New Music Crush: Symphony of Distraction

Even though skate punk is probably my favourite of all genres (I've been listening to it for 10+ years now :/) I find it hard to keep up with new bands or get properly excited about new releases. Maybe it's because I've heard alot of it before, maybe it's because, paradoxically, I want it to also keep to the same formula, but most of the newer bands pass me by for one reason or another.

Luckily though the good folks at skatepunkers.net are there to kick me up the arse every now and then, giving me access to the most crucial of knowledge, with a kind of collective, manic grin borne out of the joy of sharing music and their exasperation that I haven't heard so many great bands!

The latest find for me from there has been Symphony of Distraction. Ever wished NOFX had a better singer?  Ever wish melodic punk bands could be faster? Ever wish Pennywise had a sense of humour? Well then Symphony of Distraction are the band for you! Their EP Pudwack was released in 2010 and it's fast and melodic, sure what more could you want?

• Really nice production, clear and heavy but not over-produced
• A drummer that plays as if he wants ppl to circle pit rabidly the entire time
• Lyrics that have just the right amount of humour, anger, satire and self deprecation
• Occasional forays into sweet guitar riffs
• Samples that are used sparingly
• Melodic vocals and harmonies

It's hard enough to track them down on youtube...this currently be my favourite song:

• Samples = always fun
• Breakneck speeed
• The vocal melodies are so good
• 00.53: The guest (I'm presuming..) vox and the 'oooohhhs' in the background <3 <3
• 1.30: Samples are still always fun (when not over done obvs)
• There's some of that occasional riffage in the outro, mmm.
   

• Harmonies!
• Uncoventional timing for the vocals <3
• Lyrics that pit resignation to being an alcoholic against a dark sense of humour, always good
• It's just good skate punk, no over-analysis on my part can explain it!

So yes, I've just ordered their new album 'Call It Off John' (which I'm sure is another hilarious in-joke that I'm not privy to) and you can do the same here. I'm sure to be rambling on about the album when I get it from the wonderful playground that is Japan. They also use the facebooked and have criminally few likes so go there and set that right and ask them to get in here and explain some damn in-jokes to me.