The New Catastrophes “Weather The Storm” On New Album
San Jose, CA's The New Catastrophes have released their new album, Weather The Storm, via streaming platforms, as a free…
Single Review: Mr Happy Chainsaw – It’s Not My Ball EP
Mr Happy Chainsaw
It's Not My Ball - Self Released
Mr Happy Chainsaw reformed last year after a seven year hiatus and they have picked up exactly where they left off by re-establishing themselves on their local scene, with new material, a new line up and new attitude towards performing. Before their long hiatus Mr Happy Chainsaw were a band that took toured across the UK with the likes of The Vibrators, UK Subs and Madness and you can see why when you listen to It’s Not My Ball, as this is the kind of EP that has a distinctly cross genre appeal.
The It’s Not My Ball EP brings three freshly penned tracks and two regenerated classics from their first incarnation. Standing There kicks things off with an upbeat poppy punk riff, this is followed by Out Of Time and Leaving Town, two tracks that have the feel of the finest vintage power pop, whilst Charlie and Your Best Friend bring a touch of old school punk rock, the latter of which will definitely appeal to fans of Dirt Box Disco. It’s Not My Ball is an impressive EP that marks the return of Mr Happy Chainsaw to recording, eight long years after they released their debut EP, We Appear To Be On Fire.
Although Mr Happy Chainsaw describe themselves as poppy punk rock they manage to avoid the pop punk clichés that have been rife in the recent renaissance of the genre, it might be poppy but it’s not pop punk, this is punk rock with a poppy veneer. Underneath the cartoonish name and covert art there lies an accomplished combination of punk rock and power pop that is not what I expected from a band who describe themselves as a cocktail of Blink 182, Green Day and Alkaline Trio, with a splash of Foo Fighters and a hint of Barry Manilow and Elton John.
The It’s Not My Ball EP can be ordered via Bandcamp here and My Happy Chainsaw‘s website is here
