QUAGMIRE - Don’t Forget the Blowtorch

In this age of rejected hairdressing students at the forefront of whatever the monstrous thing that “punk” has mutated into, it’s utterly refreshing – and unfortunately, surprising – to hear a band playing some honest-to-goodness, down ‘n’ dirty punk rock. Busting out 14 sardonic, lip-curled tracks in just over half an hour, Quagmire’s sophomore effort takes no prisoners in an album that’s filled with infectious hooks and fiery melodies. There are obvious nods to their elders and betters who have certainly done this all before – but why question a good thing? Likely too abrasive for the mainstream, and almost too coached with pop-sensibilities for the underground, this album exhibits quite the feng shui of elements and manages to balance them wonderfully. Whatever method there is to their self-described “schizophrenic rock ‘n’ roll” madness, they should keep at it. This is great.

Published in Volume 64, Number 12 of The Uniter (November 19, 2009)

Related Reads