Review Summary: Great record!
Many would consider the Descendents as pioneers of hardcore punk. The "Fat EP" couldn't make this any clearer.
Following the release of the Descendents single "Ride the Wild/ It's a Hectic World," Milo Aukerman joined the Descendents as the lead singer. In my opinion, this was nothing but great for the punk band. Then came the 1981 release of the Fat EP on New Alliance Records.
This caffeinated hardcore punk record really delivers. This extended play is mostly made up of quick, humorous songs. This really works. Though it's kind of rough, this record really set the stage for the Descendents.
My Dad Sucks: The first track off this record, "My Dad Sucks," really brings out the power. It's fast, powerful, angry and a great way to start off the "Fat EP". 7.4/10
Mr. Bass: Capping off Side A is "Mr. Bass." A fun song about fishing is a good way to continue the "Fat EP". It is the longest song on the album, but the bass on this song is excellent and the vocals are a bit catchy. 6.8/10
I Like Food: Next up is a song about food appreciation. "I Like Food" is really fast and really short. Nice track. 6.7/10
Hey Hey: Next up is "Hey Hey." It's nice and catchy, but isn't the most memorable track of the record. But regardless, it's pretty good. It doesn't get the amount of credit it should. 5.9/10
Weinerschnitzel: To complete the "Fat EP" is "Weinerschnitzel." This song is great. It's the shortest song off the record, clocking in at only ten seconds long. It's really memorable and fast and it always gets me to laugh. Great song. 7.3/10
Here's the ranking of the songs:
1. "My Dad Sucks"
2. "Weinerschnitzel"
3. "Mr. Bass"
4. "I Like Food"
5. "Hey Hey"
And here are my overall ratings:
Vocals: 6.4/10
Milo was pretty young at the time. His vocals are okay, but they needed to develop over time. Standout Tracks: "Hey Hey," "Mr. Bass"
Instrumentals: 6.8/10
The instrumentals are really powerful. They're loud and fast, and they work. A little choppy, but good overall. Standout Tracks: "Mr. Bass," "My Dad Sucks"
Lyrics: 6.6/10
The vocals are mostly joke lyrics so they're nothing life-changing, but the joke tracks are funny. Standout Tracks: "Mr. Bass," "Weinerschnitzel"
Overall, I give it a 6.7/10. Great record!
Thank you for reading,
Pobinoyte
