T.S.O.L. “A-Side Graffiti”

SoCal punk band T.S.O.L. has always been more than punk and I have to admit that I love their late 80s hard rock era too. In 2024, their single “Swimming” sounded promising and the first notes of this new album confirm that the band is in great shape. “Low-Low-Low” opens with lots of energy and fine melodies while “Rhythm of Cruelty” (MAGAZINE) has a cool goth rock vibe. The band even offers us a fantastic version of The ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW‘ “Sweet Transvestite” with Keith Morris (CIRCLE JERKS, OFF) as a guest. If you need classy Californian punk rock, then just listen to “Ghost Train” or “The Way You Groove” and if you want hooks with a slight 80s new wave touch then “Never Go Home” is for you. You’ll even hear some 60s influences in “Nothing’s Ever Right” or in “Good To Be Home” while AMERIE‘s cover “1 Thing” brings some funky groove in. Finally, T.S.O.L. manages to surprise us again with a very emotional cover of “What a Wonderful World” (LOUIS ARMSTRONG) with added lyrics and a wonderful version of DAVID BOWIE‘s “Can You Hear Me.” A-Side Graffiti will be released on February 27, 2024 through Kitten Robot Records and you should really not miss this one! /Laurent C.

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