The Rawtones -Pure Undistilled Anger
The Rawtones
Off the Grid
Independent Release
Time was when punk rock was a scary thing. The good people of the world were worried what they might do if Junior came home with a weird, shaved haircut, dyed some unnatural color, and carrying on about anarchy. Clearly it meant they had failed as parents or at the very least their children had fallen prey to far reaching negative influences.
Fast forward to now and punk is often depicted as downright campy and coy. Anyone can quickly look the part with a quick stop at Hot Topic. Pop-punk has become a radio staple and it has it’s place, but really, is the Nerf version of the nasty and lethal home-made zip gun which Punk is at heart.
From Melbourne, come The Rawtones, and they have ascribed to strictly old school rules of songwriting. Restless and rangy, this three piece score a solid with this CD, Off the Grid.
At no time do they sound as though they’re trying to compel radio to love or accept them. This is strictly for the underground and the one where friends still introduce one another to great new music.
With a a gravelly vocal delivery that feel street punk, the songs are largely 2nd and 3rd generation punk inspired, but with the right pedigree. Strains of Rancid and Pennywise can be heard in the songwriting. Ryan, Brendon and Matt, (Vocals/Guitar, Bass, and drums respectively), have spotless production throughout the disc. The trio bring a full developed sound with just enough agitated distortion.
Stand out tracks include “Empty Bottles,” the title track “Off the Grid,” and “Stitches.” All of them are uptempo and immediately memorable.
“Underneath” has a great shout along chorus that’ll make you want to set it on repeat. The Rawtones are seedy, dirty and aptly named. The best rock should always feel dangerous. At times this feels like it’ll come apart but tension keep the songs together; but just. Punk rock done right, and it’s about damn time.
