Interview with Nicky Rivets from The Hairlips

Critical Mass: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Critical Mass Nicky. I really appreciate it. For anyone new to The Hairlips, can you give us a little history on the band and how you guys got started?

Nicky Rivets: Well, I'll give you the Nicky Rivets history of the Hairlips. One day I got a call from Eric. He said i should cut my hair and i could be in his pop punk band. I was all about it cuz he's the guy who showed me the queers and screeching weasel. I was all like, cool. I was invited to Johnny's garage in July of 2010 to drink some beers and learn some new songs. First song i heard coming from the garage was a dirty version of Randy and Rainbows "Denise". Since then I was hooked on the whole idea of "The Hairlips". We kept playing and drinkin till we got ahold of Ronnie. The rest is a long history of debauchery.

CM: I reviewed your self titled album recently and think it's a great mix of pop punk and 50's doo wop. Is this the bands first album? 

NR: Yeahhh. Its the first album we've recorded. But we got TONS of shit we haven't released yet.

CM: And plans on releasing new material in the coming year?

NR: YUP. Like I said. We got a lot of material waiting to show the world.

CM: The bands sound is so identifiable with bands like the Ramones and The Queers. But you also have such a great 50's vibe added to it that makes it your own style and sound. In your own words who are some of the bands musical influences?

NR: Well, I can only speak for myself. Everyone in the band has a wide range of musical taste. I like the classic pop punk shit like the queers and screeching weasel, Riverdales, Beatnik Termites, Teen Idols. blah blah blah. I had my metal stages growing up but my dad raised me on Motown and 60's soul.

CM: When it comes to songwriting is it a group effort or is there one primary songwriter in the band?

NR: Overall its a group effort. We all have songs that we bring up to each other during practice. Usually, we have a open forum for criticism. We present an idea and then the guys will offer suggestions. ITS SUPER EXCITING.

CM: You guys gig around Chicago a lot. Who are some of your favorite bands to play with as well as your favorite places to play?

NR: I don't pick favorites. I just like playing out and meeting people. If you ever come to a Hairlips show come see me and I'll buy you a shot and we WILL party and have a good time!!!!!!

CM: Awesome! Are there any plans to tour outside of the Chicago area anytime soon? Maybe a possible mini tour of the Midwest?

NR: We would love to. But we all have bills to pay. As for right now our main priority is to write good music.

CM: Is there a website you guys wanna plug where we can get up to date news on new releases, gigs and merch?

NR: All we really have is a Facebook. I never post anything on it but its both dope AND tight.

CM: Thanks for talking with Critical Mass Nicky. The album is truly amazing. Surely one of the best of 2012. Can't wait to see the band live! Thanks again for your time man!

NR: NO problem! 

ps. Critical Mass is an Awesome Nuclear Assault Song!

Music Review: Casablanca - "Apocalyptic Youth"

What happened to all those kick ass, straight on rock n roll bands that I loved so much back in the 80's? Bands like Hanoi Rocks, Kix and Rose Tattoo? Well, outside of Kix, they all seemed to only exist in Europe. Well, thanks to the internet I've found a new band that brings back all that excitement and stellar music that made me feel like I could take on the world as a young man. The band is called Casablanca and their new album "Apocalyptic Youth" is so full of power and passion, it brings me back to 1985 again.

The album Opens with "The Juggler", a track very reminiscent of late 70's style rock. Not super heavy, per se,  but heavy on emotion. It's a clean song in the way that it's not all distorted guitars and over the top lyrical content. But, it's got a good groove and some wicked guitar licks. Personally, I would have put this track somewhere in the middle because on first listen you're gonna think this is the template for the album...and it's NOT! Not even close.

Things really pick up with "Secret Agents Of Lust". THIS is a rocking tune that's got the killer back up vocals and big power chord riffs that make this style of music so enjoyable. I can't say enough good about this tune. It's retro, but at the same time very much a modern day rocker. Not many bands can pull that off, but Casablanca can! And they do it well.

"Downtown" is a modern day anthem about lighting up the night, hitting up a rock show and maybe finding love along the way. Big on harmonies and super catchy in it approach, it just grabs you right from the start and never lets you go until the final guitar strings are hit. This could be a big hit here in the states, if we still played REAL rock n roll on the radio here. Sorry but Daughtry and 3 Doors Down are NOT real rock bands! Just some 3rd rate posers who think they rock.


