| When a band like Backdrop comes along, you
shrug your shoulders and thank whomever that there are still fresh-faced high school boys
making music that isn’t endorsed by Pepsi. The debate used to be about the sellout
status of Green Day, but ten years after those beer swilling, dirt-eating punks spawned a
genre, some still argue over the worthiness of pop punk. But it’s here. At least it
doesn’t claim to be anything more than lovelorn lyrics and
one-two-three-four-one-two-three-four catchy tunes, which is what Backdrop does, and does
well.
Backdrop’s 2000 LP The Driveway serves a punk platter of two-minute ditties.
“Honest Clean Mistake,” showcases the virtually unheard of ability of a young
guitarist to practice restraint. The same goes for drummer Chris Yeasel, who unfortunately
quit the band just this month. Yeasel’s percussion on The Driveway propels
the music without being overbearing and gives room for the vocals to come through.
It’s a good thing, because Darren and Eric Vorel have pipes made for pop punk, those
scratchy boyish tones slightly distorted by accents copying aged punk predecessors.
Obvious influences here are the Ramones (though this is a far cry from anything they ever
did), The Smoking Popes, Screeching Weasel, maybe even 311. The real gem here is bassist
Dan Musa, who tears up riffs that drive the album to its full potential.
Backdrop is destined for great things. They can play, they can sing, their songs are
hook-laden, and the boys are damn cute. These sensitive punk rockers shouldn’t have a
problem getting out of the garage, down “The Driveway,” and into the hearts of
those willing to allow little boyhood sensitivity into their punk diet.
More ChicagoGigs.com Reviews
Chicago Music Discussion Board
|
