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Wouldworks - Disconnect Disconnect Records
Sweden’s Rebuke has been waving the skate punk flag since their 2003 inception. Their brand of 90’s skate punk falls comfortably in line with bands like the late Belvedere and Satanic Surfaces, adding to a backdrop of contemporary acts keeping the influential bands’ legacies alive and well. While I’m not terribly familiar with Rebuke’s career, based on their sophomore full length, Wouldworks, the four-piece seems quite content existing in a no frills range of melodic skate punk which means Wouldworks isn’t overly ambitious; but I think that’s the point.
For starters, Rebuke play a clean melody but aren’t afraid to revel in skate punk’s messier traits. “Bartenders & Tarbender” opens the album in a furry of crashing drumbeats held loosely together by vocalist Petter’s accented vocals and guitarist Sam’s steady riffs. Unlike cleanly produced skate punk acts likeChaser, Rebuke embraces their rough imperfections (with “Edge” likely taking the crown for roughness). Petter’s high vocals contain a scratchy coarseness, with his band mates’ backing harmonies coming across pleasantly off key. But that isn’t to say Rebuke doesn’t have an element of refinement. A reoccurring metallic edge heightens most riffs, offering an aggressive sense of targeted precision much in the vein of classics like Strung Out.
As for lyrics, Rebuke fits right in with their socially conscious peers. Tracks like “Take To The Seas” take a disapproving stance towards society’s environmental neglect, comparing humanity’s wasteful course with plummeting helplessly into the baron depths of the ocean. Others like “(It’s Not) Rocket Surgery” idealize “working together for the benefit of all” while smartly covering up the statement’s simplistic utopianism by admitting that their own eloquence could use a little work. Simply put, Rebuke preaches a message of peace. While not necessarily a groundbreaking revelation, unlike many of today’s egocentric artists, Rebuke’s message is one worth singing along to.
Overall, Wouldworks makes a fine addition to the Belvedere school of skate punk. The boys in Rebuke are fast, melodic, and messy. There’s nothing particularly profound here, but that shouldn’t discourage avid skate punkers from checking out Rebuke’s latest offering. An easy recommendation.