The band hails from Stockholm Sweden and consists of singer Ander Ljung, guitar duo Ryan Roxie (of Roxie 77) and Erik Stenemo, bassist Mats Rubarth and drummer Josephine Forsman. These 5 write some amazingly wicked songs full of hooks and big choruses that will have you singing along and cranking this album at full volume at all hours of the day and night. It's just so infectious and bombastic you can't help but wanna rock out to it. I love good, thick solid riffs and this album has that and more.

"Apocalyptic Youth" may not be groundbreaking like "Nevermind" or Sabbath's first album. But it's still a solid album by a great up and coming band. I truly enjoy what Casablanca are doing to save this dying breed of REAL rockers. So, to sum up "Apocalyptic Youth", it's just a great rock n roll record, plain and simple. And that's good enough for me. Mick Jagger said it best..."I know it's only rock n roll....but I like it!"

4 ½ / 5 stars

Music Reviews: Masked Intruder - "Masked Intruder"

Y'know, I'm still very much in shock over the amount of amazing music that has come out in the last 11 months that it's almost mind numbing. And as I get closer to the 2nd annual Critical Mass Best Of date, I'm having a hell of a time deciding which single full length will take the "Album Of The Year" honors for 2012. But I gotta tell ya, leading the pack for the race for first is the self titled debut full length from Madison Wisconsin's own Masked Intruder. A band that consists of 4 guys in colored ski masks who sing about break ins, knife wielding robbery and having your heart broken. Not a bad combination for song ideas.

 "25 To Life" sets the pace for the record. This is one of those tunes that upon first listen you just simply fall in love with the song. It's catchy sing along chorus and lyrics like "in a world of nightmares you're a sweet sweet dream. Just about the prettiest thing that I've ever seen.", it's just pure pop genius in the form of a punk rock tune! I love it!
 
"How Do I Get To You" keeps it going with slashing riffs and another big sing along chorus. Harmonies galore, this is a damn fine song. The band, Intruder Blue (vocals/guitar), Intruder Green (guitar), Intruder Orange (bass) and Intruder Red (drums), are rooted in pop punk with a splash of 50's doo wop in certain areas. Everything they touch turns to gold on this album. There's not a bad, or even sub par, track on this release. It's just a great record front to back.
 
"Heart Shaped Guitar"  is the feel good hit from this album. This should be a lead off single complete with video counterpart. The songs about a guy who falls head over heels for a girl. And to show his dedication to her, he stands out on her lawn singing her love songs on a heart shaped guitar. Very sweet and romantic, right? WRONG! The girl in question has no idea who this guy is and calls the cops on him. STALKER ALERT!!! It's sweet, sappy, cool and funny all at the same time. And if the song's story line wasn't great enough, the band got Maura Weaver from the band Mixtapes to duet with Blue on this track. And she rocks it! 

"Stick Em Up"  is the hardest track on the album. But it's still a great sing along song about armed robbery. Trust me, you'll be singing "stick em up, stick em up, stick em up. I got a knife motherfucker stick em up" by the end of the track. It sounds like a song that could lead to corrupting the minds of the young, but don't be fooled. These guys are having way too much fun to try and corrupt your little brother...even if he is playing with only half a deck.

Closing out this album are 2 of my favorites. "Wish You Were Mine", with it's 50's doo wop sing along I mentioned earlier, is just a fun track with lyrics like "I want ya to show me romance. Won't you give a lonely masked man a chance". How can you go wrong? It shows the full potential this band has going for them. And "Crazy" is equally as good. Riffs galore and a great beat make it hard to not like this song. Go ahead, just TRY not singing along with the chorus...if you can honestly do it, I'll pay you $50! But I'll keep that fifty snug in my wallet because you won't be able to NOT sing along.

Masked Intruder are a band that will achieve greatness in the years to come. It's not just schtick with the masks...this is a band with talent, drive and a commitment to it's craft. It's no surprise that they were signed by Fat Wreck Chords yesterday. It's an obvious choice for a label who's roster also includes Teenage Bottlerocket, The Lawrence Arms and NOFX. Show some love for these knife carrying, B&E loving goofballs and pick this album up. It's a must have for all you pop punk fanatics.

