12 Jan 2024
Doc Rotten continue to be the best thing from New Jersey since the Toxic Avenger.
That didn't take long. Twelve days into 2024 and we've already got our first great punk record. This should come as no surprise to anyone who's been following the ascent of Doc Rotten over the last few years. The DIY kings of New Jersey have been working their asses off, and it shows. In addition to touring the world, Doc Rotten have been getting a ton of prime festival slots and support gigs.
Officially, Doc Rotten is the band's second full length, following up 2022's excellent Unite Resist. (The 2018 12-inch Illusion To Choose is actually a compilation of early EPs.) A self-titled album often signals a soft reset, and that is the case here as the band introduces a new singer. Johnny is proving to be a great frontman, and his raspy howl works perfectly with the band's rough and tumble sound.
Side A opener “Rotten Radio” seems destined to be a live staple for years to come. It's like a mission statement, a manifesto, and it even has a brief bass solo. “Gold Bars” has horns and somehow doesn't suck. Even more shockingly, “Working Poor” incorporates a ska riff without sucking. “Runaway” is just a classic punk banger. Side A closer “Over and Over” is also dangerously close to ska, but the chorus is so damn catchy that all is forgiven.
Side B is more political. Maybe more anti-political is a better way to put it. “Times of Uncertainty” is an anti-corporate anthem. “Simplify and Divide” seems to recognize the consequences of politics losing all sense of nuance. “Y.S.F.U.” has a strong message for those unable tolerate different political opinions. “Guess what/You suck/Fuck you.” “Never Fall In Line” has yet another bass solo, and is a sincere love letter to the rock and roll lifestyle. Album closer takes a page from the Dropkick Murphys book. Bagpipes and acoustic guitars help tell the sad story of “Maggie Mayhem”.
The ten songs in just about a half hour makes Doc Rotten the perfect length. The LP was recorded by New Jersey legend and Bouncing Souls guitarist Pete Steinkopf, and it sounds great. It's also self-released, even if it's high time some bigger punk label snatch these guys up. It's not too late to jump on the Doc Rotten bandwagon, but this record should take these guys to the next level.
For vinyl fiends: Pressing info is not readily available, but it's definitely available on 180 gram black vinyl. The artwork is on point and there's also a lyric insert.
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Part-time punk writer, suburban dad and angry old man. Follow my adventures on the Punk Till I Die podcast!