The Matches

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

Reviewer Rating: 3.5

User Rating:

Contributed by: KirbyPuckettKirbyPuckett
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on May 11th 2004If 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 somew.

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.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

kill_fftl (July 2, 2006)

thnk its about time for these gusy to come out with a new album

Anonymous (October 19, 2005)

I saw this band live and think they are a good listen and they are amazing muscians!!!

Anonymous (July 4, 2005)

Considering the band wrote this when they were only 16 (they're like 18-19 now) this gets full credit.

Anyone who bashes bright sparks like this need a kick up the urethra.

davebrave4 (June 20, 2005)

Yeah dude the matches are awesome. I just saw them at warped-they played at volcom right before the bled and all the bled fans got mad at them because the bled was waiting for them to finish. It was pretty funny. Anyway, the show was great, as was the cd

Anonymous (March 24, 2005)

Dude the matches are the best best best best best best best band ever, and theyre also the best preformers I've ever seen. I knew 'em back when they were the locals, I went to the first L3, and though they didnt sound that great back then, they ran around the stage like they just had a bunch of redbulls, and i thought they rocked ever since. Awful mallpunk, eh? I bet u that guy was nickelback's number 1 fan.
OH yeah I'm from oakland!

dredre (November 20, 2004)

the album is freakin amazing. borderline creep and jack slap cheer sound great . they're one of the best bands i've hurd in the last year.

Anonymous (September 30, 2004)

This has been my favorite album of 2004, Its just awesome, "Chain me Free" gets boring after a while, but thats the only song off the CD that I dont like, "Sick Little Suicide" is amazing, they are the next big thing, guaranteed.

Anonymous (July 31, 2004)

When did Lit ever claim to be "punk"??? They are just rock, not emo, not punk, they arent caught up in the trend of what music is cool, they are straight up rock. Oh, and Devoto played guitar for Lit on one of the songs on their new cd.

Anonymous (July 12, 2004)

You dumbass, they thanked Lit because they went on tour with Lit, same with Zebrahead and RBF. If you actually listened to their music you would hear that they are'nt just another shitty mallpunk band. I love these guys and their album truly rocks so dont come to conclusions without thinking them through.

Anonymous (June 29, 2004)

This is the album of the year so far. People who are bitching about it have forgotten that bands like the Bouncing Souls and Blink 182 were first and foremost bands that rocked hard and were tons of fun to listen to. The Matches write catchy songs with humor and intelligence and this album has the DIY-seal of approval... what's not to liket?

Anonymous (June 1, 2004)

I love The Matches with a passion. Ever since they rocked The Quest in July 2003, I've found my new favorites. Every time I see them they get better and better. EVDKTL!

pronouncedthewayits_spelt (May 16, 2004)

I really do love the matches. I was out of america for almost a year and when i came back i was over welmed with all the samplers and demos in the mail. I love there original sound and how they can pull off a mellow sounding song and still make it unique. I rate the two songs I have heard of theres high but according to some people those songs are there best off there album. i guess its off to the record store to buy there album.

Anonymous (May 16, 2004)

Boring,next....

Anonymous (May 15, 2004)

"Awful mallpunk. Why did Epitaph sign a band that thanks Lit in their linear notes?"

Says the one that took the time to read said liner notes.

Anonymous (May 14, 2004)

fagcore corporate bullshit.

Anonymous (May 14, 2004)

Stupid AP comparing them to the AAR/Blink/Goldfinger....they may not be the most 'punk' thing Epitaph has released, but they are miles ahead of AAR in every way.

Anonymous (May 12, 2004)

I thought you were dead Grimey...

FrankieGrimes (May 12, 2004)

Awful mallpunk. Why did Epitaph sign a band that thanks Lit in their linear notes?

inagreendase (May 12, 2004)

He was probably referring to Alternative Press.

Anonymous (May 12, 2004)

ap dot net r fagz

but seriously, kolaches are fucking good. shipley donuts owns.

Anonymous (May 12, 2004)

AP is just a bunch of idiots, don't listen to them.

gladimnotemo (May 11, 2004)

AP said these guys were like the All-American Rejects, but I'll go with this review.

Anonymous (May 11, 2004)

I saw these guys in Guelph Ontario and they were doing acoustic numbers after the show on the street.

Good gimmick.

kirbypuckett (May 11, 2004)

Yeah, I'd prefer to use 'Scott,' but I don't want to be confused w/ Mr. Hiesel so I just use Kirby that way I can do whatever.

- Frankenste...erm, Kirby.

Anonymous (May 11, 2004)

Thanx that always bugged the hell out of me.
-PsychoOS231

mrwaffles (May 11, 2004)

Yes, because Kirby's name is Scott. If you mean Scott Heisel, than no.

Anonymous (May 11, 2004)

Are Kirby and Scott the same person?

blaubs21 (May 11, 2004)

ah i remember last Summer when i went to Summerfest in Milwaukee to see a 30 minute set by these guys and nobody knew who they were...rock the hell out of the place. the record was hot back then, and i'm sure the re-master is just as cool.

PunkcoreKid (May 11, 2004)

penis is a funny word.

Anonymous (May 11, 2004)

Penis.