Review Summary: A brief, crudely-written review concerning one of many punk albums that I have recently discovered.
Those who know me are likely aware that I am a devout fan of bands in vein of The Book of Dead Names, Jenny Piccolo, and of course the Florida punks Palatka. Short, energic songs with an in-your-face message. Therefore, it is no surprise that I am intrigued by 119. Trash Talk, a band whose name rings familiar, though I have never allowed them to sling their axe at me. While on the search for new pop-punk albums (the irony is astounding, isn't it?), I discovered this release. With fourteen tracks, and a full timespan of 22 minutes, I had no choice but to unleash it's fury.
Opening with the two-minute "Eat the Cycle", the furious guitar work, shouted vocals (pulled straight from the 80's) and chaotic yet controlled soundscape informs us that this is an album to take seriously. Over the next few minutes, we are hit with several enthralling tracks, including the punk anthem "My Rules" and the more "controlled" track "F.E.B.N.", and we see the album beginning to finally conform to it's own shape. There is also the notable "Blossom and Burn", featuring Hodgy Beats and Tyler the Creator. This is definitely the Elton John/George Michael moment of the album. In other words, it can be decent or horrid, depending on the listener.
Trash Talk may not screw around with their sound much. They generally maintain a set sound and musical ethic. With the longest song clocking at two and a half minutes (and the shortest being thirty seconds), this album will blow most other punk releases out of the water. The band sees no rationality in dragging out their tracks into five-minute bombs that make the front row of their audience yawn (Metallica was guilty of this at one time), instead choosing to detonate short, panic-laden songs that display the point front and center. Something tells me that Trash Talk puts on a furious, ear-splitting show. Someone book a show local to central MS, and in the meantime, do yourself a favor, and check out 119.
