In the past 25 years New Hampshire's The Queers have risen from punk obscurity to punk legends. The Queers consistently put out Ramones inspired songs that skate the edge of surf rock. Each album is consistently better than the one before, but this time The Queers have struck punk rock gold. "Munki Brain" is a powder keg of fun ready to blow up your stereo.
What's impressive about "Munki Brain" is how seamlessly Joe Queer and company integrate surf rock sounds into their pop punk palette. The opening track "Overdue" just drips with Beach Boys inspired harmonies. "Houston We Have a Problem" shines the same. I'm talking vocal harmonies that would leave Brian Wilson weeping with joy and envy. The Beach Boys influence comes to a head with "I Think She's Starting To Like Me". This quirky song is so "Pet Sounds" you'll have trouble believing it's not a cover.
Utilizing the slick production of Mass Giorgini, whose credits include Screeching Weasel and the Huntingtons, "Munki Brain" shows the Queers in top form. "I Don't Get It" and "I Can't Stay Mad At You" are bop along punk fun. The Ben Weasel penned "Tangerine" manages to be fun and introspective all at the same time, proving that Mr. Weasel is among the best punk songwriters alive today.
While I've thrown the word fun around a lot, The Queers are also able to rage. "Whatever Happened to Philthy Phil" is a threatening study in vicious punk rock. "Monkey In a Suit" is a rare political song. It has a cutting edge that is reminiscent of the Ramones' "Wart Hog" or Screeching Weasel's more menacing moments (perhaps "El Mozote"). The Queers transition from pop bliss to venom and back without breaking stride.
"Munki Brain" has quickly become one of my favorite albums. Around my home summer means one thing - pop punk. When the sun shines I pull out the Ramones, Screeching Weasel, MxPx, and a host of other bands that make me smile. "Munki Brain" will be on top of my listening stack for summer 2007. The Queers are pop punk masters, and the polished pop of "Munki Brain" would rule the airwaves in a perfect world.
Key Tracks: Every track on "Munki Brain" is a gem.
Reviewed by Jim McDonald |
