SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BASS DRUM OF DEATH – SAY I WON’T

Bass Drum Of Death
Say I Won’t
Sonic Unyon/Fat Possum

Say I Won’t, the latest album from garage punk band Bass Drum of Death is an album of many changes. Singer John Barrett moved back to his hometown of Oxford, MS, and the band rejoined Fat Possum, the studio that released their debut album in 2011.

The first three songs of the album are terrific. “Find It” was a great song to open the album. It is garage rock at its best and gives off vibes of The Black Keys and The White Stripes. The chorus is also incredibly catchy. “Head Change” is significantly different. It offers a much more aggressive punk sound with an electrifying guitar solo. “No Soul” is fast-paced, energetic, loud and raw.

The last three tracks of the album also are very impressive. “Everbody’s Gonna Be There” is a fantastic track and is easily my favourite from the album. You can tell that the Ramones were a big influence on this track, especially the guitars. I would not be surprised if “Everybody’s Gonna Be There” became a punk anthem in the future. “Say I Won’t” and “Too Cold To Hold” feel like songs from the 80s, especially the latter, which has a groovy and bluesy guitar lick.

Unfortunately, the middle portion of the album did not offer the same amount of intensity, energy, or catchy and addictive choruses. Half of the album was magnificent, but the other half was just average. For every “Everybody’s Gonna Be There” there was a forgettable track like “Swerving”.

Overall, Say I Won’t has some very high points on the album but also has some quite low points; however, those ‘high points’ make it worth your while to listen to the album.

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