Punch- Push, Pull LP

Review by: Stephen Tompkins

*Sorry I couldn't get the album art to work.

To order the LP visit: www.punchcrew.bigcartel.com

I only got this album last night, but I'm going to go ahead and say this right out... Punch's latest LP Push Pull is my favorite release this year; which shouldn't come as a shock to anyone who knows anything about this band. Their debut 7" Eyeless, and their first Self-titled LP were easily two of the best hardcore releases in recent years.

While most hardcore bands coming out of the San Francisco bay area (like Ceremony) had an indistinguishable sound, Punch drew inspiration from that, but always had a harder, raw sound setting them apart from everyone else.

This is proven further on the new LP, where Punch has added more punk and powerviolence influence. See "Stay Afloat," as the band shifts between d-beats and blast beats seamlessly. Even the riffing in "Give It A Name," is reminiscent of Discharge. And although I haven't gotten a chance to find the lyrics yet(which I hope I do soon), I'm certain, judging by the quirky/smart song titles like "Positively God Free," that they are as equally politically charged and smart as the prior release's.

I just hope this band plays Cleveland soon (they had to cancel last week's show because Meghan, the singer broke her ankle on tour in Europe), and keeps releasing killer albums like this one!