We’ve all got bands, record labels, and/or eras that we think are overlooked by the rest of the world. A big one for me is the poppy side of the late ‘80s/early ‘90s Seattle scene. Bands like Pure Joy, Flop, and the Fastbacks who borrowed from pop as much as they did hard rock and punk. The Birthday Suits, featuring Matthew and Hideo formerly of Sweet JAP, could run with that crowd. “Winter Coat” is heavy, catchy, and kind of funny. Not as fast as Sweet JAP, but just as good. Great song. The Blind Shake serve up the Mudhoney side of that Seattle coin: dissonant guitars, big floor tom action, snare drum lurching on the one and three.
–Mike Faloon (Learning Curve)