The Matches E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals [re-issue] (2004) Epitaph

If you grew up with Punk Rock during the early 90’s then I’m sure there are records like the Descendent’s “Everything Sucks”, NOFX’s “Heavy Petting Zoo”, or Pennywise’s “Full Circle” lying around your house. They are a few of the paramount albums of the era and they all have a big “E” printed somewhere on the back cover. Epitaph was the premier Punk label then and they are still a dominant player in the Independent Rock scene. You know you’ve had the dream where Brett Gurewitz signed your band and gave you a free Bad Religion t-shirt. Well the Matches got that opportunity!

After selling over 4,500 copies of their self-released debut record that was recorded in their living rooms and basements Shawn, Matt, Justin, and Jon were ready to twist the knobs with the big guys. Epitaph, in the same vein as with the Motion City Soundtrack has picked up the record and has reissued a remixed version. There’s an excellent review of the original right here, so let’s talk about what’s different.

For the collectors out there the band decided to leave the “Superman” as an exclusive to the original release. But for those who are going to be grabbing the new copy they will be rewarded with two original songs. “Borderline Creep” takes their Oakland, CA roots to the core with chords that just screech Rancid’s “11th Hour.” Adding some “Whoa’s” and “Ooh’s” to already catchy lyrics designs one of the standouts on E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals. The other extra tune, “More Than Local Boys” declares just what the band has become with a chorus that surges like an 80’s pop song. The entire album is filled to the brim with these catchy songs that merge together for the perfect summer soundtrack.

If you’re looking for something upbeat, energetic, and danceable I suggest you hop in your car and hurry out to a record store. It’s not the most Punk thing Epitaph’s ever put out, but it retains all the energy that the former bands packed into their art over a decade ago.

(KirbyPuckett)