Mom’s Basement Records – 10 Jun 2022
Combining pop punk and horror flicks for fun, new EP.
I must admit, the new four song EP from Jerk! checks a couple of guilty pleasure boxes for me. Pop punk meets one of my favorite horror movies on Welcome to Sleepaway Camp. Truthfully, only the title track is really related to the classic B-grade slasher film, but it inspired both the name and artwork. Jerk! is a hard touring, self described pogo pop punk band from Las Vegas. …Sleepaway Camp is their vinyl debut after a 14 song CD in 2019.
“Sleepaway Camp” is a great opener. It tells the tale of Angela and Camp Arawak, and has about as many whoa’s as a vintage Misfits song. The lyrics are not included, but I’m pretty sure “PDX” isn’t about Portland. That said, I’m not sure what exactly it is about. Ditto “92%”. Either way, they’re both catchy enough songs. Jerk! save the best for last with the Weasel-esque “Walking Away Today”. It’s a breakup song, I think, and an earworm that will really stick with you. It features some great lead guitar work, earnest, yearning lead vocals and memorable backing vocals too.
For vinyl fiends: Welcome to Sleepaway Camp has a nice, full color jacket, but no inner sleeve or insert. It’s available in black and transparent red 7-inch 33 RPM wax.
Part-time punk writer, suburban dad and angry old man. Follow my adventures on the Punk Till I Die podcast!
