Thursday, November 9, 2023

EP Review: The Beatersband "52 Ways To Murder" (Independent) by Dave Wolff

Band: The Beatersband
Country: Italy
Genre: Punk, pop punk
Format: Digital, CD
Label: Independent
Release date: October 2, 2023
As a first impression, the Beatersband appeared to be a lighthearted band that covered classic songs from the fifties and sixties. However, this is not to imply that I disliked them, given the importance of the songs they were reworking.
After some time, I began to hear, or imagine hearing, something creepily noirish about their musicianship, which is unusual for most pop bands. Furthermore, I appreciate some pop punk music, but the majority of it seems too formulaic and repetitive to me. The question is also not one of receptivity to music genres other than metal (those who regularly read the zine will have an idea of this), but rather one of personal taste. Fortunately, the Beatersband's latest EP, “52 Ways To Murder”, was not subject to this restriction, which is why I could listen to it.
In retrospect, it seems an odd coincidence that I drew a comparison between their album “Vol Due” and the Misfits’ “Project 1950”. The Misfits always modeled their style on 50s rock, a connection shared with the Beatersband since “52 Ways To Murder” includes four Misfits originals that fit well, from their hardcore Danzig-fronted material to their newer and campier odes to horror. Fans of both traditional punk and pop punk should find something they like in the complete track listing, all of which performed with solid professionalism and vocals both melodious and indicative of the Misfits' dark appeal.
The Beatersband's renditions of "She", "Some Kinda Hate" and "Nightmare on Elm Street" give the originals the energy, heaviness, and rawness that they deserve. A few listens and I began getting the vibes of a street punk band practicing in a seedy recording studio on Avenue A. It made me want to listen to the punk bands I heard of in the 90s as well as some choice albums from the Misfits’ catalogue. The Beatersband really nailed it this time around. –Dave Wolff

Lineup:
Donatella Guida: Vocals, guitar
Leonardo Serrini: Bass
Enrico Vanni: Drums

Track list:
2. She
3. Nightmare On Elm Street (Remastered)
4. Some Kinda Hate (Remastered)


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