Bad Moves Drops Capitalism-Smashing Single, “Working For Free”

By: Nick Manduley

As we approach the release of Untenable, Bad Moves’ upcoming sophomore LP, the band has released a last-minute single that begins to reveal the album’s true colors.

Right off the bat, “Working For Free” is the most aggressive, hard-hitting track in the band’s currently available catalog. It kicks off with a scathing down-stroked riff that blows up into a full-band cascade of chugging garage punk. The floor-tom driven punk beats against the rhythmic gang vocals would make venue floors shake and shiver (you know, if they were open right now). The dissonant, face-melting guitar solo really cements the catharsis of this track.

The lyrics are something to behold all on their own. They speak to the younger generations’ frustration and disillusionment with a system that has ultimately failed them: “Do ya want me working for free? You feel entitled to determine my pay, huh? / Do ya want me struggling? Come on, you think poverty’s a role-play, baby?”

A song like this couldn’t have come at a better time. As Black Lives Matter protestors clash with our nation’s police brutality issue, all against the backdrop of COVID-19, a crumbling economy, and a corrupt, power-tripping narcissist in the oval office, Untenable is shaping up to be one of the essential, culturally consecrated albums of this era. If anything, this single is the cherry on top.

“Working For Free” isn’t simply a song; it’s an anthem for those who want change. It’s an anthem for those who yearn for a country where profits aren’t prioritized over people. In a powerful conclusionary phrase, the band makes it clear that this song (and frankly the album as a whole) is a cathartic stance against those “united in making survival untenable.”

Untenable releases on all streaming platforms this Friday, June 26th.

Bad Moves Hits Us With Pop-Powerhouse Track “Cape Henlopen”

By: Nick Manduley

Since I’ve recently begun writing for Asbury Park Vibes, my first instinct was to write this review for that. However, I thought that since I already covered the last Bad Moves single on here, I should keep it consistent.

We are now just under a month away from the release of Untenable, Bad Moves’ sophomore LP. It was almost yesterday that kids far and wide heard the band jamming out “Give it a Shot” on Cartoon Network’s Craig of the Creek, months prior to the release of Tell No One.

“Cape Henlopen” is the third single off Untenable, and could easily become a fan favorite from the new record. The track starts with a rumbling drum-and-bass section courtesy of bassist Emma Cleveland and drummer Daoud Tyler-Ameen. Some catchy vocal hooks about “sinking into the sun” are layered onto the track before exploding into a guitar-driven chorus; one that cements this song as something I definitely want to listen to while relaxing on a warm beach.

Bad Moves is one of those bands where every member has a wonderful singing voice. The only downside is that it’s a tad difficult to tell who’s singing what from simply listening to the track. However, Bad Moves regularly delivers on the catchy vocal melodies and sublime harmonies, so as a lover of music, I’m not super bothered about who’s singing what. But, as someone with a journalism degree, I’ll be painstakingly waiting for either a music video or some live videos to find out what vocals belong to whom.

“Cape Henlopen” is arguably one of the more guitar-light tracks in Bad Moves’ currently available catalog. Cleveland delivers some delicious basslines and Tyler-Ameen keeps the band moving to a steady beat with ease, and I quite enjoy hearing them take more of a center-stage role on this single. However, guitarists/vocalists Katie Park and David Combs still bring some infectious lead parts and garage-punk sounding chords to the mix. Overall, “Henlopen” is another fun single under Bad Moves’ belt, and I’ll definitely be spinning it while I “sink into the sun” myself this weekend.

“Cape Henlopen” is available on all major streaming platforms, but I highly recommend purchasing the track and/or pre-ordering Untenable on bandcamp; there’s never been a better time to support small bands than now. Untenable drops June 26th via Don Giovanni Records.

Bad Moves Release Socially-Distant Video for New Single “End of Time”

By: Nick Manduley

Washington, D.C. power-pop quartet Bad Moves released a music video for their new single “End of Time” earlier this afternoon. “End of Time” is the second single (following “Party With The Kids Who Wanna Party With You”) off their upcoming record, Untenable, which is due out May 29th via Don Giovanni Records.

The video is a moving collage of trippy visuals and vintage footage, cut with web-cam video recordings of the band members singing along to the tune; a very appropriate concept for a music video during a global pandemic, especially for a song called “End of Time.”

Contrary to what the title may imply, “End of Time” is a surprisingly uplifting track. Well, maybe uplifting isn’t the most accurate word to describe this song… Though the lyrics are laden with positive messages like “Still having a good time” and “Maybe things will turn out fine,” the hook still ties back in with “Or maybe it’s the end of time!” I suppose “uplifting” in the context of this single would translate to “optimist-leaning nihilism.”

