Regardless of what is endlessly repeated, punk is very much a matter of conformity. Let me explain using music. As an musician you’re expected stick to the same influences for your sound. You sample Tim Armstrong, Ian Mackaye, Guy Picciotto or Fat Mike. You do exactly what was done before you, because that is the path punk has chosen to take. Any deviation from your path that could result in just enough of a change to catch the attention of a “non-punk” kid, is a sin in the highest manner, often referred to as “selling out.” So basically to remain part of this club, you look as your friends look, sound as your friends sound, and stick to the trends already laid out for you.
To me, that sounds a lot like shopping at the Gap to make sure you have the right label on your new jeans, so Cindy Cheerleader will keep you in her circle of friends. And seemingly, Time Again, really likes being in their punk circle, as they have constructed a very sell-out safe punk album with Darker Days.
Their instrumentation is very minimal, but hell, this is punk! Sid couldn’t even PLAY his guitar. Furthermore, there is a lot left to be desired in regards to the album’s lyrical content. But most of the time punk is about moving people through energy and emotion, not lyrics. Sadly however, I think Darker Days might honestly be taking a step backwards in reference to emotion from Time Again’s 2006 cut The Stories Are True, which stood stronger in both message and style. The difference is noticeable between the two albums, as the new cut honestly never seems to settle into that punch in the face needed to push a punk album over the edge. But if you like Rancid, this album sounds a LOT like them. Very fitting from a label owned by the band’s singer.
Look for Time Again’s Darker Days in stores February 19th 2008, on Hellcat Records.
Time Again’s Website
Time Again’s Myspace
Hellcat Records
