steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
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info opinion

Red September

"Wake Up Call" CD

Static Records

Genre: pop-punk

Static Records
17215 Mack Ave.
Detroit, MI 48224

Oct 7 - 13 2002

While this album's cover art may look rather silly, Red September's music is actually quite an enjoyable style of excitable pop-punk. With hooks and melodies galore, songs like "Graffiti" and "WWW" successfully combine punk attitude with the tried-and-tested pop formula. And while pop-punk may have some pretty dangerous connotations nowadays (Blink 182, anyone?), Wake Up Call is thankfully nothing like the mainstream travesties that have become so commonplace on the popular scene.

There is plenty here to grab and sustain you're interest, and this short attention-span compatibility is one of the best qualities of these songs. While their style is certainly fun and light, Red September lose out in the creativity department, as their brand of music is not exactly the freshest of all. If this is something that doesn't bother you, and you're just looking for a quick pop-punk fix, then this should pose no problem. If, however, you are tired of the same old vocal harmony chants and Buzzcocks-derived guitar accompaniment, then this certainly won't be for you - perhaps the New Town Animals will be more likely to suit your tastes.

With topics ranging from the internet to those age-old anti-punk killjoys ("Don't eat that, don't drink that, don't smoke that/Stop having fun"), it's clear where the band's priorities are set, and if you are of the same persuasion, this will be for you. You know, it's a niche thing.

80%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 11 tracks; distributed by the label; released 2002]