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We Are the Union

The Gun Show Must Go On (2009)
Paper and Plastick

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

Published on May 19th 2009

The Gun Show Must Go On is a three-song precursor EP to We Are the Union's eventual debut full-length for their new label, Paper + Plastick, and works quite well on two fronts -- it serves as both a solid introduction to the band for new listeners and a tiding over for fans already digging WATU's brand of pop-punk with horns first forged on their self-released 2007 full-length, Who We Are.

Despite being just a three-song digital EP, however, The Gun Show Must Go On gets off to a curious start with "We Don't Care If Yesterday Burns, Stoke Up the Fire," a song that seemingly sees We Are the Union utilizing the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach, cramming just about everything (crunchy, catchy guitar parts, quick horn lines in the bridge, solid vocal harmonies, plenty of subtle tempo changes and even a few ska-tastic upstrokes) that the band does into a near-four-minute song. The end result isn't bad by any means, but it definitely would have been better served as the final song on the EP.

The other two songs here are much more focused, and better for it. The sped-up tempo and huge, bouncy refrain of "Rearranging Deck Chairs on the Titanic" are definite highlights, as is vocalist Reed Wolcott's performance; his confident, clean vocals are awfully reminiscent of those of Steve Rawles of Belvedere, fitting the tone of the backing music perfectly. The horn section is more prominent in "Five Out of Five Kids Who Kill Love Slayer" and its infectious chorus, well-placed "whoa-oh"s and bombastic ending make for a satisfying listen; that one's surely going to be fun in a live setting.

Hopefully the sequencing on We Are the Union's upcoming full-length will be better, but The Gun Show Must Go On is a quick, fun listen that ought to whet the appetite of those looking for such a thing, and continues the string of quality releases from Paper + Plastick.

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literamaniac (January 20, 2011)

The number of times I listened to this EP between its release and Great Leaps Forward finally coming out is too high to count. Coupled with the fact that GLF lived in my car stereo for months after its release means that these 3 songs are basically buried in my sub-conscious for eternity. And it's a good thing.

CBSrocksteady (May 21, 2009)

this is a great record and a great band. i will say however i don't find their song titles being other various lyrics to be that appealing. lets see some creativity! besides my minor discontent, great music. support these guys! as for the review, good call on the Belvedere vox. I have ALWAYS said that about We are the Union.

lessthangene (May 21, 2009)

solid band and solid EP. i saw these dudes the other night and they we really tight and everything sounded really good. seriously catch these dudes if you get a chance.

ReedAreTheUnion (May 19, 2009)

I know I'm biased, but if all you hear is Less Than Jake in these songs, I have to say pity your knowledge of punk music. Come on dude, haven't you heard of Rehasher?
;)

mikexdude (May 19, 2009)

Lose the horns and the upstrokes and maybe.

Cos (May 19, 2009)

Edit: Less Than Jake DRUMMER.

Cos (May 19, 2009)

Less Than Jake releases a record by a band that sounds like Less Than Jake. Shocker.

onegirlarmy (May 19, 2009)

Really damn good EP, very catchy and definitely leaves me wanting more. Their full length was good and this is surely a sign of things to come for WATU.

icapped2pac (May 19, 2009)

Semi-boner. Can't wait to hear the full length though...and finally catch them live like I've been saying I'd do for the last year.

switcharoo (May 19, 2009)

dumb band name, dumb song titles, I didn't think there could be a band more vanilla than set your goals but I stand corrected

Matthew330 (May 19, 2009)

I like the addition of the saxophone in their recordings, but wish the horns were a little more prominent in the mix.

Reviewer is dead on about the first song, too.

ilikeilike (May 19, 2009)

Is it me or does the singer in WATU sound exactly like the singer in The Swellers?

MeeSTa3k (May 19, 2009)

Score is for their debut EP. This one is good, too, though.

IanIsSuperRad (May 19, 2009)

This is really fucking good.

Jo_punk_promoter (May 19, 2009)

Good EP, cant wait for the full length! Paper Plastick is a really good label, all of their acts are really good and worth a listen