Brassneck (2014)
I know that at some point in the history of this website I've brought up the old T-shirt that Snuffy Smile records used to have. It said "You Have Your Punk I Have Mine." Now if anyone can get me that shirt, I'll pay handsomely for it, but the relevance that phrase has for me is enormous. There has always been a strain of punk rock that has appealed to me the most and being in the US, there's really only been a small handful of people I've been able to share that with. The No Marks epitomize this phrase to me as they are playing the exact kind of punk rock that I want to listen to.
UK based, The No Marks are tapping into that deep artery of amazing UK punk rock that flourished in the 1990s. They are culling the best parts of bands like Chopper and Broccoli and Hooton 3 Car to create their incredible brand of melodic punk rock. Like Broccoli, and to a lesser extent Leatherface, The No Marks keep the vocals full of melody, but still a little bit gruff and raspy. While they're significantly smoother than Leatherface, the vocals still carry that same sort of lived in quality that really sets them apart from so many other bands.
Musically, you're going to get big hooks in the chorus and palm mutes in all the right places. The band is masterful at intricate guitar work when the song calls for it, without crossing into self indulgent wanking that serves no purpose. The songs are tight and the album just flies by. For me to really try to spotlight the best songs on this album is nearly impossible, I'd end up writing about all of them. It's one of the strongest, most consistent albums to come out this year.
Frankly, it may be the best album that's come out this year. I can only think of 2 others that even come close. Light Of One has my absolute highest possible recommendation. This is my kind of punk rock and I just hope there's a lot more from The No Marks in the future.
The No Marks - Light Of One LP:
Hey Tim! Love this record! Scoured the best records of 2014 lists and this was easily my favorite of the bunch. Pretty much addicted to it right now, thanks for the recommendation. Haven't got it on vinyl, but it looks pretty awesome as well.
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