Amoebas - Telephone [7 inch] (Cover Artwork)
Staff Review

Amoebas

Telephone [7 inch] (2014)

Modern Action Records


This record was originally supposed to come out in the Spring of 2013. It was actually released in the Fall of 2014. Here it is 2015, and I finally have a copy of it in my hands. As a fan of this band from its earliest days, I find that anytime is a good time for new Amoebas music. This is exactly what you'd hope for from a good old-fashioned, two song, big hole, 45 RPM, 7 inch record. It's got two new tracks of the classic style of punk rock you've come to expect from the band, and from Modern Action in general.

The glossy cardboard sleeve has only a small, round sticker in the corner identifying its contents. The center of the sleeve is also cut out to expose the printing on the record's label. The A-side looks like the dial on a rotary phone (ask your parents, kids). The B-side features a cartoonish pin-up girl speaking on said vintage phone. The packaging shows a good eye for detail, and overall it is very nice. "Telephone" is a catchy Ramones-y sounding song with Dead Boys type of lead guitar swagger. "Ain't About Her" is the longer and faster of the two tracks. Don't be surprised if you feel the sudden urge to pogo. Both of these songs are more melodic and less snotty than the band's previous stuff. The songs are great, but I do miss a little bit of that Stitches type sneer.

I'm not sure about the current status of Amoebas. The last time I saw the Grand Rapids, MI band, they were playing as a trio. (They were formerly a quartet.) Amoebas are one of the Midwest's best kept secrets, and are definitely worth checking out. If you haven't heard the band, I recommend you start with their self-titled 12 inch/CD, also on Modern Action. Amoebas output has been fairly sporadic, and this is a nice addition to their catalogue. This record is available in pretty limited quantities, so don't delay in snagging a copy.