V/A - Punk Goes Acoustic2

Mon 9th Jul, 2007 in Music Reviews

Apparently these things must be selling, Fearless Records pumps them out at an alarming rate and this time around they’ve decided to add a second acoustic disc to the Punk Goes series. Let’s not get into a debate about what is “punk”, but for fans of the genre you’ll find this an interesting listen, despite many of the songs lacking any real grunt.

The first thing you’ll notice upon listening to this is that the inclusion of Jack’s Mannequin seems pretty pointless, their (his?) contribution not venturing much further than their usual style. Soon after this is Baby Come On, performed by Blink 182 coattail-riders +44, and while some might find it a little hard to swallow a – œserious’ song from Mark Hoppus, I think this track actually works quite well. Its simple, guitar, piano and vocals only, but it comes out so right.

For a stint of three or four songs interest is lost to uninspiring guitar riffs and lazy vocal melodies, but it picks up again with what is easily the highlight in Silverstein’s Red Light Pledge . Up to this point it really seems that only the bigger names on the disc are the ones with any worthwhile tracks. Then seemingly out of nowhere came a gem by a group called The Spill Canvas. The track that appears to have originated as an electric song, but Staplegunned translates perfectly to an acoustic song packed with a punch.

The biggest disappointment is the inclusion of Anti-Flag’s Welcome to 1984. It becomes apparent these guys don’t really know what they’re doing when an acoustic guitar is placed in their hands, and someone needs to tell them that taking an electrified song and trying it play it unplugged in the same way more oft than not does just not work.

Not exactly a must have album, but there are plenty of fantastic moments and more than enough bands you most likely haven’t yet heard that you should get yourself acquainted with. Keep an ear out.