Detroit punk powerhouse, Sros Lords, released their newest EP this month, For Gas and Vinyl. The Urinal Cake Records-affiliated group have announced their “re-birth” of 2013 with a fast-paced, hard-hitting, classic punk sound.
Sros Lords, the Detroit punk band that describe themselves as “blueberry muffins from outer space,” are a three-piece punk group with national appeal. The self-proclaimed “doom-a-dellic” setup are known for their crunchy bass, spacey synths, and “razor-blade guitar.”
For Gas and Vinyl begins with a track titled “Cleaner Love.” It is less than two minutes long but packs a great introduction to the sound of Sros Lords. Their well-mastered EP emphasizes the clarity of Morgan’s lyrics and the wailing-style guitar solo that emerges halfway through the song. The steady rhythm of Cait’s snare drum pays homage to old school punk, while the studio quality recording acknowledges the “new sound” of the genre.
“Jesse’s Girl,” the EP’s third track, is not a cover of Rick Springfield’s overplayed homage to a stolen romance. Instead, the band wield the power of a thumping bass drum, an Arctic Monkeys-like guitar distortion, and a flange-riddled bass line. This haunting epic also serves listeners with an example of Sros Lords’ lyrical prowess: “She was young, he was old./ She was brave, he was bold./ Now was the time that blood would surely flow!”
“The End” is a groovy yet frantic warning about the world’s looming demise. According to the song, a “beast with seven heads” has been sent to destroy Earth. (In fact, he “stalks the Earth and must be fed!”) Morgan’s distorted microphone offers noticeable echo as he shouts, “Gonna save your soul!” The background’s synthesizer is played in a ghoulish minor key to further incorporate the theme of the song.
Sros Lords’ testament to rebirth has created a well-mastered punk EP with incredible listenability. Punk, pop, and rock fans alike will enjoy this high-energy collection of quickly executed anthems.
(DMM encourages listeners to suport Detroit artists by purchasing their work.)