I have nothing but glowing things to say about this album. From top to bottom, front to back, I love everything about it. I’ve been complaining for the past few years about T&N’s lack of punk rock. I grew up on MxPx, Craig’s Brother, Ghoti Hook, The Dingees, Squad Five-O, etc and I feel like Tooth and Nail completely turned their back on that side of their roster. What once was a great indie label has become mainstream. While I’m not one to bash on them for that because they have to make a living as a label and the albums they’ve released the past few years have been good, I still find myself missing the late 90’s era Nail.

Well I can say that no more. Children 18:3 has put out a great punk rock record and it’s not jut punk. There are glam influences and ska upstrokes. While the more single worthy songs remind me vaguely of The Offspring, other tracks remind me of The Dingees. Even better for me, there is an overarching Rancid feel to the record and at times I hear the glam of my favorite band Squad Five-O.

The dueling vocals of the brother-sister tandem of Dave and Lee Marie (with brother Seth keeping time on the kit) works flawlessly and not just because siblings always sing well together. Trust me, Dave and Lee Marie aren’t always singing. If you like The Forecast, you’ll love this for the shear fact that the intensity lets up only for “Samantha,” a perfect slow tweener that lasts a whole 55 seconds.

I find it impossible to believe that T&N will release a better debut record this year. I also have little faith that many records they release this year will be better than this record is for me. This is my kind a music, this is what I love. If you are like me and you enjoy any of the bands previously listed in this review, then I suggest you go out and buy this record. It won’t disappoint because it’s so much fun. It begs summer to get here now!

Favorite Tracks – there is no weakness, but if pressed to point out specifics, I would say:

“The City”
“Search Warrant”
“All My Balloons”
“Homemade Valentine”
“Mock the Music.”
See, it’s really good.

RIYL – The Dingees, Saves the Day, The Offspring when they were good, Rancid, The Clash, the 90’s, I’m listing many of my favorite bands here, so it’s no wonder I love this record.

10/10

Tags: album review