Neighbors
"We Refuse To Kiss Ass" CD (Self-released)
There's an oft-used phrase which has become a cliche due to its presence in dozens of reviews, articles and the like; to wit, punk as fuck. However, in the case of the Neighbors, not only does this phrase apply, it is virtually the only way to accurately (or even adequately) describe the fury, power and full-on raging hardcore contained on this slab o' aluminum. Blending the vocal stylings of singers like Kurt Brecht and the music of bands such as Screeching Weasel (only accelerated to the point of total cardiac arrest), the Neighbors easily escape the morass of lousy garage bands and deliver a pissed-off album which rages against ... well, damn near everything. And as Kenny Leek spits out his lyrics in sync with the drumbeats, one thing becomes patently clear - you can like this or not, but you won't feel ambivalent, which is a sure sign of a good album.