5 / 5 stars

Music Reviews: The Creeping Ivies - "Stay Wild"

When it comes to music, blowing my socks off once is a chore in itself. Do it a second time, hell musta froze over. Continuing to do so, you must be doing something right. And that's what I get with each new release from The Creeping Ivies. The band is set to release their debut full length next month entitled "Stay Wild", and it's another barn burner!
The Creeping Ivies are a 2 piece outfit from Dundee, Scotland consisting of Becca Bomb on guitar and vocals and Duncan Destruction on drums. They may only have 2 members, but they bring the energy of a 5 piece with their primitive garage rock style and sound. "Stay Wild"'s 10 tracks are pure ear candy that would make Iggy Pop and The Cramps proud.

"Black Cat" kicks off with a surf style riff reminiscent of the 60's Batman television theme song. But it's more than just a tribute to good old surf rock n roll. It's also a fun song about that bad little kitty who's mysterious ways and 9 lives send shivers up the spines of the superstitious people of the world. Other key tracks are "Spinning" with it's ultra catchy riffs and super bluesy vocal approach by Becca and "Bop Like That" which sounds very 50's early rock n roll style, just makes me wanna twist and shout. I love the way the Ivies play simple, yet effective, rock music that's very much rooted in 50's and 60's style. But as any music lover will tell you, old time rock n roll NEVER goes out of style.
What makes a great record great? It's a combination of feel, believing in what you're doing and great songwriting and playing. Al these aspects come through on "Stay Wild". Becca and Duncan believe in what they're doing, and they sound they wanna send out to the masses. And that passion and tenacity comes out in everything they've done up to this point. I truly enjoy this band will continue to show my support as long as they continue blowing my socks off.  

4 ½ / 5 stars

Music Review: The Hairlips - "The Hairlips"

When it comes to music, I'm pretty open minded. If it can grab me on the first listen and not let go, it's good! Sometimes it takes a few listens to really GET IT! But often times it's on that first spin that I hear the magic that lights up my soul. And upon hearing the Hairlips self titled album, my soul lit up like Christmas! This is definitely a band who've cut their teeth on generous amounts of Screeching Weasel, Queers, Ramones, 50's doo wop groups and maybe even a few 60's girl groups! They mix all those up and what you get is an amazing 14 track full length that's more fun than cotton candy and roller coasters on a summer night!

"Fuck You Darlin' " Is such a great track that reminds me of Grease on acid! It's got the great harmonies and sing along chorus. But it's also twisted with singer/bassist Johnny Wabich repeating the line "I'm gonna fuck all of your friends". If you can't find the humor in that, than you're way too uptight. This is just fun music played by 4 really talented guys. And if "Denise" isn't a hit, I don't know what is! With the Beach Boy style high harmonies and the whole "shooby doo" sing along, you can't help but wanna dance and twist the night away. I LOVE this song!

Wabich, along with duel guitarists Eric Stutson and Nicky Rivets and drummer Ron Capiz are bringing back a dying style of music. Pure pop punk 60's surf style. Imagine what The Queers would be putting out if they still made records like "Don't Back Down", and you'll get an idea of how amazingly pure and awesome this album is. Listen to "Heather" and you'll see exactly exactly what I'm talking about. I can't find a bad track on this album, or even a sub par track! It's all so well written and played that I can't help but fall in love with this bands sound and style. This is pure unadulterated ear candy so sticky sweet it makes sugar taste like salt.

"Buttercup" could have been a hit back in '59! But it could still just as easily be a hit today! What's old is new again, and the Hairlips show that. Whoever said doo wop isn't cool hasn't heard this bands modern day spin on it. The riffs are just as infectious as the harmonies and the sings along choruses. These 4 guys got this style down to a science. I can only hope the live shows are equally as fun and inspiring as these songs are. All in all Hairlips have a sound and style all too familiar, but very much their own as well. Pure listening satisfaction is on the docket for today! Grab a copy of this album now! Your ears will thank you later!

