The Queers - Back to the Basement

The Queers are the definition of a band that is doing it for the love. Sure, this album is interchangeable with virtually any other in their back catalogue; but there's that same energy and fun that's been there since day one.

I must say, I was tempted to simply post this review as "this album is by The Queers" and leave it at that. When it comes to The Queers, you pretty much know what you're going to get. Releasing a new album after doing the same thing decade after decade doesn't exactly scream "it's time for change". That said, I'm not complaining in the slightest. Joe Queer is comfortable enough with the writer that he is to confidently do exactly what he always does without it becoming pointless and stale.

"Back to the Basement" offers up exactly what you'd expect from a Queers album. Ramonesy 50s pop influenced tracks ("Outta My Skull", "Everyday Girl", "Back To The Basement"), blistering, angry punk rock ("Pull Me Out of It, "I'm Pissed") and the ever-present, delightful inanity ("Don't Touch My Hat", "Titfuck"). "Psychadelic Mindfuck" offers a combination of the aforementioned styles, "Roller Dog" shows the band's Beach Boys influence with a surf-instrumental workout and the obligatory cover this time around is Black Flag's "White Minority".

The Queers are the definition of a band that is doing it for the love. Sure, this album is interchangeable with virtually any other in their back catalogue; but there's that same energy and fun that's been there since day one. If you like The Queers, then you will like this album. If you don't like The Queers, you probably won't. Joe Queer writes the music that he likes and just wants to keep on doing that as long as he can. If that's not punk rock, I don't know what is.

(Asian Man Records)