Rob’s Album of The Week: Already Dead’s Something Like a War
When it comes to punk rock in the United States, the city of Boston has had quite a history with it. Numerous bands like Dropkick Murphys, Street Dogs, Converge, The Neighborhoods and Nervous Eaters immediately come to mind. There are also more recent acts making this particular style thrive in “The Hub”, and this includes Already Dead. The amplified quintet of guitarist and vocalist Daniel Cummings, guitarist Brandon Bartlett, bassist Brian Ferrazzani and drummer Nick Cali have a sound that echoes punk’s ’90s era but with a distinctly modern spin. This is exemplified in their new album Something Like a War, which came out on July 26.
With the name coming via a quote from the baseball legend Ty Cobb, this full-length release shows as much grit as that guy did during his playing days. Both Cummings and Bartlett’s six strings supply unbridled energy while Ferrazzani and Cali forge rock solid rhythms that serve as the backbone. It’s electrifyingly cohesive with each song having the ability to hit the senses like a ton of bricks. Something Like a War is a stellar example of the sheer emphasis and force that punk rock can provide. It’s also going to make whoever is listening a one-person mosh pit right when they press play.
This particular feeling that comes across is because of the excellent sound quality that’s consistent from start to finish. It’s from the collaborating Already Dead did with Jimmy Corbett at the Bridge Sound and Stage in Cambridge. Each element of the band comes through clearly with the amplification surely making its presence felt. To really get what I’m describing, there’s really only one way to do so. That’s by checking out my top tracks off of the Album of The Week:
“Landlord” is a blue-collar anthem for anyone who hustles to keep their living situation intact by the skin of their teeth. It’s a catchy tune with stellar harmonies and hooks that are bound to stick to the mind in a pleasant way. The commentary within “I Want It All” is both introspective and reflective with Cummings singing out personal goals and what he hopes to see in the world. One of the many rippers within the album is “Wit’s End”. The drumming from Cali is rapid fire and it carries the song throughout its entirety.
Already Dead just rang in the release of Something Like a War at Thirsty First in Lowell on the same night of its release and as of press time, they have one more show lined up. This is on August 18 in the Rooted Café within the Somerville Armory located on 191 Highland Avenue with The Grubs. I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Already Dead live, but one can imagine that they put on a hell of an experience. In the meantime, grab a copy of the new album. It’s a legit punk rock record that’s as genuine as it gets.
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