5 / 5 stars
 

Music Review: Sonny Vincent And The Bad Reactions - Self Titled 7"

Sonny Vincent is a punk rock ICON. He's been making music for well over 30 years going back to the mid/late 70's with his old band The Testors. He's played C.B.G.B.'s and Max's Kansas City, shared the stage with The Cramps among others and has played in bands with Bob Stinson, Cheetah Chrome, Scott Asheton, and Captain Sensible. And now he's back with a new band, The Bad Reactions, and a new self titled 7" that is faster, heavier and more dangerous than pretty much anything out there today!

Kicking this off is "Replica". It kicks in with that all to familiar Sonny guitar tone, fuzzed out and hard. It's sounds like a freight train headed straight for a brick wall. It's a played with such intensity that you feel like the bands gonna implode at any given second. Sonny still sounds vibrant vocally, and his guitar playing is still flawless. The man never seems to age. He's playing at his best here, soloing like his life depends on it. And who knows...maybe it does! Maybe THAT'S why after close to 40 years the man has never stopped recording music and touring the world. It's in his DNA, this thing called punk rock. And he's not afraid to let loose on that old Gibson Les Paul and melt faces along the way.

"Stare Down" is the fasted song I think I have ever heard Sonny play. The power and speed of those downstokes would make Johnny Ramone squirm in his seat. And the band, Sonny (vocals/guitar), Josh Martin (guitar/vocals), Jon (bass) and Luis Herrera (drums), is tighter than a frogs wet asshole. You got great seasoned players who know how to bring out the best in these songs, and compliment each others playing as well. If Sonny keeps this band and records a full length, I can almost guarantee it will be as legendary as anything The Testors did before. He's got a super talented band here.

Closing out this 7" is, probably my favorite track on the album, "Jokers And Clowns". This is a slower jam, but still has the energy and passion to make it a solid rocking track. It's very reminiscent, musically, of The Testors classic "Time Is Mine". But this is a classic in it's own right. With Sonny singing about "all the fakes and the garbage piled up high", you can't help to feel this guy has stayed true to what he believes in and has never tried to sell out to clear a fat paycheck from some major label. This is a band who play music the way they want, no matter what the ramifications may be. And I think that's what has always been so appealing about Sonny Vincent to me...he's the REAL DEAL! A true rock n roll troubadour in the highest regard! If you like your punk rock raw and real, pick this 7" up now! They just don't make em like this anymore!


5 / 5 stars

Music Reviews: The Jetbirds - "Suicide Love Songs"

Sometimes you hear an album that's not necessarily NEW, but it still stands out for being imaginative and musically superb. This is the case for The Jetbirds EP "Suicide Love Songs" which came out this past February, but kicks so much ass I feel I NEED to review it now!

The Jetbirds play straight ahead rock n roll with a dash of punk rock thrown into the mix. Big on riffs and harmonious sing along choruses, "Suicide Love Songs" is a stellar release from this Chicago quartet in the vein of The Dictators or even early Hanoi Rocks. It just stands out and catches your ear and makes you wanna dance...ok, well maybe not DANCE....but you get what I'm saying. It's THAT kinda music! The kind that gets the energy charging in your system and the blood pumping in your veins.

"New Setta' Wheels" kicks things off with a nice palm muted riff before the punching beat kicks in and the big licks riff on. It's a great tune about trying too hard only to find out trying gets you nowhere, so you gotta go out and take what you want. The riffs run hard and deep and the back beat compliments the tune greatly. Just a great way to kick off an album.

                              L-R Max Kijek (Vocals/Guitar), Tyler Capone (Drums), Jerry Murad (Lead Guitar) and Aric Sparticus (Bass)
Each song has a way of getting you more and more excited as the seconds tick on. It's such a powerful debut, one of the best I've heard in recent history. No word of a lie. "Without You" keeps the excitement going with great harmonies and more stacked riffs. This band is definitely a powerhouse riff machine. They just keep pulling em out of their hat like there's no tomorrow.

You get the sense that The Jetbirds put everything they had into these 5 songs. I just hope they saved some of that magic for their next release. I don't just like this band, I flat out LOVE what they're doing! I try to find something enjoyable about everything I review. And if I can't find that something, I pass on it. But this is just a solid effort, front to back, from this band. But don't take my word for it. Go to the bands Bandcamp page and download this EP and listen to it for yourself. If you can't find something enjoyable about The Jetbirds, than you may wanna question your own sanity.

5 / 5 stars