| With just days until the release of Los Angeles' own punk band The Briggs' new album "Come All You
Madmen, I thought I would get off my high horse and check out this Sideonedummy Records backed
artist. These guys have influences like The Clash, The Buzzcocks, and Bad Brains, so before I check
them out when they come around on Warped Tour, I wanted to see if their latest record would have me
in the front row or have me go for hot dogs when their set hits.
With the spirit of bands that have come before them, such as Flogging Molly, Street Dogs, and
Bouncing Souls, The Briggs have fit seamlessly within the punk scene. Think of Tim Armstrong-vocals,
pride filled lyrics, and traditional power chords playing in unison for what they sound like. The
Briggs do make up for their simplistic sound with their playful energy that is something to be
admired.
Mix in some ska elements (aka trumpets etc) and you get the idea of what The Briggs can do.
Casually paced with a good time at heart, this is hitting all the right notes (except for maybe
some of the vocals). That Rancid-like throaty voice takes some getting used to. Other than that,
"Come All You Madmen" is just what the average listener of punk can enjoy. Not too much risk
involved with this carefree punk, so if you like it you can vibe off it and if you don't you can
just move on no problem.
I personally like the charging tempo and emotion of "Charge Into The Sun" which almost sounded like
something from Billy Talent. But either way, you would be a madman to not give this a fair listen because
you might just like it.
~ Pernell
June 13 2008 |
