too chants, crunchy-cut up guitar chords, and a simplistic bass riff that leave you on your heels and in the mood for starting some action. This track is what really sealed the deal for this band, since it has all the appeal that make for a great, stand out punk song that people will recount in latter years. That may take some time but for now, it sounds fresh and that's what counts.
In regards to the night I saw these guys live, I was pretty blown away at how they performed. The Brokedowns were funny, straight to the point, and played a good set that managed to impress the whole crowd attendance that night who would have otherwise dismissed the band for the headliner, Propagandhi to be more specific. Not only that, but the band even had a guy dress up as a wizard, informing the audience what song was going to be played with the band providing some hilarious one liners that never missed the audience what so ever. Quite impressive, if you asked me or anyone else who witnessed that show at Riot Fest.
If these guys ever manage to make across your town, I advise to make it out to said show and see it for yourself if still doubting my review. Same goes if not convinced on this album, but let's face it, when am I ever wrong in regards to good music?
The Brokedowns
Red Scare Industries
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