Album Review: Private Function “370HSSV 0773H”
review by Ricky Frankel
Release: 370HSSV 0773H
Band: Private Function
Label: Still On Top Records
Score: 9/10
After two and half years since their fantastic second full-length, ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ Private Function has come blasting back from the studio with their hilariously-titled third album, ‘370HSSV 0773H.’ This time around the band continues their rambunctious take on punk rock that they achieved with ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?,’ supercharged it, and even went off in some different and fascinating directions as well.
Private Function start the album off with songs that portray their signature sound that fans heard from ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?.’ The first track,“Jusavingageez” is a relatively short and to-the-point track that contains boisterous guitars along with lead singer, Chris Penney’s absolutely relentless singing. All of the Privateers will been thrilled within first thirty seconds of “Jusavingageez” because right away it shows that Private Function still got it. Or rather are… still on top! It’s relatively the same case with “I’m This Far Away (From Being The Worst Person You’ve Ever Met),” but what makes this track in particular stand out is that it is one of the catchiest anthems in the PF catalogue, once again brought to by Penney’s phenomenal, scratchy vocals. The sliding chords from the guitar that faintly follow his singing and the crazy-fast drum fills truly make all add to make “I’m This Far Away (From Being The Worst Person You’ve Ever Met)” a definite highlight of ‘370HSSV 0773H.’
“Seize And Destroy” is one of the instances where the aforementioned “supercharging” of Private Function’s sound occurs. This very aggressive tune brings the band on the cusp of thrash and even hardcore punk, which is appropriate as the title is an homage to Metallica and Iggy And The Stooges. “Seize And Destroy” is dominated mostly by swift palm-muting in the verses from guitars and much more screaming on Penney’s end. There is also sludge-y, bass-led breakdown that eventually leads into a wailing guitar solo.
“Don’t Wanna Go Out On The Weekend” is a song that shows us a different side of Private Function that us Privateers haven’t really heard before. It’s a much more light-hearted sounding song that (I’m pretty sure) is in a minor key. The singing is much more melodic and comes off a little melancholy. The guitar riffs and synth notes here also sort of follow Penney’s vocal melody and it’s a fairly mid-tempo song for Private Function. Between the darker tone of the music and the lyrics, “Don’t Wanna Go Out On The Weekend”” could be considered a ballad for the introverted and anti-social. It’s an “out of left field” yet welcomed sonic change-up from the band.
Now as I was looking at the track list, about to start my first listen of ‘370HSSV 0773H’ I noticed a song towards the end called “Yellow.” I thought to myself, “There’s no way in hell Private Function covered Coldplay. No way.” Well holy crap. I was wrong. There have only been two other times when I have listened to an album for the first time when I have been stunned frozen by a song. This was the third time. All I have to say about it is this: leave it to Private Function to turn an overplayed, overly-dramatic, and clichéd radio mega-hit into a Ramones-core party anthem, complete with three-part vocal harmonies. It’s simultaneously ridiculous and amazing. Good on the band for doing something so “off the wall.”
Private Function continue their stellar release streak with ‘370HSSV 0773H.’ It is a superb step in the right direction for the band. It’s an album that seriously rocks, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. Private Function is one of the few active punk bands out there right now that really doesn’t have a dud in their discography thus far. I have no doubt that they will keep the streak going.
Can a North American label please sign this band now?
***
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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