The Slow Death - Punishers (2017)

The Slow Death from Minneapolis has proved to be one of the most prolific bands of the last 5 years. Their third LP, Punishers sees just as much booze-soaked heartbreak and distant hope as their first two LP's; Born Ugly Got Worse and No Heaven. The record is a perfect mix of angst and aggression with the subtle emotion and melody that make these miscreants so damn catchy and lovable. There is uniqueness to The Slow Death that lacks in many of their contemporaries in the genre. You can pick up on the country influences just as much as the Oi and Punk Rock influences. It's not often that a band can meld so many styles and influences into one seamless sounding record. They would be just as comfortable opening for The Supersuckers as they would Agnostic Front. They have released a dozen EPs and split 7s on almost as many labels. The line-up revolves around front man Jesse Thorson whose gravely croon carries you through each whiskey soaked song. Backed by tight drums, driving guitars and bass playing from Dillinger 4's Paddy Costello, the record will take your heart and your ears on a melancholy, booze fueled romp over and over again. Think Stiff Little Fingers meet Negative Approach. Or Lemmy meets The Lemonheads.