The Palmettes / Sick Dogs / Tight Genes / Vicious Dreams DCxPC Live and Swamp Cabbage Records Present, Vol. 29 split LP
A four-band compilation focused not just on Florida, but on Orlando—this live record really delivers. I have to admit that my expectations were low. Really low. There were just so many red flags. A live record featuring four bands from one city? Volume 29? VICIOUS DREAMS get things rolling right out of the gate with a super catchy and melodic version of power punk with pretty but sort of snotty female vocals, and they finish things with an excellent X-RAY SPEX cover. Next up, the PALMETTES slow things down with some doo-wop-inspired pop music, again featuring female vocals. While the musical style is quite different from the opening band, it too is super-catchy, and the band is remarkably tight. The B-side starts off strong with SICK DOGS delivering some high-energy, pounding punk rock with a street edge and throaty vocals. The guitar is part AC/DC and part ABRASIVE WHEELS. Great energy. We wrap things up with five cuts from TIGHT GENES. Wow. This is some impressive punk that has me thinking of the ADOLESCENTS, but maybe a little more frenzied. Like maybe add some FLIPPER. Honestly, a great record from start to finish. If you own a turntable, buy this. If you don’t own a turntable, go buy one and then buy this.