Roger Miret And The DisastersRoger Miret is one of the most recognizable names in the hardcore/punk scenes due in part to his time spent in the legendary NYHC band, Agnostic Front. Sadly more people know of this band than AF because of the shows they played with nut ass Good Charlotte. But anyway, in 2001 Roger Miret and The Disasters were born and soon after, they released their debut self titled full length. They played across the country in support until they released their second full length "1984" in 2005 and again, hit the road hard. Well here we are less than a year since 1984 has been released with another new album.
This full length consists of 15 tracks (plus one bonus) and the songs vary in length, anywhere from 1 minute-3:10. Musically, this album is pretty much what you would expect from these guys and this genre. Obviously that's not a bad thing, especially when you have scene veterans in the band because god knows if this was from some young kids with no cred, this would be shitted on. Although the opening piano in "Warning! Warning!" was a nice unique touch that added some character. And really the only other song to stand out of the heavily influenced Clash, Sham 69 and Stiff Little Fingers songs is the bonus track "Runaway Reggae Mix" which is a nice change up. I got to say, Roger's voice started to grate on me half way through the album though. It's like he's trying to sing way too hard yet still use his "normal" voice. Ah, just wasn't feeling it.
The lyrics are nothing new at all but again it's the sincerity aspect that carries them. And I don't think the world needed another tribute to the Ramones, which the band did in the aptly titled "Ramones". Other than that all of the lyrics pretty much deal with Roger's views on the way things used to be etc,.
The album was recorded at Big Blue Meenie Studios in NJ and it doesn't sound bad. There is a nice balance of clean polished tones and a bit roughness, just a little to keep things "punk". Although the bulk of the material is street punk there are some areas that change it up and the guitar doesn't miss a beat. Also there are sections with a piano and organs and both were mixed tastefully into the mix. The bass tone sounds good, roaming about in the mix with plenty of presence. The drums sound good, nice full sound. Roger's vocals sounded good.
I didn't enjoy this ones layout at all. The cover art would be nice if it was a page in the booklet or something. It's simply a picture of the band with Roger in the front and his bandmates in the background with some contrasted stuff going on with the bands logo stretching vertically up the left side. The design on the back of the booklet with would've been a better choice is they worked with it a bit. The inside of the booklet isn't too bad, making use of tattered photos of a hot rod and other things as the background for the lyrical display.
Rating: 2.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Another Generation and Warning! Warning!
Thesis: Decent street punk album but honestly I've heard better. The vocals were not my style, the music didn't hold my attention and on top of that the layout wasn't anything spectacular either but I'm sure kids will eat this up, I'll pass though.