Fed Up!Incase you already didn't know, Fed Up plays Oi! influenced hardcore. You know that shit that was coming out of NY during the mid to late 80's that had a slight hint of metal but still remained hardcore punk. They have been at it for some time and they show no signs of slowing up or bowing to any trends. This is exhibited by both the raw recording, un-PC lyrics and the simplistic layout of the album.
There are quite a few gems on this 16 track full length, especially lyrically which for me, makes this album. A song about Steel Reserve and a song about the love of a woman's backside are enough to get me onboard. Call me a pervert but I can't resist a song that includes a line like "Nice and tight, big and round. Spread those cheeks and scream out loud. If that girly ain't got no butt than rice and beans will plump it up!". Golden. And fuck, call me an alcoholic but I think people need to know the splendors of the high gravity malt liquor known as Steel Reserve. Shit the only beers that I know of that will get you fucked up for cheaper are the 10% heavy hitters Camo and Four-O. Other choice lyrical themes include getting your mua fuckin ass beatdown for being a gump, showing love to the bands that have paved the way, love of tattoos, and of course the act of chupa chocha (sucking pussy for those of you not familiar with Spanish swears).
Some of the other things that I enjoy about this release and the band as well is their approach to the art of song writing. As anyone that listens to punk/hardcore and any of its subdivided sub-genres knows, it isn't about technicality or flash, it's about energy and a mean ass vocalist and these guys got both. I didn't hear any sweet arpeggios, sweeping, or tremolo picking but there wasn't a point during any of the 16 songs that had me thinking. "Fuck, when is that going to be over already!", because god knows that I've said that many a time. Plus Dennis has that awesome, straight up NYHC delivery that at times reminds me a bit of Roger Miret.
And to touch on the simplistic layout that I hinted at during the beginning of this review, simple can be good sometimes. I can't lie though, I wish they would've used the Fed Up! logo and text for the band name and album title on the front cover. It would've kept it simple with a little something extra. However, they get bonus points for the picture of the bodega on the back of the tray though.
Rating: 3.8/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: "Butt Man" & "Steel Reserve"
Synopsis: Fed Up! delivers another fine release with two of my favorite lyrical themes, malt liquor and bouncy booties, the only thing missing is the weed song, and I ask, where is the weed song?!
Check it out for yourself and be the judge!