EP review: Teenage Bottlerocket – “So Dumb/So Cool”

Pirates Press Records – 28 Apr 2023

Teenage Bottlerocket keep doing that thing that they do so well.

There are few bands as consistent as Teenage Bottlerocket. The Wyoming quartet are like the AC/DC of punk. (In case you're not sure, that's a compliment!) They have been consistently grinding out high quality Ramones/Screeching Weasel/Lillingtons style punk for over 20 years. Teenage Bottlerocket have been on a number of prominent punk labels over the years, but this is their first release for Pirates Press Records.

So Dumb/So Stoked is a double A-side seven inch. Both of the title tracks were inspired by the pandemic. It's a strange dichotomy that finds plenty of opportunities to be disappointed in humanity, but also a few reasons to be hopeful. The full color, double sided cover art is a good visual for the music inside.

“So Dumb” kicks off side A, and is another TBR earworm. “What a dumb world we live in/Where everybody thinks they're smart/They're all too stubborn to admit that we really don't know shit/It's so dumb.” The staccato “It Wasn't Enough” isn't bad, but feels like the EP's throwaway track. On side B, “So Stoked” has the perfect amount of melody, positive vibes and general catchiness. “Woke up this morning to a great day without hassle/I was so happy I was grinning like an asshole.” Closer “Heart attack” is good too, but a bit more somber. 

If you're already a Teenage Bottlerocket fan, you're definitely going to need this. If for some reason you're late to the party, this would also be a good place to join the fun. Look for them live too, as TBR is going to be on the road most of the summer. 

For vinyl fiends: This is the classic, four song, 45 RPM seven inch EP that made the punk world go around in the ‘90s. There is a one sided insert with lyrics, but no inner sleeve. First pressing is 1200 on hot pink, 500 on Evergreen and Blue Jay, and 300 on the band exclusive kelly green with black splatter.