Customer Reviews

Busy Signals

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Has anyone mentioned The Pretenders when reviewing this? Think of Chrissie Hynde singing for the Buzzcocks circa 1979. Or, at least, that's a starting point. There is a heavy pre-1981 Pretenders vibe to this, even down to the phone call sound effects at the end of the song "Ring, Ring, Ring," which brings to mind the early Pretenders song "The Phone Call."

Busy Signals' sound is burlier than The Pretenders, however, (even counting the Pretenders' earliest phase) which is good. And although this is a punk LP, it is not thrashy, or aggro, or hairy-chested tough guy stuff. It's just well-written, well-executed, hooky-as-heck late 70s, early 80s style punk rock and roll. It owes as much to the Buzzcocks and the Undertones as it does to bands like the female-fronted Penetration and maybe even a hint of super early Blondie. But, like I said, Busy Signals play punk -- not new wave. The sound on this s/t LP is beefier than 70s punk stuff by a tad -- definitely guitar-driven -- but the vocals come through crystal clear, as in power pop. "Uh Oh," the second to last track, is a complete power pop gem. Come to think of it, every track on here is a winner to some degree.

Thank goodness for punk bands like these that draw from the original sound of punk.

One could never get enough of bands that are influenced by the greats (who were also influenced by greats)

listen to the Marked Men, Jay reatard, a group called The Make etc..

This album is pure China white heroin if you like melodic, energetic punk rock. All it takes is one taste and you're hooked. I am afraid I will lose my job and family if I keep mainlining any more of this record into my face. They supposedly named themselves after an Exploding Hearts song (RIP), and let me tell you, they do those boys proud. Really some of the best stuff I heard all of last decade. They need to put out another record, please! Time to take off this necktie and tie it around my elbow . . .

For a band that does not take their music too seriously, they have done an incredible job of creating serious music. Great pop harmonies, and awesome guitar work, along with great production in the old style, makes this the album to listen to.

Agree with above reviewer. Pretty much perfect stuff. If you like the Buzzcocks, the Undertones, and other 77 in that vein, you'll LOVE this. Plus, it doesn't sound like a corny, poppy, diluted retread of old punk. Very much their own band.

This is perfectly orchestrated late 70s style punk rock / power pop from Chicago. I would say they are the best current punk band from that city.

If you need a list of influences, look no further than the second song on this album. It sounds like an outtake from the first Undertones album!!! It should also be known that this band features members of the Tyrades, the Krunchies and the Carbonas.

If you are into melodic punk rock in 2007 than this is the album for you.