An EP release from TMU delivers a thrashy and colorful approach to a blend of classic pop punk, early 1980s street punk, and some pop rock all rolled into one vivacious and energy-riddled release with quite a punch to it.
The Total Let Down EP comes through with no time wasted in terms of hitting you with killer and classic punk riffs with that perfect blend of catchiness and edginess.
This whole record brings to mind the energy and air of a live performance, and it feels like these songs were recorded live on the floor and everyone involved was just feeding off each other's energies the entire time which is why it comes through with so much impact.
You can definitely hear all the classic punk and pop rock influences flowing through the veins of this record and it showcases how they're able to put those together and release something that feels like an ode to the genre.
You have an excellent guitar tone that brings not only that edginess but pushes the envelope in terms of bringing the drive to the record just as well as the drums do.
The drums on this release are absolutely slamming and hit the pocket really well but also give the songs a slight looseness and again, add to that live performance aesthetic.
I love hearing a band on record and knowing that will be an awesome act to watch and a live performance.
This is exactly one of those bands. As soon as you listen to this record, you immediately want to see them perform it live in your face simply because if this kind of energy and aesthetic is captured so well on record then seeing it live must be a real face-melting experience.
When it comes to punk rock, that's exactly what I would be looking for.
The guitars are well done as the riffs are melodic but hard-hitting and the vocals have all this swagger and attitude which reminds me of that early '80s punk scene.
Bands like Minor Threat for example are a great way of trying to put your finger on the pulse of what this band might be about.
But again, they do an amazing job of blending all these punk rock subgenres and decades together in this one release making it pop-coated and again, colorful but also packing that edgy punch that lets this record thrive.
That fierceness is super evident throughout the whole EP and in true punk rock form, this record is a five-track release that spans about 16 minutes long.
As soon as it's over you just want to repeat it again.
The recording and tonality of the EP also put more towards that classic punk rock style. Certain elements feel lo-fi about this recording, and that's something that builds the vintage punk aesthetic super well.
In the early 1980s when punk rock of this nature was at its height, the recording sounded like this one does, and I think they did it on purpose. I feel like this band wanted to capture that classic feel and vintage aesthetic which is exactly what they accomplished.
This is a relentless record and feels great to listen to and makes you want to sing along with your fists in the air and move the couch back so you can jump around the room.
So, they pretty much accomplished all you can want from a really good, melodic but thrashing punk rock release.
But don't just take my word for it, throw this record on and don't be afraid to turn it nice and loud.
Remember where you heard it first.
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