D&C

How can you miss with a title like Songs About Cars, Space and The Ramones? You can’t, especially if you’re Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ – who are back, yet again, with another new mini-album in less than a year. It’s the kind of music we used to sit around, chain smoke Marlboros and drink Rolling Rock longnecks to – then we’d pick up our guitars and play the same kind of loud, fast punk rock. A veteran like Kevn Kinney still knows how to do it and do it right. “Hot Wheels” kicks things off with an infectious, sing-song song, melodic blast. “Acceleration” undoubtedly takes its cues from The Ramones and chugs along in that ’77 style – breakneck pace, punk standard; in a word, instant classic. “Moonshot” is a cross (to these ears) between Motorhead and Bad Brains! “Out There In The Middle Of Nowhere” is the standout – a rock gem that says to me The Dead Boys, but even better and “Space Eyes” is a three-chord blast of fury right to your skull. This is unapologetic, no-frills, no bullshit, straight ahead punk. Good to see Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ still doing their thing as well as they ever have.

About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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