Review: Tear Them Down – “This Is a Mutiny”

TEAR THEM DOWN

This Is a Mutiny

Genre: Punk Rock

Release Date: 2011 (Plunk Records)

Rating: 8/10

Tear Them Down is a Swedish punk rock band that strikes with a combined sense of melody and speed that make the genre so good. Released on their own label, Plunk Records, Tear Them Down’s debut EP, This Is a Mutiny, is fast, melodic, and catchy.

The EP is a fast one, clocking in at just under 12 minutes, the longest being 2:55. The tracks are just long enough to enjoy them, without ever slowing down. The songs have catchy, melodic choruses, and the verses fly by with typical punk speed. Lyrically, not much deviates from the standard punk rock formula; the musicians draw from their own experiences, and the deteriorating worldwide political situation to create well-written songs.

The production on the album is outstanding, a testament to the benefits of DIY recording in this day and age. The vocals are clean and easy to hear, the changes in chords are quite easy to follow on the guitar, and the rhythm section is heard loud and clear, with a strong kick and heavy thump throughout the record.

Overall, This Is a Mutiny is a strong EP, but it is not great. The main thing that holds the record back is the lack of an immediate standout track; while each song is good, it can be hard to differentiate between the five, and thus the album doesn’t quite feel finished. By no means is Tear Them Down’s debut bad; in fact, it is a refreshing breath of fresh air in a genre so dominated by “Defend Pop Punk!” and washed up ‘90s musicians. This Is a Mutiny is definitely worth the purchase, and Tear Them Down would be worth seeing live if they were in town. While not a classic, Tear Them Down’s debut puts their feet firmly on the path to success, making them a band worth keeping on your radar.

Vince B –