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Artist: Curbsquirrels
Album: We Wish We Knew How To Quit This
Reviewer: Tyler Hess
A few years ago, there were two relatively unknown bands that came together to produce a split CD called “Composition” on the now defunct “DUG Records” Label. One of them, Last Tuesday, went on to sign with Mono Vs Stereo and record two great albums before calling it quits in early 2007, while the other faded into relative obscurity. That other band was the Curbsquirrels, whom I tried on various occasions to track down over the past couple of years, to no avail. So, it was quite a surprise when it was announced just a few weeks ago that the Curbsquirrels were making a comeback of sorts, but this time with a full length of their own!
Their previous work, 5 songs on that split CD, was a bit catchy, but quite a bit immature lyrically and musically (even for the pop punk that it is), so it is with great joy that I hear a few years later a much more matured sound, even on the song that they re-did, “six”, which was made with a new twist. Musically, this will quickly remind older pop punk fans of bands like The Undecided and Hangnail more than the skate punk bands like MxPx and Slick Shoes and certainly not like what pop punk has become today. This is truly a throw back to the old days when Tooth & Nail bands were all pop punk and Bettie Rocket Records was still kickin’ on the scene. That may not be for everybody, but it should surprise few regular readers of this site that it is exactly what the doctor ordered for me. This is still very much an indie recording, not overly produced, but for any fans of the genre this is a worthy album to enjoy.
Topics on the album are quite expansive in some ways, dealing with personal struggles, hope, social issues, yet all have a similar feel to them and a consistent perspective. There is never a doubt where they stand in their faith and the album has a constant message of seeing how things can get better even in the face of struggles.
Highlight Song: April 15th
Score: 8.5/10
Track List:
Mysteries Inc.
Sun vs Moon
Rain to Snow
Something Just Doesn’t Clique
Autumn
8-bit
Statistic
Six
The Curved Glass
To Whom It May Concern
Someone You Know
April 15th
Spare My Life
The Crucified - The Complete Collection
Eleventyseven - Adventures In Eville
Attaboy - Shout
Lanae’ Hale - Back & Forth
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster - III
Main Line Riders - Worldshaker
In The Midst Of Lions - Out Of Darkness
August Burns Red - Constellations
The Canvas Waiting - A Seasons Change
Dear Future - Can’t Wait Any Longer
Holding Onto Hope - Of The Sea
I Still Dream - The Ghost EP
Family Force 5 - Dance Or Die With A Vengeance
The Day Of - Undiscovered
Reapers Are The Angels- S/T
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Nice review Tyler, I feel the same way. This is definitely something the scene is missing, legitimate punk rock. All the general market bands are still playing their punk rock while all the Christians bands have either broke up or have started trendy dance rock/screamo bands. I wish Christians would quit trend hopping and create some legitimate and honest music on their own terms. Music like Curbsquirrels is what I miss most about the music scene.
thanks brandon. you may say that i’m a dreamer, but i’m not the only one haha
Curbsquirrels have grown up from the Fatso EP, and Composition, and even from the early demos of this full length cd, that some of us “super fans” are all to familiar with. They have started down a path that hopefully doesn’t end with this release. I can’t wait to see what might be in store for this band. Although faith is obviously a huge topic that they write about, I hope that more people who might not be “into” the Christian music scene can listen to this cd and love it for what it is… a great album. We love you guys, and look forward to the follow up…hopefully in fewer than 5 years from now =)
Praise God.
What a breathe of fresh air.
This album is awesome and is totally what I’ve been wanting to hear. My brother and I grew up on bands like Slick Shoes, Ghoti Hook, Tasty Snax, The Supertones and Hangnail. Since Last Tuesday broke up, there really hasn’t been a band to fill the gap. I’m also really stoked because this album is overly cookie-cutter. It’s 90’s pop-punk with modern influences.
awesome.
bump. buy this album. kthx.
I agree with Travis. Buy this album NOW!!
Yeah, I agree, this album was better than I expected. Though I’m not sure who Travis is, I agree with him.
yay Travis?
haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. I meant Tyler. Lol.
Yes Mr. Hess Tyler, I mean Tyler Hess. Dang, I’ll get it right one of these days Travis. oops I mean Tyler.