Beta Boys/The Deacons - "After Dark" Stream
Trae Brown of The Deacons (left)/Trevor McCarthy of Beta Boys (right) |
Beta Boys' half of the split is more of what the group's fans have been loving about them since their start back in 2014. The Germs worship is still highly evident -- one track is called "Puzzled Panther" -- and one can easily imagine Midwestern freaks slam dancing to all of these tunes back to back to back. Beta Boys still hate society, still love stirring up a ruckus, and are still one of the best punk bands in Kansas City.
Perhaps it's due to the fact that the group plays much less frequently or has released less material than them, but while the Beta Boys side rocked, The Deacons half of the split grabbed me like almost nothing else in 2016 has. While singer Trae Brown has been known for his raging vocal prowess since the days of Dirty Work, Brown seems to be just as desperate and more focused than ever on this release. His vocals have been brought up in the mix compared to the band's demo and boy, was that a choice move. The band bursts out of the gate on "Intro / You Can't Stop Me" for one of the most defiant bangers the 816 has heard in a minute. You can hear Brown shaking as his belts out his disapproval on "Press Your Luck." This is punk that can be melodic and still kick ass. If you need any proof that DIY hardcore punk is Kansas City's most exciting scene, this is it.
Listen to each side of the split below and order it soon from Eat The Life Records.
No comments: