They have a definite retro sound, somewhere around the whole ‘77 thing, without being a cartoon caricature of the style. Mid tempo, poppy, and roots in rock’n’roll. These guys can write a well-crafted song, are adept at their instruments, and the singer can really sing. It’s crazy. Makes one wonder why they’re trying their hand at the whole punk thing. Yeah, the answer is obvious, but still... I hear influences from the Undertones and the Buzzcocks in their sound: upbeat, driving, and unbelievably catchy. The song “City Of Desire” is instantly memorable. Hauntingly familiar and the chorus will burn into your memory in seconds. Just like the Buzzcocks, the Epidemics sing songs of loss and yearning in a style that is oddly happy. With few exceptions, I prefer punk to be on the slash and burn end of things, something these guys are definitely not, and the thing is, this is pretty f’n good. You really can’t go wrong with this album. A definite keeper.
–M.Avrg (Ny Vag / Thrashbastard, www.nyvag.com, [email protected])