Presidents of the united states of america- these are the good times people.
So, we had the Spice Girls, Take That, Boyzone and Atomic Kitten (apparently- fingers crossed that last one is so not true) but never a reform that I got excited about. And then came this CD through my letter box. They are back and I’m pretty chuffed. As soon as it enters your player, the Nirvana hoodies come out, the shortboard loses its layer of dust and the Tony Hawk you used to sit in front of religiously sheepishly leaves the cardboard box in the loft and returns to your screen. The Presidents of The United States return and these are the good times.
This is the newest material for three years and the fourth album in total from POTUSA (as a kid in the know would call them), a brilliant overdue return just when the faith in American Punk had disappeared.
To those not familiar with the POTUSA, it’s like Blink saying that one more album wouldn’t hurt, and throw in a few dates where everybody gets free tickets. Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but it’s a good thing for the music industry I’m sure of it.
The record opens with “Mixed up SOB”, a feisty punk rock track, clearly an embrace of old material and in particular the debut from the lads. A 4.5 million copy selling debut I might add. It’s an inventive and uplifting rock album, that can be heard in your bedroom, your kids bedroom and your beloved vehicle- more so I will add as everybody loves a bit of POTUSA on a hot summer day.
A criticism would lie in the lyrics at times, which can become rather repetitive and childish. I almost begin to get fed up with chat about parents dogs or cliffs and twisted ankles, but its part of the package nevertheless. Fourth track “More Bad Times” is a little bit tedious, yet at the time could be classified as sweet romantic humour. POTUSA are a little wearing after three or four listens but I won’t forget the first time I heard the album and decided that yes, surf movies really were the in thing (regardless of their terrible production, acting and overall finish). That’s what this album does to you. Grabs at the inner beauty you forgot about and makes you remember post grunge, post indie three chord tracks and embrace the change.
It can feel like a school reunion. One of those things you dread going to but end up absolutely loving when you arrive. POTUSA are that school reunion. In fact they probably played there. Album is out the 10th March. Enjoy the rebirth and take their words of wisdom. Who’s next, Sublime?