Slovenly Recordings, July 17, 2020
Tommy And The Commies raise the ghosts of first wave punk rock.
Canada’s Tommy And The Commies seem like they’re from another time. Merging the rambunctious singalongs and buzzing energy of first wave punk bands like The Buzzcocks, The Jam, and maybe The Undertones (and even a bit of Sex Pistols, maybe), The Commies have made a name for themselves, initially with 2018’s Here Come… LP, and now with the ridiculously titled follow up EP Hurtin’ 4 Certain.
Hurtin’ 4 Certain bursts with infectious energy on each of the 4 songs, with varying influences blending splendidly into power pop punk blasts that are uniquely Tommy And The Commies. Opener and title track “Hurtin’ 4 Certain” and closer “One Arch Town” both reek of The Buzzcocks. The hyper tempos and buzzing fast power pop of each gives it away. The bass on “Hurtin’” sounds great and the bridge and chorus are where this song hits, with catchy singalong hooks grabbing tight. Much the same can be said about “One Arch Town”, as it rides a catchy hook and some hissing hi-hat/ride combos into the sunset. Both are really cool songs.
And while all four songs have a Buzzcocks feel to them in one way or another, other influences do shine through at times. The stuttered guitar riff, rolling drums, and early start hooks of “Power On Standby” get me thinking of The Jam or maybe The Undertones and the catchy singalong hooks on the chorus only solidify the connection. “Impulse Action” somehow brings to mind a quicker Sex Pistols a little (the vocals and song structure both kind of hit this for me) and the guitar riff on the bridge is pretty spot on. Both of these are also good songs, though neither land quite as right or stick quite as long as the opener and closer.
Tommy And The Commies have a fun power pop punk record on their hands with Hurtin’ 4 Certain. They aren’t going to surprise you with anything terribly new, but the songs are clever and fun and bring quite a bit of kick. Worth your time.
You might like this if:
- You like rambunctious power pop with punk tempos and edge (or punk music with power pop hooks and bounce)
You might not if:
- You’re okay that bands have evolved since 1977
ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He’s very secretive, he might be an alien.
