Album Review: Bandaid Brigade “Sex is Terrifying”
review by Ricky Frankel
Release: Sex is Terrifying
Band: Bandaid Brigade
Label: Xtra Mile Recordings
Score: 8/10
Zach Quinn and Brian Wahlstrom threw the punk scene quite the curveball when they released Bandaid Brigade’s first full-length, ‘I’m Separate’ a couple of years ago. With Quinn fronting the always-awesome PEARS and Wahlstrom being part of bands like Scorpios and Gods Of Mount Olympus it wasn’t expected that they would release what in simple terms would be considered as a yacht rock album that was well-written, funny and ironic, and full of great jams. Since the LP’s release in 2020 the scene has taken to Bandaid Brigade. In 2022 the duo have doubled down on this project and released their second full-length, ‘Sex Is Terrifying.’
Just from the title alone you can tell that the band have not lost their ironic sense of humor. They have not lost their 1980’s new wave-ish, power pop style either. In fact, they push their style forward with jams like “Hit The Buck” and “Abacus.” “Hit The Buck” is probably the hardest-rocking song on the album. It starts off with an infectious bass line the becomes the backbone of the entire song. The incredibly catchy melody is supported by a conglomeration of piano, distorted guitars, and rock-solid drums.
“Kitchen Tile” is a perfect example of where Bandaid Brigade spread their wings a bit. It is much more of an anthem compared to the majority of other tracks. It’s piano-heavy with soaring chorus melodies. It’s also where you can hear Quinn really pushes himself vocally.
“The Long Goodbye” is one of the tracks where things slow down quite a bit. It’s one of the handful of songs where you get to hear Wahlstrom take the lead on vocal duties and where you get to hear Quinn back him up with massive high-pitched vocal melodies. The band went all over the place with “The Long Goodbye.” The track has a funky tinge through out it that incorporates their usual guitars and piano, mixed with some bells and even trumpet solo. The end of the song definitely has a Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ era vibe to it.
‘Sex Is Terrifying’ really solidifies that Band Brigade is here to stay. While Quinn, Wahlstrom, and co. do like to be funny and fool around, they are very serious musicians who are pushing themselves out of their punk rock comfort zones and doing something wildly different — and they’re doing it really well. If you didn’t buy into this project two years ago with ‘I’m Separate,’ then you definitely will with this album.
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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