Pulley isn’t breaking new ground with their latest EP, “The Long and the Short of It“, but, some times, a familiar, well-worn path is comforting and reminiscent of the previous excursions you’ve taken and can cause you, for a time, to forget about present concerns. While I think I’m a person who constantly seeks out new music that pushes the boundaries of any given genre, Pulley, with this release, takes my ears on a trip, albeit a brief one, back to the era when I first discovered punk rock.
Y’see, person who may or may not give a shit about my opinions on music, I am a child of the EpiFat sound; 90′s punk rock at it’s finest. I’ve certainly broadened my palette, but that particular flavor still tastes so good and, while I often find newer bands attempting the style fall flat, either in execution and/or songwriting, a veteran act like Pulley embraces the genre they helped create and provide 3 solid servings of comfort food. “No Man’s Flute” leaps out of the pole position with a very interesting gallop feel to the drums and guitar rhythm; an interesting variation on the “standard” kick/snare subdivision found in skate punk that, of course, the band launches into once hitting the chorus. Scott Radinsky’s singing is as strong and melodic as ever, riding effortlessly over the crunch of the chords. Furthermore, the guitar solo on this track has one of the most linearly-melodic lines I’ve heard in a while and it’s cool that the closing lick is revisited as its own refrain to close out the song. The title track ,and second original offered up, would feel at home on Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues; right down to the vocal cadence, harmonies and arrangement of song structure. There’s a pretty sweet bass line weaving its way throughout the whole song and props go out for some of that palm muting. Please re-read the first two paragraphs if you are having a hard time figuring out why this is my favorite track out of the three.
The denouement of this EP is a cover of a Big Boys song, “Which Way to Go”. Pulley does a great job of staying true to Big Boys’ version, especially in the vocal performance. However, what was once a slightly angular, Husker Du-ish song is transformed here into a palm-muted, backbeat-driven, pop-punk anthem (so many hyphens!). While it is a commendable cover, my only complaint has to be that I would prefer another Pulley original instead.
Overall, The Long and The Short of It is a nice aperitif. It’s definitely whet my appetite for more Pulley and, with talk of a full length coming in 2012 (their first since 2004), I say, “Bring on the main course!”
“The Long and the Short of It” is the first release for Pulley on When’s Lunch Records, you can see more info below.
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