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U.S. Bombs

Covert Action (2003)
Hellcat Records

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Contributed by: Adam
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on March 18th 2003

The U.S. Bombs really won me over with their previous album. It updated many of the sounds of early British punk yet sidestepped many of the ruts that revivalists fall into. The band’s passion and genuine love of the genre took what should have been rather dated songs and made them seem fresh. This, combined with Duane Peters’ guttural yet snotty vocals, gave it just the right balance between modern relevance and traditional style. While “Covert Action” doesn’t channel the Sex Pistols as much as “Back At The Laundromat” does, it’s still admirably steeped in `77 era guitar riffs and song structures.

There’s a lineup change providing a boost of energy as well. Joining founding guitarist Kerry Martinez is Curt Gove of Les Stitches. New drummer Jamie Reidling locks in perfectly with long time bassist Wade Walston. “Covert Action” sees the U.S. Bombs branching out and adding more elements to their sound. While this is a major creative strength it paradoxically makes this album a less consistent listen than their last. The band adds upstroke guitar and a reggae backbeat to the ska-infused “The Gow,” which gives the song’s subject matter a unique sense of urgency. “American Made” is a blast of 80s hardcore that follows the album’s most surprising moment, the Latin-styled instrumental “Faith Of Marie.” This is one of those classically out of place songs that by all logic shouldn’t work, yet adds such character the record. Aside from these detours, the band provides a good number of their staple rockers that bring to mind their “War Birth” era. The driving punk rock of “Roll Around,” “Shot Down” and “In & Out” should more than please fans who’ve followed the band for years.

Peters takes on his familiar role of storyteller on “Covert Action.” There’s an admirable political angle to his lyrics where working class pride thankfully doesn’t fall into the trap of nationalist posturing. From their very name to their cover art the band obviously takes pride in their country, yet this pride is based on a desire for a better deal and involves a heavy dose of criticism of the US government. This shines in the ridiculously nihilistic message of “John Gottie,” where the group gleefully dismisses both major political parties in favour of a clone of the deceased mob boss.

A reader pointed out to me that I talk about this band a lot, and I suppose I do. I can’t help but admire the fact that the U.S. Bombs throw such passion into their craft and succeed where so many of their contemporaries come up short.

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TheMike (November 20, 2006)

This album is highly underrated. It's probably the best thing the U.S. Bombs ever put out. It's a shame they didn't develop this sound on the new album.

thejoshbennett (January 11, 2006)

one of the greatest fucking bands ever.

Anonymous (June 22, 2003)

Okay, Mr. Joe G. scenester Jack ass, thanks for confirming that you're a poser. Good bye.

joeg (March 24, 2003)

ah yes, and the punk police rears its ugly head once again. thank you mr. elitist for confirming you are a complete moron.

Anonymous (March 24, 2003)

Liking the U.S. Bombs but not the Pistols is like loving Rancid but not the Clash. Its quite possible, and to each their own, but you just look like a jackass.

Anonymous (March 24, 2003)

wow. you're calling me out b/c i like one band-u.s. bombs-, but don't like another band that sounds similar to them. amazing. i guess all people that like one band but don't like another band that sounds similar to them are jackasses. wow, you're fucking dense.

Anonymous (March 23, 2003)

"what i'm saying is asswipe, i'm allowed to like the us bombs and not like the pistols."

But what you aren't allowed to do is not look like a jackass in the process. The U.S. Bombs are Clash/Pistols rip offs...

joeg (March 22, 2003)

what i'm saying is asswipe, i'm allowed to like the us bombs and not like the pistols. who gives a rat's ass if the us bombs wrote a song about the pistols? i know its a really hard concept for ya fucktard, but it'll come to you soon.

Anonymous (March 22, 2003)

So? You sound like a jackass who doesn't know what he's talking about. So?

joeg (March 22, 2003)

so? i like the us bombs and i hate the pistols. so?

Anonymous (March 22, 2003)

"i've had enough of the pistols."

I dont think the US Bombs would say that, seeing as they've written at least one song about how great they were...

joeg (March 22, 2003)

i've had enough of the pistols. they fucking blow. clash on the other hand are great. us bombs are good. i'm out.

Anonymous (March 20, 2003)

Hellcat bands living in the past... They're okay, but don't buy this until you've heard all of the Clash and Sex Pistols stuff you can swallow.

Anonymous (March 20, 2003)

i'm not a big fan of this kind of punk. But it's still great stuff. I like "Shot down".

pope_schlomo (March 20, 2003)

They sell a lot of promo CDs in downtown Manhattan. I just saw this one on a clearance bin on west 4.

Ramo
(Paul Mooney is coming to Caroline's bitches)

Anonymous (March 20, 2003)

And how did you get it for $3?

-sickboi

Anonymous (March 20, 2003)

I thought it was simply "The World". I always thought it was a clever title because it reads U.S. Bombs the World. My fav too.

-sickboi

pope_schlomo (March 20, 2003)

Great album especially for 3 bucks. Duane Peters can rock my socks off. I still think "Vs. The World" was their best though.

Ramo