Album Review: Dragged In “LP 1”
review by Ricky Frankel
Album: LP 1
Band: Dragged In
Label: Cursed Blessings Records
Score: 8/10
Among all of the craziness of 2020, Cursed Blessings, a new Canadian punk label was born. One of the label’s first releases is from a relatively new and underground five-piece called Dragged In. Fans of contemporary Canadian punk rock should be excited about this because the lead vocalist is none other than Patty O’Lantern of Brutal Youth.
The release of a first full-length is usually a pretty big test for a band. With just two EP’s to this band’s name (both of which came out in 2016), the time has come for Dragged In to show the scene what they are really made of.
When it comes to LP 1 and Dragged In’s sound in general, it is important to note that just because O’Lantern is the frontman of this band as well, does not mean that this is just some “Brutal Youth-lite” side project. Right away you’ll notice that there really aren’t any vocal melodies through out the album, where as Brutal Youth would make sure there would be solid amount sprinkled in each of their releases. And to be clear, that is not a knock on LP 1 because generally speaking you can hear a very modern, but dark take on hardcore punk on it. Undoubtedly, fans of Brutal Youth will definitely hear some of the more hard-hitting style from their last full-length, Sanguine on this record. And fans of 80s hardcore punk will definitely hear the influence of west coast bands from that era.
It seems that there are a lot of hardcore bands out there, but not a whole lot of innovation within the sub-genre. No doubt there are exceptions, but it seems they are getting tougher to find. While Dragged In’s discography is relatively small, LP 1 shows that this band is definitely one of those said exceptions. Right as the lead track, “Unsinkable” begins with its very ominous and tension-building intro. That tension finally peaks and the songs turns into a rowdy mix of hardcore and thrash from the band while O’Lantern belts out his intense, signature yelling. Between the galloping drums and the wailing guitar fills it is immediately clear that you know that you are in for something very different.
The track “Hear Me Out” is an example of the band slowing things down. With its noticeably repetitive guitar riff, you do get a sense of Minor Threat and even Blag Flag influence in it. And just because the tempo is slower doesn’t mean O’Lantern’s vocals aren’t any less fierce. If anything this where you hear some of his most long-winding vocals of his career thus far.
Another one of the stand-out tracks on LP 1 is “Say Something.” Between the very heavy palm-muting from the guitars, blaring drums behind O’Lantern’s vocals and the brutal and regret-filled lyrics it’s actually kind of hard to figure out where this song is going upon first listen. But believe it or not it all leads to massive, gang “whoa’s” and an intricate guitar solo played over everything else. It all blends to together quite well.
There are a few “firsts” around this record. This is Dragged In’s first full-length and if I’m not mistaken, this is Cursed Blessings Records’ first official release. This is a big event for the band and the label. LP 1 is a very unique hardcore album that, in a year with a lot of great releases, should not be overlooked. The members of Dragged In are definitely onto something here and I’m excited to hear what they do next. LP1 proves how much potential and talent this band has. It is definitely a fantastic introduction to Dragged In as well as this very cool label.
Ricky Frankel is the author of the book, I’m Outta Here!: A Collection Of Interviews & Anecdotes From The Punk Scene (2014-2018), which you can find on Storenvy and Amazon.com.
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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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