Review: Something Fierce-There Are No Answers

Recently, I met a band at the illustrious Egan's Bar in Downtown Tuscaloosa. They had a deceptive look about them. I assumed they were a band, that much was for sure, but when they told me they were a punk band, I scoffed. Here was a couple of long hairs and a semi goth lookin girl (forgive me Nikki) telling me they were punk?!? Oh ho ho no. I was bound to prove them wrong, but it looks like old Gary Kill got taken for a ride on the flip side. They are actually pretty good. I Bow.
Now, old GK doesn't pretend to be a Punk Rock Expert. He is one. And as far as new, modern punk rock goes, Something Fierce is something good. Their second album is entitled "There Are No Answers", I have no clue where it is available at, but it's out there. They are Houston based, so look there or go online. Amazon's got em.
When listening to the band, one is reminded of classic co-ed line ups like The Adverts or Blondie (pre-Heart Of Glass) The presence of a female band member ups the cool quotient and makes for an anomaly on the unusually gender biased punk rock scene of late. The music makes a call back to a sort of late 80's punk, the early infusion of pop into punk. That sort of thumbing your nose at the institution of Pop Music while riding on it's back and combining yourself with it. Very Dead Milkmen esque, mixed with the Pixies and other early 90's bands.
It's a fun album that, unlike this reviewer, doesn't take it's self too seriously, while being completely serious. In other words: It's fun and it's music. for Example-Teenage Ruins is very fast and exciting, where as Aliens is just a little more emotional. The album totters on that edge of being aloofness with a message. What am I trying to say? It's a good album that makes call backs to the Masters while having a definite sound that is unique.
So, for modern punk, you can't ask for anything like the old days. But Something Fierce, their Indy-Punk Angst is close enough to make you forget that Joe Strummer is dead, Danzig does metal, and Elvis Costello is singing country again.
Out of my punk rock scale of Seven Middle Fingers, I give this one Four for it's old style feel and excecution. It's a fun album.

8/5/09 SHOW!

Hey gang!
Well, after a few false starts and a very inconvenient electrical storm last week, PRHC will be back this week! We'll be premiering some new comedy and music this week, so be sure to listen in.
As always, our show is brought to you by Oslo Zombie Exterminators, Morrissey's Family Style Resturant, and our newest sponsor Smeckel's Punk Rock Deodorants.
Be sure and listen :)
GK