Star Fucking Hipsters - Until We're Dead
The New York punk scene conjures up some great memories of days gone by, but they have been left in the shade in recent times. That might just be about to change however. Star Fucking Hipsters may just wake up the beast of the scene that was.
First of all, Until We’re Dead, is not just a real punk album, not the boring skater or emo format, it also has a genuine mix of styles to make you realise this five piece have put together a very intriguing album. The combination of male only vocals, female only vocals and both together on the songs does keep the album fresh throughout but nowhere near as much as the variety of musical styles that this band have up their sleeves.
Ignoring the pointless 17 second 'Introducción a los Hipsters' the album kicks off in earnest with the title track, a full on angry song with the opening lyrics sung by the male vocalist, Sturg Fuckin’ Hipster, “I have to leave this place because I hate the human race”, great start. The song even has a piano intro! The following song sees Nico De Gaillo, the female vocalist if you haven't already guessed, take over, in what can only be described as a bar room style punk song.
'Two Cups Of Tea' starts off a bit Weezerish but soon launches into a full frontal wail of guitar and screaming vocals. This song does see what I believe to be a first for a punk song, a harpsichord. No fancy instruments on 'Empty Lives' but a great anguished song with the same guitar riff playing throughout, growing on you all the time as the song builds in emotion.
'Snitch To The Suture' starts with sinister guitars and progresses into a song which shows the diversity of the album with an element of ska in stages. 'Only Sleep' is a slower song which continues to show the band's different styles.
Star Fucking Hipsters even prove they are like the old school punk bands and not afraid to cause a bit of controversy as '9/11 Was (An Inside Joke)' can only cause, even if it is a song with more than a hint of irony. There is even a song which could be classed as a metal song, 'The Path Is Paved', which even has a double kick to the bass drum. The final four tracks continue to mix up the styles, including the fun lyrics in 'This Wal-Mart Life' and the album's farewell, 'Death Or Fight', the only slow track, but it still has a powerful feel to it none the less, which finishes with the chorus of the title track so you don't forget what the album is really about.