You know what’s cool about being an old punk? Years and years worth of building punk connections that lead to amazing friendships. Friends who, even if you do not talk to them nearly as much as you used to, carry that common ethos that transformed your youth forever. Friends who still surround you in one way or another be it at a show or reaching out saying they want you to check out their new band’s EP. Yeah, that’s cool and always will be to me.
Yesterday, my pal Jason asked me if I could maybe do a little write-up on a project he’s been working in featuring members of Akron’s Worship This!. Of course I said yes.
I knew they were writing some songs, but had not been made privy to any of it yet. I remember when they told me the were having weekly sessions, I was so stoked about it because I always enjoyed their style and could not wait to see what they came up with.
Akron’s House Crimes will be streaming their debut 4-song EP titled The LarkBoy Tapes Pt 1 this Sunday. I lucked the hell out and got an early taste of it and let me tell you, it rules.
Melodic DIY punk from dudes who have surrounded their lives in the genre. They did this for themselves and decided to share it with everyone else out there. Featuring Josh Taylor (WT), Aaron Novak (WT), Jeff Fargo (WT), and Jason Utes (Model Martel), this band certainly carries some seasoned talent.
“Bad Energy” is a quick one, but good ol’ Taylor opens his pipes up without any hesitation. Sure, it carries a Worship This! style, but has this renewed energy to it. Hell, they even did a music video for it so you know they are excited about it too:
“Goodbye February” carries collective singing by all and is beyond fun. I loved the drumming throughout as well as just the message of continuance and drive even if results aren’t quite there.
A different path was taken with “Prom Night” that offsets the other tracks. I am not going to ruin it for y’all, but this was a crazy, poignant one that kept me thinking for a few after it ended. Really loved the way things went with this one from the music style to the overall storyline.
“Humanity is a Cult” was a punk rock call out. This track carried contributions from all to make it just a straight up banger with a message to be heard.
Overall, this was a damn good EP to listen to. It is quick mind you, but it is memorable from a bunch of dudes who cut their teeth on punk rock way before streaming existed.
I admit, I was rather hyped up to do this writeup as it brought back a lot of memories from some really remarkable humans. I likely will dig in deep to some DIY punk tonight and reminisce more.
March 1st you will be able to check out The LarkBoy Tapes Pt 1. If we are lucky, they will drop a full-length before the year ends. I personally am stoked for some House Crimes.