ALBUM REVIEW: New Self – The Bobby Lees
Punk outfit, THE BOBBY LEES, have put out their newest record, New Self. The New York trio have built a dedicated fanbase since their formation in 2017, a group that includes icons like IGGY POP and DEBBIE HARRY, a fact that comes as no surprise given their explosive live shows and music that blends genres like punk, garage rock and metal, that will have you intrigued from the moment you first hear it. A fact that is reinforced on this newest record.
Setting the stage is opening track, Give, a bouncy punk rock track that has the full band gradually join over time, allowing each member to show off their skills and reinforce their natural chemistry, as well as bring the track to a whole new level as each instrument is introduced to the mix. That and the vocals that just ooze confidence, it’s hard not to find yourself bopping your head along. That cool and confident energy is a constant presence on the record as shown in following song, Napoleon, where the vocals shift into a fast, spoken word style that just draws you in and holds your attention from start to finish. In fact that can applied to each track on the record.
Whilst it would be easy to just summarise the record as punk-rock there’s so much more to it than that, and in fact such a simple description completely fails to do it justice. Sure, there’s punk within the overall style and attitude, but they’re not afraid to branch out and bring in other genres and influences on different tracks. Then again, we think it’s fair to say that being unafraid to experiment and bring in something new is the epitome of being punk.
One moment, THE BOBBY LEES are bringing in horror punk influence on 50 Ft with the deep, low instrumentals and incorporation of whisper-styled vocals, alongside darker whispers heard in the background, that give it a creepy, yet cool, atmosphere. The next moment, you find yourself transported back by two decades with songs that brings in nu-metal elements, whether it be the heavier, aggressive sounds heard on the title track that draws comparisons to the likes of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, or the more melodic style heard during parts of All I Got that goes between genres where one minute being slow, the next loud and brash. Yet overall, being unforgettable.
There’s even a venture into the world of salsa with concluding track, Red Hot, bringing in that musical styled mixed with bouncy punk. On paper it shouldn’t work, but once you hear it, you will be obsessed. Plus, we would love the idea of a live audience opening the pit to salsa dance as opposed to moshing, especially when the backing vocals command you to dance at different points.
Fun, unforgettable, and, frankly, one of the coolest records you’ll hear all year.
Rating: 10/10
New Self is out now via Epitaph Records.
Like THE BOBBY LEES on Facebook.