So, the last semester before graduating with a master’s degree has put a serious crimp in my music reviewing time. Who knew, right? But I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to the enthusiastic instrumental surf-punk of Legato Vipers and their album Quick Slug. Some surf-punk comes off as derivative or cheesy, but LV have convinced me that they mean it. Their infectious energy is tempered with a restraint that says, “Yeah, we know what we’re doing here.” These aren’t giddy kids amused at the effects their pedals can make, these are songwriters who are doing their thing in a chosen genre. Opener “Talkback Mikhail” blasts out of the starting gate with incredible melodies and a fantastic groove that creates a genuinely exciting atmosphere. “Spy Vs. Spy” does the same thing.
If you needed to be convinced further, here’s a video of them playing while roller derby is going on. AWESOME.
If you still need convincing, you can buy the album with an engraved flask or a switchblade comb. Seriously.