DC Larson's JUKEBOX JURY

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Sidebürns

Lifestyle 3-track single

(Self-issued)

So tuneful is the titular, Metal-jacketed Punk juggernaut, and its impact so jolting in the coolest of manners, that blood kinship with previously marketed cuts pretty much kicks you in the head. Ralf and Katja's vocals scorch the collision-chorded coup de main like branding irons from some uber-lit pit. (And only lackwits would even consider messing with bullet beats slung by Ronny G.) I sincerely expect to pick up tomorrow's paper and read that Sidebürns' leathery insurgents have blasted their home burg of Weimar clean off the map.

Recommended: "Lifestyle," "Not What Used to Be," "All In"

Videos: "Lifestyle" "Not What Used to Be" "All In"

Crown City Bombers

"Toxic Town" single

(Self-issued)

With matter-of-fact terseness, Bombers' boss man Dave Bertiz relates a dark-truth tale: "Hey little girl gettin' off the bus, you're gonna be a star / You got strung out, you lost your job, well now you won't go far. Hey everybody gather 'round / It's showtime in this Toxic Town." Chugging rockbop makes common cause with his somberness, and is entirely content to monger its mesmerism as poised understatement. Albert Hammond's 1972 radio staple mourned identical dark-side-of-Hollywoodland realities, but lacked the razory soloing Dave deploys with head-turning consequence.

Video

Hayley and the Crushers

Unsubscribe from the Underground EP

(Kitten Robot)

The moment is pregnant with prospects. The cotton candy-tressed purrer* and her cohorts-in-kicks are poised to etch treads on the tour highway. Audiences are in for stormy spectacle. Erupting omnidirectionally (and sending bricks into orbit) is alternative Pop that leaves one dangling on its hooks, its supporting, Punk-jawed structure as subtle as a flying mallet. A 1970s D. Edmunds chestnut romps jauntily. (And tucked in amid mad frolic is a stepped-down, couples-only ballad; you can all but see the ceiling's mirrored ball.) Fold in the fact that a crisp full-length platter in presently being plotted, and you'll suss out why coming days wink with promise.

* Have a care; this kitten has claws.

Recommended: "Unsubscribe," "Blood and Treasure," "Let Go," "Queen of Hearts"

Videos: "Unsubscribe" "Blood and Treasure" "Queen of Hearts"

Sour Mash Kats

Greatest Hits

(Self-issued)

Spurred by a braggadocious account that online scrolling turned up - "The easiest way to describe their sound would be to throw Carl Perkins, The Ramones, Mad Sin, Groovie Ghoulies, and The Cramps into a blender on puree!" - I listened in and was floored by what I learned to be that claim's veracity. Committed to wax are 10 specimina that illustrate exactly why these hatchet-swingers are able to hold high a championship belt, while chill gusts caress marble orchards told of in Seduction of the Innocent parables.

Recommended: "Werewolf Olympics," "Pickle the Beast," "Rocket to the Moon," "My Little Baby's (Got a Flesh-Eatin' Bacteria)," "I Busted My X-Ray Spex," "Bigfoot Bop"

Videos: "Pickle the Beast" "My Baby's (Got a Flesh-Eatin' Bacteria)" (live) "I Busted My X-Ray Spex"

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The Wolftones

Pentonville Road

(Western Star)

These audio slices wouldn't be of such slapback weightiness - as they indeed are - were it not for players' sure-heartedness - which roars on all avenues. Laid out are giddyup examples of kat stalwartness capable of "cutting ten onions into a hundred pieces, without crying a tear," as Black Knight Tom Powder once boasted. Add in that, along with fiercely-knuckled originals that locate the heptitudes potential in disparate tempos, the amplified agitators dash off distinctive swaying of Mr. Link's calling card. (Don protective gear.)

Recommended: "Broken Heart," "Pentonville Road," "Lone Wolf Rumble," "Say Baby," "Weeden's Wig-Out," "Workin' Man," "Red Hot & Throbbin'"

Videos: "Pentonville Road" "Lone Wolf Rumble" "Weeden's Wig-Out" "Red Hot & Throbbin'"

The Boojums

s/t Digital, compact disc, black or translucent red vinyl

(Having Fun)

Too rarely do opportunities to get in on ground floors of good things present themselves. Turn your backs to tedium, and embrace idiosyncrasy.

Whilst still in their embryonic phase, Nova Scotia's Boojums promoted themselves on Reddit, Instagram, and other platforms via grained videotape footage. And such was the dexterity with which the three swirled together Pop, Punk, ticklingly undefinable alternative, and easily recognizable (and beloved) vintage gestures, that recognition came running.

The sole reason I wouldn't term tracks compiled on their debut disc felicitous, is because I can't abide understatement. As impressive as is the full-frontal blast of guitar/vocals/drums/bass smashing away in symbiosis, one detects a camaraderie that encourages casting down skepticism and kicking up feet.

Getting in on the ground floor can be exhilerating.

Recommended: "Outta My Head," "Wings of Fire," "Burnin' Up," "Meet Me in the Middle," "Like It," "Garden of the Sons," "Don't Wanna Love," "Dan's Transmission"

Video: "Outta My Head" (live) "Wings of Fire" (live) "Burnin' Up"

The Slow Drags

Off the Cuff Rock'n'Roll

(Self-issued)

What most recommends the Toronto three (along with their musical mettle), is an ability to summon the swaggering spirit that once led collars-upturned JDs to tear up joints and bird dog milkshake mademoiselles. And as inciting as are rave-ups like "Devilish Lips" and "Whole Lotta Fun," it is lowered-lights belly-rub "Cold Cold Night" (which benefits immeasurably from precisely-on-point 88s) that is most conducive to he-she interactions that are none of your business.

Recommended: "Devilish Lips," "Cold Cold Night," "C'mon," "Money in My Pocket," "Whole Lotta Fun," "Riding Out"

Videos: "Devilish Lips" "Cold Cold Night" "C'mon" "Whole Lotta Fun"