photo courtesy of Already Dead via Knyvet

EP Review of Already Dead: I Think It’s Time to Leave…

Already Dead is comprised (composed? maybe, given the band’s name, decomposed?) of Daniel Cummings (guitar, vocals), Brandon Bartlett (guitar), Forgie (drums), and Ian Kilpatrick (bass). The band serves up old-school punk rock with a punch that’s raw and rugged yet just polished enough for more mainstream rock and hard rock fans to enjoy, too. And that’s pretty cool because it allows the songs on this disc to reach – and be appreciate by and rocked to by – a broader audience, not just classic punks.

artwork by Mark Saffie @ Saffie Design; image courtesy of Already Dead via Knyvet

The ragged, aggressive opening of record-opener “I’ll Go Mine” establishes the band’s street cred, something it never relinquishes throughout the EP. However, Already Dead is tight and precise when called for. That, Cummings’ tuneful note-hitting, and the song’s catchy hooks will appeal to a broader audience. If you’re punk, you’ll dig this record; if you’re not, it may become one of your favorite punk discs. On the other hand, I’ve noticed my musical taste has been expanding to include more punk rock over the years, so it could just be me.

The surprisingly short “I’ll Go Mine” clocks in at just 1:08. It’s a complete song, but the tempo’s fast, and it just reaches the end oh-so-quickly. It’s followed by “Time,” a song that aggressively complains about needing more time or less time… well, it depends. But you’ll be singing along with “I need more hours in the day” or “I need less hours in the day” – probably getting them confused – by the end of the first listen.

logo courtesy of Already Dead via Knyvet

The tempo is aggressive but steadier and more methodical on track three, “Gettin’ By,” but the hooks keep coming. Here’s you’ll be singing along with the chorus “Sometimes just gettin’ by (is) better than gettin’ ahead. Sometimes gettin’ by, you’re better off dead!” Um, OK. That seems like a mixed message. Indeed, by the end of the song, you may still be left uncertain about your preference between gettin’ by versus gettin’ ahead, but you’ll definitely know you’ve been rocked. This song also includes probably the coolest guitar solo on the EP, marking this as almost certainly tuneful guitar shredding fans’ favorite Already Dead song.

Drummers, on the other hand, are going to prefer track four, “Sick Talk.” The fast but very crisp tempo is a skins-filled feast, with axework matching the drums, and the vocals clocking in as the rawest in the collection.

“Nothing Wrong” closes the record with introspection, with the aggression mostly provided by the vocals, while the guitars provide some texture in the verses and the drums stepping back a little in the mix to act more just as the tempo-keeper, allowing skinsman Forgie to show off a bit of finesse. In fact, Kilpatrick’s bass has a bit of a bluesy slap to it, especially in the chorus, suggesting that these musicians could all play a variety of musical styles if they chose. And in the end, the musicians’ individual talents are a main reason Already Dead – and I Think It’s Time to Leave… – stand out among others of their genre.

More Recently: Bonus Single Review of Dan Cummings – “Which Side Are You On?”

image courtesy of Knyvet

Just yesterday, on Friday, May 29, Already Dead lead singer Dan Cummings dropped his stripped-down folk-punk cover of the traditional protest song “Which Side Are You On?”, a song whose roots date back to 1931. Cummings’ is a cool, catchy version with updated lyrics for today’s modern circumstances, though “modern” isn’t really the right word, is it, as I’d think “modern” wouldn’t be regressive? Regardless, it’s a powerful song, recorded as a rough-edged acoustic rock punk-folk number with appropriately hoarse, edgy vocals that very clearly don’t conceal barely-controlled anger in the lyrical delivery. Kudos to Cummings – who traces his familiarity with the number to the Dropkick Murphys’ version – for his powerful rendition.