Album Reviews

- by Tom Dumarey

London’s gruff punks - or regret punk as they like to call it - Burnt Tapes are off to a great start on the title track of their new album, as they desperately plead with us that they have never been better. Not sure if I believe them though as the remaining nine songs that make up ‘Never Better’ mostly deal with feelings of self-doubt, regret and self-deprecation. You know, the stuff good punk rock songs are made of.

Recorded with aly George at The Ranch Studios (Creeper, Milk Teeth, Boston Manor), ‘Never Better’ is a solid punk rock album that may not come with a lot of surprises, but it sure packs a nice punch. Influenced by the likes of Iron Chic, The Lawrence Arms and The Menzingers, you know what you are in for. Big, melodic punk rock songs with gruff, somewhat grating vocals that make you want to belt right along with them.

Not the most original album out there, but they do this style well. Especially on album standouts ‘Yuzi’ and ‘Robert Cop’.