The Black And White And Yellow

A few years ago (and by "a few" I mean seven, because holy fuck, I have no concept of time anymore) I discovered Rough Kids. The band came on to my radar in 2016 with the release of their self titled album. At the time, I was neck deep in a late 70's punk obsession, and while Rough Kids were a newer band, they definitely fit that sound that I couldn't get enough of.

Shortly after the release of that self titled record, I started hearing that one of the guys was in a new band, Form Rank. I kind assumed that Rough Kids was done, and we wouldn't be hearing anything more from them. So it was a very pleasant surprise when I discovered earlier this year that Rough Kids had a new album on the way.

The Black And White And Gray maintains that same early punk vibe. It isn't a sound that I hear a lot of newer bands doing, so this still sounds fresh for today. I'm sure there are other bands doing this style, but they probably just fall outside of my view... however, this kind of catchy and upbeat punk sound will always hook me. Give me more.

100 pressed on yellow vinyl.

The State I'm In

My biggest surprise from last year was the new Rough Kids album. I'd never heard of the band before, but they came along at the right time, and fit that late 70's punk sound that I was obsessing over at the time.

That Rough Kids album went all the way to number one on my Best of 2016 list. I loved that record, but held back from rushing out to scoop up their 2013 debut album, The State I'm In. I wanted to fully soak in that new record, and didn't want to somehow dilute that by adding their first album into the mix too soon. So I waited it out a full year, before I decided the time was right to finally check out that first Rough Kids album.

The State I'm In fits that same '77 Punk sound, at times reminding me of the first album from The Adverts. How is it that a newer band can play a style of Punk that is 40 years old, and still have it sound fresh and vital?

The Shame, It Grows

I recently picked up the new Rough Kids album, and it quickly worked its way into my daily playlist...climbing the stats as one of the albums I've listened to the most this year. Such a great throwback to that late 70's punk sound.

I haven't made the jump to pick up the band's first album yet, but when I saw that Sorry State was carrying the new Lights Out single, I had to jump on it.

Only pressed in Japan, and limited to 300, grabbing this from Sorry State was a must. Had to get one before they were gone...and that exclusive b-side is another high energy song that makes me want to bounce around the dance floor.

Playing Rough

Sometimes, new bands come along at just the right time. Lately, I've been obsessed with late 70's punk. It has been dominating my daily playlists, and I've been on the hunt, discovering some great albums from that time period that I'd never heard until now. I haven't been able to get enough of that classic punk sound, and I need more and more.

Then with the creep factor in full swing over on Facebook, I noticed a "sponsored" post on my timeline from Sorry State Records, advertising the new Rough Kids album. With a description mentioning the words "'77 Punk", I just had to check it out. A quick preview of the album from the bandcamp page, and I was hooked.

Man, this album checks all the right boxes...fast and infectious punk rock. Put me on the dance floor and let me bounce around like a nut. This fits in perfectly with everything that I've been listening to lately, and may currently be my favorite punk release from 2016.