It's always a good start when a band has a name that is amusing, and Lenin/McCarthy certainly manage that. Following up with amusing song titles is worrying, because without having heard the band, it could indicate that all they're about is the humour and a lot of bands actually struggle to actually achieve that.

So, it was extremely refreshing to discover both through listening to Lenin/McCarthy and reading through the lyrics to the release that they were not a joke band. However, I have to be honest: The lyrics left me confused, so I am not able to offer a great deal of insight into what the songs are actually about.

What I can say, though, is that they produce a (punk) rock sound that is big and loud-remarkably, from a three-piece-that is basically pounded out from start to finish. Mostly, the music is thick-sounding, although it appears that a love of metal forms part of what makes the band work so you get a few solos and soaring guitars, returning to a resonant quality that drives the songs forward. The vocals fit in perfectly, as they have a deep-sounding tone to them.

I'm guessing as to the influences on the members of the band, but I would say bands such as Black Flag, Descendents, Zeke, Supersuckers, Rocket from the Crypt and the Blue Meanies might all feature, as I hear bits and pieces of all of them as I listen to this relatively short 10-tracker.

There is nothing remarkable to this album other than it's a damn good listen. I doubt even songs like "Faster Wussycat", "Zed Leprin" and "Fort Awesome" will become championed as being classics, but they-and the other tracks-will provide people with about 20 minutes of pleasure if they give this even just the one listen.

All in all this is a good release, and one which is available for free, although a donation is suggested. To get ahold of this for a couple of £ or $ is money well-spent.

One final thing that might be of interest is that the band features the rhythm section of ska-punks Mustard Plug, but don't let that throw you off!!