Published on Jan 29, 2019
Originally intended to be a loose side project from members of Harrington Saints, Hounds & Harlots, and Sydney Ducks, it wasn't long until a single in 2014 turned into touring worldwide and a handful of more releases for Suede Razors. Here, all the recorded output of this Bay Area supergroup is collected and remastered to document their multifaceted version of punk rock. It even comes in a six panel digipak, with great artwork to boot.
It's pretty evident from the first track, “Here She Comes” that this isn't your standard punk rock affair, as a heavy rock 'n' roll spirit is all over the ultra-melodic opener. This continues into The Who-influenced and bouncy rhythm of “Longshot Kid,” and from there things move into more their punk roots with the gang vocals and blistering “Rubies And Pearls” and the wild fist pumping of “My City.”
Though there's six releases pieced together (five singles and an EP), it all unfolds like one cohesive listen. Still, later tracks like “Bovver Girl” recruit pianos amid their gritty punk 'n' roll approach, and “All Nighter” adds organs that punctuate the good time with another, more sophisticated level of energy.
However, in true punk rock tradition, it's an album with an endless amount of strong guitar work. That's very apparent on the throbbing vibe of “TV175” and the '70s rock of “(I'm A) Bovver Boy,” where thundering bass helps highlight this anthemic, stadium rocker.
Suede Razors occupies a unique spot in the punk scene. While they certainly take nods to the early days of punk and wouldn't be out of place on a bill with Cock Sparrer, The Business, or Social Distortion, their retro rock affinity makes this a listen that fans of KISS, AC/DC, or even Cheap Trick will also enjoy. Be sure to keep an eye out for new material from the supergroup very soon as well.