Druglords of the Avenues – New Drugs

Druglords Of The Avenues, an Oakland based punk side project made up of members of Swingin’ Utters and Filthy Thievin’ Bastards have just released New Drugs, a 13 track full length available now via RedScare Industries.

Taking into account the raw musical materials that make up DOTA, this album doesn’t really deviate from the expected, however it does do what it offers very well, and that is well crafted, shout along punk rock.

Kicking us off is There’s Something Seriously Wrong With Me, a sub 2 minute blast of scratching guitars with a chorus that has you singing along on first listen. Brandy Breath wouldn’t sound out place on aRancid record and Take Your Meds really ups the ante with a great guitar track and the lyrics lay out their anti-establishment message without much subtlety: “To all authority, we’ll make a toast. You better never leave your post”.

 MacGowan’s Seeth could be lifted from a UK Subs album, channelling the late 70’s London scene whilst This Is A Pig continues the angry shout along choruses and showcasing Matt Grayson’s guitar work in fine fashion.

While the lyrics follow fairly predictable themes for the most part (social commentaries, boredom, repression and disillusionment with the establishment), the band aren’t afraid to lighten up and show that they don’t take themselves too seriously. This is particularly noticeable on Might We Dance where they follow that lyric with “at your gay and lesbian disco?” and Hooray for the Holidays which, despite its name, (and a lyric about candy canes) is not a Christmas song, but another 2 minutes blast of shouty punk brilliance, and a damn fine way to end the record.
Long time fans of the members’ original bands and newcomers alike will all find something to appreciate on this record.