The Usuals – Man Down EP

Man Down is a literal title, co-founder and guitarist Steve Katzel sadly passed away in 2020, so this is an EP that is as much a tribute as a moving on.  To liken The Usuals to the likes of Naked Raygun is not such a giant leap, especially as the legend that is Jeff Pezatti sings backing vocals on ‘No Disguise’ a song that has been revisited in memory of Steve’s love for this song.

How do you show your love for someone that put their life and soul into a band, well you put everything you have into four songs, smash the hell out of the listeners ears with pure Punk Rock n Roll heaven, kicking off with ‘Reconstruction’ this EP heads off in a direction that reminds of how it felt on them not so many occasions when recorded music had the effect of transporting you directly into the heart of a club or venue, a feeling of being right there with a bass line so raw, a guitar that slices through the thick haze of sweat that sits around you, then add manic drum beats that have you jumping around, throw in a vocal you have no choice than to scream along with and it can’t get any better, can it?

Guess what? Yes it does get better, ‘People’s Choice’ has all of the above plus an attitude, and an angst that slams you to the floor.

What The Usuals have got here, is a punk rock attitude wrapped up neatly in songs that are anthems without being calls to arms, without looking to create a movement, yet still giving both barrels to the establishment and the fucked up ideals of the some in society.  

‘No Disguise’ a classic, melodic angst filled slice of energy, follows ‘Knew’ to finish this far too short EP, both are songs that are smashed through at breakneck speed, both sounding just as strong and proving this is band that has what it takes to always be at the top with the best.

Miss this EP at your peril, if your feeling like you need to jump back to when it all began, when your life was changed forever, or just need to hear something fresh and powerful, Man Down will fulfil both requirements with ease.

Here’s to the arrival of the Full Length!

Go pick up buy and listen to a PUNK EP  Out on 5th November via Legit Records

Then go check out and support the band HERE