Album Reviews

- by Nate Hennon

Deforesters is a 'no bullshit' punk rock supergroup. Even though this band is full of Canadians, their sound is best described as '90s Fat Wreck Chords.' "What do you mean by that, Nathan?" Give me a second, and I'll explain (geez, so impatient).

Back in the mid-to-late 90s, a lot of the bands on Fat Wreck Chords had this 'drums forward,' 'high-treble guitar' sound. I am not sure this was something unique to that are or just Fat Mike's preference in the early years of the label. Either way, if you go back and listen to early Propaghandi, Lagwagon, or Good Riddance you hear a lot of similarities, but still unique.

This is what comes to mind when I hear Deforesters's debut album, "Leonard." Their musical approach is serious, but not too serious. This lack of seriousness for what they are doing is very evident in their song titles and their first song, "Obligatory Cutesy Intro." A ukelele-based song about no one caring what you are doing. This got me hooked from the get go. But I wouldn't say that Deforesters are a joke punk band like Guttermouth or The Vandals, every song strikes a delicate balance between melodic hardcore punk goodness and hooky lyrics that will earworm you for days. I highly recommend this album.

Track listing:

1. Obligatory Cutesy Intro
2. A Song For The Reptoids Of Denver International Airport To Sing
3. I'll Take The Crab Juice
4. Zesty Mordant
5. Is This A God Damn?
6. The Topiary Animals Are Telling Me To Do Terrible Things
7. Exercise In Futility
8. Air Out Your Stinkables
9. Clever Song Title
10. What Do You Want On Your Tombstone?
11. This Is Gibsonton Not Gainesville
12. Snow Line
13. Municipal Geography Lesson