Smogtown: Domesticviolenceland

Smogtown: Domesticviolenceland
Label: Disaster
Release Date: 2002
Review Date: 2003
Layla, I’d like you to meet my weird friends. I made them myself.

Smogtown is back with a vengeance, not that they went anywhere in the first place. Domesticviolenceland is the second full release from the Fuhrers of the New Wave, and it’s full of more retro-punk for the future. It’s good, very good. It doesn’t quite grab your attention the way the opening seconds of Fuhrers does, but it’s still damn good. I’m not sure if that’s due to the production or the songs themselves. Regardless, Smogtown remains the band to watch if you’re a fan of original punk rock, and by “original” I’m also talking about uniqueness. These guys are definitely west coast. I’d put them in the same league as NYC’s defunct Degeneration in terms of overall vibe, but not necessarily sound. Smogtown is definitely more punk while Degeneration leans more towards NYC rock.

Domesticviolenceland continues Smogtown’s tradition of catchy hooks and a unique songwriting perspective. “Dance Asshole” and “Neutron Blonde” are some of the tracks that stand out. Continuing their bizarre obsession with fascism is the amusing “Straigth Off Adolf”. A tune like “Sneaking Out” is an enigmatic gem that reminds me that I can’t seem to reconcile the average age of the band with some of the content. Whether or not they are intentionally pandering to a younger audience becomes a moot point since older punks can crank these songs without feeling self-conscious. Chalk that up to an honest sounding delivery and the overall burliness of the band’s sound and appearance. Smogtown’s lyrics and vocal delivery is what sets it apart from the hoards of Johnny Rotten-come-latelys and Decendents-lite bands that pass for contemporary punk rock these days. If you can relate to or laugh at Repo Man, than Smogtown is for you.

These guys are brilliant. If you’re new to them, I’d recommend Fuhrers of the New Wave first, or Domesticviolenceland if it’s in stock. Smogtown came through my town and I missed the show. I’ve had a hard time sleeping since then. Go get your USRDA of high energy antagonism. Go buy Smogtown. Don’t be a dick.

Online Action: smogtown.tripod.com