August Premier

Rebel Without Applause EP

Written by: PP on 12/02/2014 23:19:13

The many comparisons to Alkaline Trio don't just stop at August Premier's style of playing melodically tinged punk rock, they even participated on a recent tribute album to the band by covering "Sun Dials". Little has changed since their previous album "Happy Miserable" from two years ago: the band still play fun, upbeat punk rock with similarly bright and joyous melodies as Alkaline Trio do, with particular focus on the early era (think "Goddamnit" and "Maybe I'll Catch Fire").

And rightly so. "Rebel Without Applause" EP is, like its predecessor, a fine melodic punk record, with five tracks of raw and unpolished guitars, yet clear and catchy melodies laid on top. "Exit Strategy" is mad catchy, for instance, and "Day Drinks & Daydreams" forms another highlight with its memorable chorus. The title track is slower, here recalling newer Alkaline Trio as well as slower songs by The Swellers, whereas album opener might bring to mind classic pop punk from The Stereo. Lots of big names being referenced, sure, and while August Premier's songwriting might not be quite on par with the international level, it isn't much below it either. The evidence is laid bare on this EP: out of the five tracks present, each one is good in its own right. Maybe the acoustic closing track isn't as noteworthy, and yes, the songs sound a little too similar in places to the aforementioned bands, but that's not a big problem when they are generally as melodically tinged as is the case.

Download: Exit Strategy, Day Drinks & Daydreams
For the fans of: Alkaline Trio, Smoking Popes, The Stereo, The Swellers
Listen: Facebook

Release date 18.02.2014
Pacific Ridge Records

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