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Gunmoll

Board Of Rejection (2003)
No Idea Records

Reviewer Rating:

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

Published on February 17th 2004

Gunmoll’s major virtue is the passion and conviction they put into their songs. The material that makes up Board Of Rejection may not be the most technically original, but it played with such unbounded enthusiasm that you never consider that while listening.

The Gainesville three piece’s influences are typical of the No Idea sound, but that’s a complement considering the bands involved. It’s not a stretch to trace Gunmoll’s approach back to the legacy of Leatherface, Husker Du and Pegboy. In more modern terms they’re a cross between early Jawbreaker and Hot Water Music’s later releases. The Jawbreaker comparison is frequently used with this band but it’s important to qualify it, as it’s become so trendy to namedrop Schwarzenbach’s work that it’s reference has lost all meaning. However unlike so many pretenders, Gunmoll truly reflects the feel of the rough, impassioned Unfun / Bivouac era of that band.

After hearing a few songs in the past I was unsure of Mike Hale’s vocals. His commanding Waits-growl is somewhat surprising on it’s own but in the context of the album his over the top energy is one of the record’s charms. Instrumentally the band’s become far tighter than their debut, with bassist Derron Nuhfer and drummer Jon Marburger more than matching Hale’s vocal presence with equal fury. Thankfully the production captures this and Board Of Rejection comes off as an impressive sounding record.

I’m so tempted to use the word derivative to describe the band’s approach but it carries a negative context that I’m not at all implying. This is derivative in the fact that it’s influences are obvious, but those influences are so well assimilated and built upon that Gunmoll stands on their own.

This is rather good. Go get it.

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Dedricthere (October 15, 2009)

That record is the shit ! One of a few records that I don't skip a damn song !

Anonymous (July 26, 2005)

One of the greatest punk CDs EVA!

Anonymous (November 4, 2004)

I have never heard this bands stuff. I am writing in reference to the artwork. Does anyone know how to contact Sten? I read a lot of you confusing this cover with Sinc's work. The cover looks great although it is two different people. Scott Sinclair does Hot Waters stuff and this is my magical nordic friend named Sten. Hey Sten. Call me. Sten. Hey Sten.
seth.

Anonymous (February 20, 2004)

hey adam, make gunmoll MP3 of the week. it'll make me happy.

Ramo

matt81 (February 19, 2004)

tasty band

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

realpunx4life sez:

Crucible isn't bad. I'm not much of a metalhead but if I were, I'm sure I'd listen to the Crucible a lot. I actually have two copies of it because I think No Idea is dying to get rid of all their copies. They sent me a free copy of that as well as of the split with Dragbody. How nice of them! Anyone want a copy of Crucible's My Heart Is a Merciless Piece of Metal and Fire or their split with Dragbody? Only $4 plus shipping!!! DEAL OF THE CENTURY!

Also, that last obnoxious anonymous post was me. Not wyzo's, obviously, but the other one.

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

"Likewise, you probably misspelt Scott"

ha. mispelt. using a transitive verb instead of its proper past participle. pfft. how punk rock aren't you?

wyzo

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

Accidentally typing "record" instead of "artwork" does not imply bad grammar. And I'm pretty sure that Scot Sinclair is correct. I do apologize if my jokey nature made you cry like a woman in the past. No particular woman. Making fun of grammar on the internet is one of the funniest things ever. I'm glad you finally got to join in the pleasure, douchebag.

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

here is some genius:

Scot Sinclair did not do the record for this record.

Some great grammar there, REALPUNX4LIFE. Likewise, you probably misspelt Scott. Loser. This is the same shit you call me out on. Lets see you take it, bitch.

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

bivouac you say??

/runs out to buy this

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

gunmoll is a great band to listen to when your baked, and i dont smoke pot.

A big appreciator of gunmoll.

wyzo

AmericanIdle (February 17, 2004)

They are on "haitus" and that makes me sad.

dazed (February 17, 2004)

How is that Crucible record anyway? I believe I have it in a pile of records my cousin gave me which I haven't got around to listening to yet...

exhaustra (February 17, 2004)

nice review. great band. cool artwork.

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

It's not that confusing. Scot Sinclair did not do the record for this record. It was done by Stenvik Mostrom (though I may have spelled his name incorrectly)

Luv, teh realpunx4life.

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

derron was better off in LTJ

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

This score's for the Scaries, RIP. Also looking forward to Mike Scary's new band with members of Gunmoll.

- Fatty Arbuckle

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

So this isn't Scott Sinclair's work, or it is?

Confused.

-sickboi

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

Met these guys when I was living in Fla. Good guys and good show, if you like Hot Water then check these guys out.
-Guy on Hoyne

Hubitcherkokov (February 17, 2004)

I loved "Anger Management..." but was rather lukewarm towards their split with Fifth Hour Hero. I'm excited for this, however. Peace.

REALPUNX4LIFE (February 17, 2004)

Wrong. Scott Sinclair did not do the cover for this record. The guy from the Crucible did the cover for this record. He also did this one:
http://www.noidearecords.com/bands/releases/crucible_metal.html

And Ramo is correct, this record is infinitely better than Anger Management in Four Chords or Less. I hated that record and almost wasn't going to get this one. Then I heard the first track and was blown away. Eight thumbs up.

sloppyblake (February 17, 2004)

that cover definitley looks a lot like a hot water music cover. the score is for non originality.

um they both have the same artist. sinc does the albums for both bands.

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

I just assumed they used the same artist... I wouldn't say that makes them unoriginal.

Anonymous (February 17, 2004)

this is definitely an album that should get it's proper dues.

Ramo
(way better than their first album)