New York is known for being the home to transplants, adventurers, and outcasts. That applies to the story of Shrug Dealer, a band from NYC, but not really from NYC. Guitarist Russ Worstell moved out from Idaho in 2016. He spent the majority of a year looking to find people to play fast, catchy and technically challenging punk rock. In early 2018, Worstell met drummer Ramon Nogueira who is a scientist that moved to the states from Barcelona. Fellow Idahoan Rob Lanterman moved to the big city to fill in the other half of the guitar/vocalist spectrum. Lastly, New Jersey punk veteran Sol “Doubt” Caceras reached out and joined as the bassist to complete the lineup of Shrug Dealer. The band quickly got to work writing and recording their debut self-titled EP Shrug Dealer, a six-song package running for roughly 12 minutes. Eager to be loud, the musically adventurous band recorded the album over two weekends with both singers who were battling colds chugging gallons of tea. Shrug Dealer is making a splash in the New York punk scene. It’s a vigorously fast pace, partially nonsensical, melodic skater punk and hardcore sound.
The album opens with the frantically pace song “Writer’s Block.” The minute-long song is high energy and is filled with the self-doubt one feels when you can’t get your ideas together. While you try to tell yourself everything is going to be okay, nothing is more frustrating than not being able to explain your thoughts. The sound of the vocals on “Writer’s Block” is similar to the Offspring. “Snowflake Wars” is the perfect title for the current political climate. In a era where everyone is offended Shrug Dealer cautions the war it is having on the general public. While the message is dire, the guitar riffs and Nogueria’s drums keep the the song lighthearted enough to mosh to. “That’s $10 You Owe Me Now, Dickhead!” is another head banging jam. While the title of the song is funny, the message and tone is much more serious. “Clearance racks filled with garbage made with tortured hands, worked into early graves. Bottom bucks brought by slavery from foreign lands, just to throw it away.” “This Song Written On A MacBook Pro” is less of a song and more of an interlude. While there are vocals and strong guitar riffs, it’s a 28-second song. Shrug Dealer continues the manic vibe on “The Lanes.” While things may not go the way you plan, if you continue to believe in yourself, positivity will prevail. The album finishes up with “Who Is Molly?” The track is still a hardcore song with an insane guitar solo with more melodic, easy going sound to add to the mix. Shrug Dealer is a solid punk album. It’s a vigorously fast pace, partially nonsensical, melodic skater punk and hardcore sound. While the titles of the songs are funny and a little goofy, every track contains deeper meaning and substance. The results of a group of musicians who have always wanted to play this style, but were never given the chance until now. They’re making a splash on the NYC scene and they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
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