A new EP release from the 91's brings out a colorful and vibrant blend of pop punk and classic rock with hints of surf and much more within a five-song Spectrum giving the record a very unique atmosphere but also something that hooks you right in and keeps it right where it wants to.
The 30 minutes and its free EP it's all the sweet spots for a great pop-rock record but also blends these terrific vocal harmonies and punk undertones throughout its course and gives the whole thing this alive and breathing sort of feel.
These songs are catchy, memorable, fun, and danceable and they do an outstanding job of showcasing the band's character and presence on the recording which is actually so good that it feels almost as if the record was done live on the floor.
It seems almost like the players of this band were feeding off of each other's energy the entire time and this gives it that powerhouse sort of energy that it oozes.
One of the biggest key elements of this record is the bass lines along with the overall tone of the instrument and the guitars as well because this is also what gives it that in-your-face kind of feel and with that, comes surprises around the corners of this release.
There are no two songs that have the same Vibe or that are really close to each other and this shows such great diversity and how they approach their songwriting but all the while you still get that connective and confluent feel because these guys do have a certain staple sound to them.
This is a youthful soiree of a rock record and it comes with all the bells and whistles that you could possibly want along with hooks that stick in your brain for hours after the songs have ended and the only way to satiate that is to listen to them again which in my book, is just smart songwriting.
But I don't think these guys aim for that kind of thing. I think that this is just their natural state and way of writing songs and this is part of why it's so good along with the fact that all the songs have loads of heart and personality to them.
The EP is wonderfully short but sweet and with the release of it we wanted to have a sit-down with the 91's to see where it came from and what might be coming up next for the guys.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the 30 Minutes and It's Free EP! This record had a killer energy and the riffs and funk grooves were alive and well throughout the rock of it all! How did this EP come about?
Danny: After the band recorded our debut singles (I Don’t Remember Why, Incidental Times, and Ya-Ya), we knew from how much we enjoyed recording it, the music’s energy, and the way people were enjoying it that we had to record more. As Mikey and I wrote new material, the songs fit together perfectly for becoming an EP. And just like a great pizza delivery, the songs felt fun, fast, and a perfect accompaniment to good company, so we came up with the idea of 30 Minutes and It’s Free!
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band?
Mikey: As 2022 drew to a close, Danny and I thought about how important music is to everyone and how much we enjoy writing, recording, and performing original music. The concept for a new band based on catchy guitar riffs and melodic vocal hooks began to take shape, a vision that was shared by our pal Rob, seasoned pro drummer. So, on New Year’s Eve the concept solidified, and we decided 2023 would be the year of our new band, the 91’s!
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
Mikey: I get inspired by anything that makes me feel happy and inspired to write music. Hanging out with family and friends, cars, skateboarding, surfing, the beach, basketball, movies, pizza, video games, music I like, and the list goes on.
Danny: Being alive! Anything and nothing at all can inspire a song, but something that always inspires me to make new music is seeing other great bands live.
Buzz Slayers: This EP has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Mikey: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, blink-182, the Strokes, the Beatles, Oasis, and the Beach Boys!
Danny: Everyone Mikey said! For this EP, I’ll add in Good Charlotte and Sum 41!
Rob: Green Day and blink-182 are my influences with this album. My background is in Metal music and will always sneak in there when I play.
Buzz Slayers: What are all you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Mikey: I teach music, run 5k races, and go to rock concerts!
Danny: If I’m not working on music, I’m working on my tan! I enjoy going to see bands, the beach, movies, and cartooning. I also like working on EP covers and music videos if that counts as “not working” on music!
Rob: Teaching music! I’m also an avid golfer and amateur cook.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in all your headphones right now?
Mikey: I’ve been listening to Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard a lot lately. I’ve also been listening to blink-182’s discography on repeat a lot gearing up to see them live in Tampa!
Danny: I’m not wearing headphones, but if I was, they would have some of everything in them! I really like live albums, this morning I listened to Green Day’s BBC Sessions, Beatles Live at the BBC is another good one, and I’ve had The Mark, Tom and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!) on repeat lately.
Rob: I’m always listening to Rush and BTBAM but I have been doing more expansion in my musical taste, so it’s been a lot of Bluegrass recently!
Buzz Slayers: Are you guys doing any live performances right now?
Mikey: We are so excited for our Summer Tour July 14-30! We are playing local shows at the Abbey, Area-142, and Stardust. Then we’re taking the show on the road to New Orleans, the Carolinas, Ocala, Georgia, Nashville, and San Antonio!
Danny: Doctor Mike’s the man with the plan! He knows our shows!
Rob: We are gearing up for a tour in mid-July!
Buzz Slayers: Did you guys record this yourselves or hit a big studio for this?
Mikey: We recorded all instruments and voices ourselves. Danny did all the mixing and illustrated the cover art as well.
Rob: The amazing McCabe brothers made the recording process happen with their magical fingers!
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Mikey: A bunch of shows and music videos for the EP songs!
Danny: A summer full of epic live music parties we like to call concerts; we hope to see you at one!!
Rob: Hopefully an LP!
Danny: For an LP, we’ll have to sell out and go upscale, something like 30 Minutes and the Waiter Brings You the Caviar!
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Mikey: Find what makes you happy and hold on to it. Have fun rocking out, however rocking out looks for you. Hope to see you all on the road this summer!
Danny: To everyone who’s heard the EP, THANK YOU for checking it out!! Hope it made you smile :)
Rob: I hope this album speaks to you in many ways! We live in a time of downtrodden and melancholy so I hope this can lift your spirits! Eat pizza and live your life!