However, the message is clear; though news stories of people “protesting” the virus and stay-at-home orders across the nation are quite disconcerting, it’s important to remain as hopeful and optimistic as we can. Assuming the worst and panicking will accomplish nothing, except for making us feel worse.

Musically, “End of Time” captures what Bad Moves has continuously done best; catchy riff-and-melody driven garage rock. The nature of this video showcased each band member singing their parts of the song, whereas the focus of their past videos have been mainly on performance and narrative aspects. The simplistic web-cam footage of each band member, with no instruments in sight, highlights how awesome it is to be in a band where everyone is a great singer. Harmony has always been central to Bad Moves’ vocal performances, and it’s certainly not lost on “End of Time.”

Poeta Drops New Single, “Anxious Racing”

By: Nick Manduley

Brick, NJ ambient-rockers Poeta dropped their newest single “Anxious Racing” on May 1st via CI Records. Ever since the release of their debut album Golden Fields in 2017, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of new material from this four-piece (no pun intended). Poeta is one of those bands that you discover online late at night that make you wonder how they aren’t twice as big as they are. The captivating songwriting coupled by absolutely stellar musicianship and vocals are enough to hook the listener regardless of what song they listen to first; nonetheless, “Anxious Racing” is something special.

The track opens with the fade-in of drummer George Powell’s uplifting percussive prowess, followed by the biting riffage of guitarist Anthony Dentino. Guitarist and vocalist Kevin Torres gives what is now my favorite vocal performance on any Poeta song to date. Torres delivers a devastating screamed verse, immediately chased by the powerful high-register vocals any Poeta fan would be familiar with.

“Anxious Racing” is an anthem for a time when the world is facing a mental health crisis, and anxiety disorders are more common and central to the mental health dialogue than ever before. Anyone who’s felt “at the end of [their] rope” or questioned why they “have to feel this way” will certainly resonate with this track. My band Drive, Kid was scheduled to play a show in early April with Poeta that, of course, was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak; it would have been our second time sharing the stage with them since July 2018. I hope that once this is over, that show will be rescheduled, and there will be many more opportunities to catch one of Poeta’s electrifying live performances. Until then, keep up to date with the band on social media for any quarantine-appropriate content, and of course, stream “Anxious Racing” on the major streaming service of your choosing.

Featured

REVIEW: Sick on Sunday Bring the Riffs on “Welcome to the Major Leagues”

By: Nick Manduley

Toms River easycore sextet Sick on Sunday goes off with a bang on their debut record Welcome to the Major Leagues, released independently in 2017. The opening track, “Torn Ligaments,” opens with a cacophony of radio static and soundbites of top 40 hits before the band comes out swinging with a delightfully catchy riff and an infectious chorus to boot. “Ligaments” is followed by the title track which leaves a lasting impression on the listener. “Welcome to the Major Leagues” will resonate with anyone who’s ever been too anxious to talk to someone they’re interested in romantically. The boys push on with yet another great chorus, this one bound to be stuck in the heads of easycore fans everywhere, especially with a message as uplifting as “no one is really out of your league.”

The record pushes on with two more pop punk firecracker tracks, “If You’re a Featherweight, Then I’m a Dump Truck” and “Watch Your Back, Kid!” Both songs will instill a sense of nostalgia in anyone who discovered bands like Four Year Strong and A Day to Remember during their adolescence. “Featherweight” features a crazy breakdown that speeds up and builds as the song concludes, easily making this a track a go-to for anyone who loves to mosh. “Watch Your Back” packs an equally heavy punch with a surprisingly radio-friendly chorus that easily makes this track a fan favorite.

“Sadie Hawkins Dance” is a cheekily paints a story of being in grade school and attending an annual dance where girls are encouraged to invite boys out. “Courtesy Flush,” despite the funny name, but put forth an important message about chasing your dreams even in the face of adversity; not to mention that good-ole-fashioned low-and-slow breakdown before the final chorus. “Moving Forward Club” and “Wonder Woman Has a New Boyfriend” are the final tracks on the record. “Moving Forward” hits home for anyone who’s ever had a significant other that was simply impossible to please. A good takeaway from this jam is that one should always love themselves before loving others: “It’s like dating yourself / Maybe that’s what you have to do.”

“Wonder Woman” is the final song on the record and starts off with a massive breakdown before sliding into a melodic section with a wonderful keyboard melody. Sick on Sunday continues to show off their ability to write an amazing chorus on this track; this track will surely have you and your friends jumping up and down in synchronization. Fans who download Welcome to the Major Leagues will also get an acoustic version of the title track in addition to the full record. Listeners can find the record on all major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.