River Monster Records – 12 Dec 2021
Five tracks of ripping, face melting punk
I feel like all of my favorite punk records are 7” EPs I bought on a whim. I picked this up because I fell in love with the logo from River Monster Records and wanted to buy something from their catalog to support them. I’d venture to say that Billy Batts and the Made Men are the best punk band that you’re not listening to. Three young punks, who are probably getting sick of hearing about how young they are, play the kind of classic fast punk that is right in my q-zone.
The EP opens up with Joe Queer of The Queers informing us that “Life is Short, Life is Shit, and soon it will be over.” I believe that Joe Queer is producing their upcoming full length. If you like what you hear, you’ll definitely have that to look forward to. Screaming along with the rest of track one, “Take My Rights Away”, can probably give some people, including me, some serious catharsis right now.
Andy, Brody, and Stag are very proficient instrumentally on these recordings. The bass from Stag acts as a lead at times which is common in a lot of three piece punk bands but It has been awhile since I’ve heard a band pull it off this well. This doesn’t mean that Brody doesn’t shred as well. Basically half of “Paul Bellini” is a guitar solo. Andy on the drums has some beautiful, tight, quick fills on the ep that are sure to leave fans of punk drumming in awe.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the cover of “Oh, Bondage Up Yours” by X-ray Spex. At times a band will come along and remind you why you fell in love with the punk genre in the first place. Nothing does that for more than a band of guys under 20 covering a song from 1977.
Billy Batts and the Made Men are on a national tour at the moment. Definitely hit up an upcoming show, if you’re able.
