Although I have been on 2 compilation albums with The Punk Group, this review will not be biased toward them in any way. You will only find a hard hitting, nail biting exclusive review of the latest album from Portland’s best Slam Pop Duo in the NW. Their latest release is a self titled album worthy of its name, which features 10 tracks dripping synth pop goodness.

The album starts off right with Creamed Spinach, and is a great reminder why we all love The Punk Group. “Salt and Butter, Sour Cream…” is an infectious line that will make you wanting to actually eat spinach after. (If not then you are not a healthy person and you know it). Track 2 BF Jeff is a synth explosion of sorts, that is so thick and layered with awesome synths and kick ass drums, kinda like sombody loaded a potato gun with a Mini Moog and a Nord and fired into a 70’s porno flick. Quota Liotta sounds raw and discharged, and well, I must admit I love this song. The drums again are amazing. Very cool break beats, with enough low end drops to make your tail shatter. Quota beautifully fades into Fred Schneider which is my favorite song on the album. It is so f’n catchy and cool. The melody is very reminiscent of Kraftwerk and of course the B52’s harmonies. Track 5 is Fish Sticks for Jesus and starts with a tight bassline that will have you dancing before you know how fast your feet could actually move. The vocals on this track deserve a mention as I really liked the arrangements leading up to the end of the track. Ok so we are halfway through the album, and I feel like this might be a good time for a snack. Maybe I’ll have Deep Fried Pumpkin Through a Gravy Tube! Oh how bizarre that is the name of track 6! Well thank god I am not alone with my obsession of Deep Fried Pumpkin Through a Gravy Tube. OK so remember how I said that Fred Schneider is my favorite track on this album? Yeah well, I was wrong Track 7, Skull Country has just made it to my top favorite. Eat my Ass Fred Schneider! Skull Country has an obliterating sweet melody and features some rad vocals that sound as though they were recorded underwater. Also there is a percussion instrument of some kind, possibly a marimba or vibraphone and is a super cool touch to the already amazing song. Alright so we have convered the basics so far, Spinach, BFF’s, Quota (whatever the hell that is), Fred and Gravy. What about Zombies? Oh shit here they come! Track 8 is full of those f’n bastards! This track has an amazing chorus and for anybody who loves Zombies as much myself will marvel at the actual Zombie sound effects. Also the bass track is worth mentioning for driving out the massive line in the nick of time! Alright now let’s talk about Neanderthals. The next song is called Travis is An Orangutan, oh wait not it not. Its called Homewreckin’ Alcoholic, and yes this song is also pushing the limits of syncopated vocal tracks! I mean holy shit guys this vocal breakdown is pure genius! I hope this song is about a real person so I can egg them! Alright last track ladies and gents! The song is Frosty, and by the time you get to this song you will hopefully be toasty (I know I was). “Bow Chi-ca Bow Wow…” is an amazing chorus line and don’t forget the awesome mid song drop out that may trip you up on the dance floor. Hell yeah guys, this album was great. I really think it sounded great as well, so nice work on the overall production.

Here is a link where you can buy this crazy shit! http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ThePunkGroup1

The Punk Group Official Web Site http://www.thepunkgroup.com

Here’s a free download of the Quota Liotta song!
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