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Convalescents: Armageddon

Power Punk Rock

3.0/5.0

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Unsigned/Self-released
by Craig Hartranft,  08.02.2012

What possessed principal player Dylan Busby to name his latest punk rock creation Convalescents? The verb 'to convalesce' means 'to recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness' like at a hospital. It makes me think of an old person recovering from a stroke in a 'nursing' home.

Convalescents: what are they looking at?

Maybe we're supposed to get the juxtaposition against the normal energy we expect from punk rock. Or perhaps it's just reflecting the congruity of the songs to his life. After all, many of the songs here, Busby admits, are about the 'small but crappy things happening — the dog getting hurt (and the $250 vet bill), car accident — with seemingly no way to turn things around.'

Typical of punk rock, Busby's after the anger and angst of a troubled everyday life. It all sucks, and he wants you to know about it. In this sense, like Green Day has done in popular form, punk has been made cliche, even neutered from it's anti-establishment origins.

Nevertheless, musically, Convalescents do punk rock quite well. There's lots of energy represented by the speedy delivery. There's good melody and hooks within the robust rumbling. Recording and current guitarist Gideon Priegel can actually rip a guitar solo as well. Lyrically, it's less sociopolitical statements and more personal angst and frustration with life in general. But I repeat myself.

Yet, there's also some inherent redundancy here: by the fifth tune, you get it. Yet, that's alright because as a whole the sound works. Armageddon, then, is largely an example of current popular-sized punk rock. You could do worse. Recommended for fans of the genre.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

The oddly named Convalescents offers high energy, yet typical modern, power pop punk rock with the usual caveats of personal and emotional angst.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]