The Briggs – Self Titled EP

It’s been more than a while since LA punk rock outfit The Briggs has graced the community with their no frills brand of vibrant fist pumpers.  Their previous effort, Come All Ye Madmen, offered up a finely honed dose of punk rock pleasure that left fans on a high that before long transformed into a seven year recording hiatus.  Thankfully the boys finally reunited in the studio for the release of a brand new four-song EP (plus previously recorded bonus track, “Panic”), and the outcome picks up right where The Briggs left off.

Marking their return, the EP succeeds as a self-titled effort that should entice newcomers and excite reacquainted fans.  At their core, the Californian quartet draws upon the same anthemic ”riffs and ra! ra!” punk rock resonance as larger than life counterparts like Street Dogs and Dropkick Murphys.  Time has done little to dull The Briggs knack for big sing-along choruses.  Opener “Broken Bones” may dress things up with a tight piano-meets-marching drum intro, but takes little time to pound the percussion and drive the chorus home with the stadium-filling chorus line, “I know you’re hurting, it’s only human, we’re all broken, I heard you once say, nobody’s living ‘till some bones are broken.”  The carefully weighted balance pumps up vigorously before retreating to a brief but intimate bridge spotlighting Joey Brigg’s belted punch alongside subtle acoustic accents.  While holding all the markings of a basic punk rock 101 alumni, the effect is fabulously fulfilling.  

Even with such an explosive entrance, the remainder of the EP holds up to The Briggs initial standards.  “Gridlocked” continues the soaring gang vocal performance with it’s brief but invigorating momentum and sharp toothed riffs.  Meanwhile, hand claps, boot stomps and hearty “woah-oh” choruses collide in “Seriously, How Old Are You?,” making for one of the album’s many stick-in-you-head highlights.  Closer “Questions And Answers” ends on a nostalgic note that channels a dampened, inward-looking retrospect as the band questions, “Do we always have to pay for our past mistakes, is there a way to avoid our fate?”  The thoughtful sentiment speaks to the band’s character beyond their brash exterior.  

It feels good to be reaquainted with The Briggs after such an extended absence.  The EP does a good job of reminding listeners why The Briggs getting back in the saddle is such an enticing prospect.  If their self titled EP is any indication, their eventual full length follow up should make for an anticipated and long overdue career reboot for fans and newcomers alike.