Album Review: Bloodstains “Bloodstains”
review by Ricky Frankel
Release: Bloodstains
Band: Bloodstains
Label: Self-Released
Score: 8/10
For decades now the Southern California hardcore scene has produced some stellar bands be it the Adolescents, Circle Jerks, Black Flag, and many more. The SoCal scene is still very vibrant. One of the contemporary bands that is taking the mantel of the next generation of Southern California hardcore is Orange County’s Bloodstains. The scene really started to take notice of the band last year with the release of their ‘Anti-Social’ 7-inch. This year though Bloodstains have released their first full-length, ‘Bloodstains’ and over the last several weeks it has spread like wildfire throughout the greater punk scene — and it’s easy to see why.
“The Last Rites” is a surf-punk sounding instrumental that acts as an introduction to the next seven tracks. The lead guitar sound is in the same realm as East Bay Ray’s (Dead Kennedys) and even PJ Russo’s (Night Birds) style. “Public Hanging” keeps the aggression going with the lead vocalist’s powerful yelling, the rolling bassline, and sharp guitar fills and licks. “Anti-Social” is the track that Bloodstains have invested in a lot. It has made an appearance on their demo, it’s the titled track of their 2023 7-inch, and it’s a stand out track on this album. If you haven’t heard it yet, “Anti-Social” contains the same impressive vocals, but this time it’s the high-treble, main guitar riff that directs the chorus melody that is sung. “Suburban Suicide” is driven by screaming guitar octaves and much more melodic vocals. Interestingly, this is one of the few examples of where Bloodstains incorporate backing, gang vocals that follow the direction of the descending chord progression from the guitar. Lyrically, it is some of the band’s more vivid and best work to date: “Wander through the darkness alone again/I feel the grip of reality choking me/So sick of living in fear, it’s true that I’m drowning here.”
With the release of the ‘Anti-Social’ 7-inch last year, it was pretty clear that Bloodstains were on to something. Their self-titled LP has completely solidified this notion and perpetuated their continuous rise within the punk scene. There is no doubt that Bloodstains will be one of the few “consensus albums” that will continue to impress punk fans this year.
***
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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