The Fast and the Furious
Formed in 2002, Angel City Outcasts play fast paced punk rock with more than a hint of rock and roll thrown in for good measure.
First track proper, 'I'm An ACO' sums up pretty much everything about this band in a nutshell, big choruses, wicked guitar playing and excellent bass runs just flow out of it. It sets the tone for much of the rest of the album, it's all done in an upbeat manner with a prevailing sense of fun. The vocals are along the lines of Dropkick Murphys and they fit in perfectly with the music. What really makes this record stand out is the quality of the guitar playing (courtesy of Zak Boroyan), much in the same way as on NOFX's 'S and M Airlines.' It really is top notch, hundred mile an hour solos, occasionally layered to provide a dual guitar effect. The bass is almost as good, it has that great big slapping sound that instantly underpins whatever is going on over the top of it.
Weighing in at just under twenty eight minutes for ten songs for a full length release is pretty short, but it should give you an idea of what's on offer here. The humour is perfectly illustrated by 'Popeye in Amsterdam', ripping off the cartoon theme in fine style. If these guys can reproduce the intensity and passion of this record in a live setting (which, if their press is to be believed, they can!) they are going to be one hell of a live band.
By song six 'Let It Ride' they are reminding me of D.O.A and that is certainly no bad thing. It's a blistering album from start to finish, easy to get into and leaving a lasting impression. A refreshing change from the political angst of many of their contemporaries, 'Let it Ride' is a fine collection of feel good street punk. Plenty of stand out tracks to choose from, but aside from the opener, 'Black Suits on Table Three' is perhaps the pick of the bunch. Lets hope someone has the foresight to bring them over to the UK for some festival appearances next year.