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Drive By Punch

Dear Flannagan... (2002)
Self-Released

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

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

Published on August 22nd 2003

While on first impression I'd classify Drive By Punch as part of the current post-hardcore / emo trend, they completely avoid the melodrama that so many of their contemporaries convey. The band actually sounds like they're having an absolute blast doing what they do, which is refreshing.

With just a six song EP under their belts the Edmonton band shows an incredible range. From the speed up punk of "Raining On Prom Night" and to the moodier indie rock on "Breaking Point" the group covers quite a bit of ground and maintains good form throughout. Vocalist Chris Ruddy seamlessly switches from more melodic singing tunes to quick punk verses without sacrificing any power. The band's three guitarists keep their sound thick and engrossing. There's equal moments of influence from Small Brown Bike and the Alkaline Trio here, as the album juxtaposes between well written power-pop with more ambitious dynamics. They also share an aesthetic with fellow western Canadians Mico in that there's a very unassuming honesty to the band's overall sound.

My only qualm with "Dear Flannagan" is the backing screams don't always come off as believable or necessary. At times they come close to hitting that modern day emo cliché that I avoid if at all possible. However I have no doubts that Drive By Punch will rise above whatever genre categories they're placed in. Those screams have a little bit more rock 'n' roll in them than they do emo, a fact I'm sure Drive By Punch will prove in the future.

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Anonymous (October 24, 2003)

these guys are utter shit. they opened for raised fist and I almost had to leave...

Anonymous (August 27, 2003)

It's spelled Flanagan? Are you a fucking retard? thats like saying, "they spelt it sean, it's suppose to be shaun, or shawn." It's a fucking name idiot

Anonymous (August 25, 2003)

fuck these guys...its spelled FLANAGAN

Anonymous (August 25, 2003)

not just "one of" the stupidest comments ever

Anonymous (August 24, 2003)

This might be one of the stupidest comments ever but this guys sounds like a punked up version of the Lifehouse singer. Lifehouse sucks though and Drive by Punch brings the rock.

Anonymous (August 24, 2003)

Raining on prom nite is such a great song that ending is killer! Can't get enough of that.

Anonymous (August 23, 2003)

This is good shit,I hope they tour sometime in Western Canada. And by the way how old are these guys, they look like there still in Elementary School or something. Impressive stuff

Anonymous (August 23, 2003)

The Cleats are my favorite Edmonton band. Goddamn their SLF cover is amazing.

...evildeadalive

CanadianPunkRawker (August 22, 2003)

Its about time somebody reviewed these guys, they are hands down one of the best bands Edmonton has to offer they are an amazing group and deserve whatever comes there way. Check them out along with alot of other Edmonton talent we gots a decent scene happening here

Tim-PunkInternational (August 22, 2003)

I think this band is excellent, better than most alike bands one could compare them to. I have an mp3 from this EP at my site Canada Noise if anyone wants to check them out: http://www.canadanoise.com/mp3s.html

Shindo (August 22, 2003)

I didn't say I ~loved~ this but for what it is they do it well. No, it's not my preferred style but unfortunately I can't judge records purely based on my personal bias'.

adam

FortyMinutesWest (August 22, 2003)

I've never heard this band, and judging by the review I'd rather not, but I do like their name.

Anonymous (August 22, 2003)

But if you don't like that emo-pop bullshit, how could you like this? This is the epitome of Try hard wanna-be-on-the-radio pretty punk. I remember when the band started. They sounded like blink 182. Over time, they've progressed to sounding like whatever is popular at the time.

Lame.

Anonymous (August 22, 2003)

these guys are wicked... theyve worked hard to get where there at today. the 3 guitar ansamble live is an amazing site. if your ever in the edmonton area check em out!

InaGreendase (August 22, 2003)

BSD with another in-depth insight...wait, no, it's just another idiotic claim with no backing ground.

Shindo (August 22, 2003)

I quite obviously don't. Take a look at my past reviews and I've been pretty consistant in my dislike of the majority of Victory/Vagrant/DriveThru emo stuff.

adam

Anonymous (August 22, 2003)

I love how all the current emo reviewers claim not to like "popular" emo/pop-punk, even thought they quite obviously do. Keep up the good work.

-BSD