When you hear the words ‘Skate Punk’ people always think about those classic compilations from the late 1990’s/early 2000’s that were put out by labels such as Epitaph, Fat Wreck Chords and Burning Heart, as well as the Tony Hawk Skateboard games.These were records and games that shaped and soundtracked many a young punks life. What a lot of people seem to overlook is the strength of the UK punk rock scene at that time. Bands like Snuff, Goober Patrol, Consumed and the guys we have here. Celebrating not only their sixth full length release with Seeing Out The Sunrise but also their 20th year together as a band. Ladies and Gentlemen, we welcome back Vanilla Pod.
The band pull no punches as this seven track album explodes with a short sharp shock of angry as hell punk rock with ‘She’s Dead Now’ before ‘Wishing Well’ comes in and displays that classic melodic punk rock sound the Kings Lynn quintet do so very well.
‘GTB’ is just an all round killer track. Singer Rob Bunting is on fine form with lyrics that perfectly marry with the chug of the music. If you are needing an anthem for your summer road trips then here you go. It’s a track The Ataris would be gutted they didn’t write.
As the 7 track album continues you are just hit over and over again by the fact that Vanilla Pod are and always have been such a fantastic band. The fact they are not spoken in the same breadth as bands like Millencolin, The Bouncing Souls, etc is crazy. Every song on here is awesome and shows just how vital the band have been to the UK punk scene over the last 20 years.
As the closing notes ring out on ‘Deaf Lugs’ the band get their only criticism. We want more songs. This is a great album that any fan of punk rock needs in their life. Welcome back Vanilla Pod and happy 20th!
