Title: Born in Sin, Come on In
Author: Blacklist Royals
Publisher: Infamous Records
Copyright: 2005
ISBN: 3710107405
Pages: n/a
Price: $8.25
Rating: 9
Synopsis:
Upbeat, southern-influenced punk rock that warms the soul and will have you shouting for more. You can purchase it at www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=65089&
Review:
Born out of the heart of the rust belt in West Virginia, these southern punk rockers moved to Nashville, Tennessee a couple of years ago. When I saw these guys in Chicago they opened up with Billy Bragg's "Help Save the Youth of America," and they captured my heart right off the bat. This album doesn't disappoint either as it's brimming with soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics of youth and rebellion.
The album is actually an EP of 6 tracks with their original, unreleased demo from '04 tacked on to the end, so the first and second halves of the CD vary greatly, but, rather than sounding incongruous and out-of-place, the two sounds help you to see how the band's grown over the years to develop their own unique sound
The first (newer) half of the album is slower and more introspective. It opens up with a great sampling of the anti-rock 'n roll propaganda from the '50's transferring into the drumbeat of "F--k it, Let's Roll." The next track, "Shadow for my Soul" just makes you want to break out in song with the chorus. And really, that's the way it goes with this high energy, upbeat first half. (p.s. there's some great piano in the background for "Rocket Eighty Eight")
the second half feels more more visceral, desperate, and faster. What's more, it possesses more overtly political lyrics, especially on the 7th track, "We Got It." Here the bass is more subdued, though it really comes out in track "Nothing to Say," which also boasts some sick backing vocals
Some choice lyrics include: "Yeah, I may be dirty and I may be broke, but least I'm with my friends," and "Maybe if we could just forget again/ of a field, of a mountain, of the skies/ of a greed, of the lies in their eyes/ which way to a better place/ my friends are down on knees/ these are f--kin' desperate days."
Overall this album is fantastic, unique, and makes you smile despite the pain -- kind of like the mountains of West Virginia. So, whether you're interest in punk rock is just passing, or you're a crusty anarchist, this is a must buy album.
