The Gateway District

Perfect's Gonna Fail

Written by: PP on 20/09/2011 04:11:24

If Hole played punk rock, "Perfect's Gonna Fail" is probably how it would sound like.

Now there's a one liner for those of you who are too lazy to read on, although in truth, The Gateway District have far more in common with bands like The Soviettes and The Distillers than any of Courtney Love's malibu-rock songs. That said, the female vocalist of this supergroup, featuring members and ex-members of Dear Landlord, Off With Their Heads, Banner Pilot and The Soviettes, does have an uncanny way of combining the rowdy vocals of Brody Dalle and the fuck-off attitude of Courtney Love in a way that makes such comparisons unavoidable for anyone who listens to stuff outside of punk rock as well.

That need not be a bad thing, and it isn't either on their sophomore full length, which presents a no-frills punk rock sound that's heavy on rumbling bass hooks and straight-forward guitars inspired by Banner Pilot's "Collapser" and "Resignation Day". Although you could argue that the band are too simple and easy-going at times, with songwriting ambition limited to three chord cuts and upbeat melodies, songs like "Fisherman's Story", "Cairo", and the feel-good sing along of "you worthless piece of shit" in "Blue Halls" ensure that there's plenty of fun to be had across the record. There isn't a single song which doesn't have a sing along chorus, so what it boils down to is your opinion on female vocals in punk rock records. If you don't have beef with them, then the no-frills riffs and old school references of "Perfect's Gonna Fail" should be right up your alley, because The Gateway District make it very easy to like them if that's the case. Hum along, enjoy the melodies, and all that stuff, because while it isn't a masterpiece, it's still a likable punk rock record with consistently good songs. However, if you associate all female vocals with a shrug and a reference to Paramore, skip this one by all means.

7

Download: Fishman's Story, Cairo, Blue Halls
For the fans of: The Distillers meets Banner Pilot, The Soviettes, punk version of Hole
Listen: Bandcamp

Release date 26.03.2011
Self-Released

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