DIY indy-punk label, Allegedly Records, has been able to sign some of the most interesting punk acts from across the country. Based out of Pennsylvania and California, they’ve put together a compilation of the bands on their label. The Allegedly Records Showcase Compilation came out in July of 2024 and truly showcases the diversity of the punk bands that they sign.
The album dives right in with a catchy melodic punk track by City Escape Artist out of Pittsburgh. “The Tide” has singable lyrics and hooky guitar licks. I appreciate punks that can write songs with melodies and harmonies.
Track 2, “Brick By Brick” is the title track from the 2018 EP by Idleminds from Maryland. You can definitely hear their Bad Religion influence. This high energy song made me yearn for a skank pit and I’d highly consider purchasing their EP.
Track 3, “Mr. Brown”, by Baltimore’s Paperback Tragedy hints of old school punk rock by bands like NOFX and Pennywise. This song could and should be in heavy rotation on commercial radio.
This bring us to track 4, “Rapunzel”, by ska punk powerhouses from the DC area, The Skluttz. Their progressive political lyrics and that infectious ska beat catches my ear and makes me want more. Lindsay nails the vocals, and with a tight backing horn section, this is not a band to sleep on.
Space punk nerd rock from Curse Words consumes your eardrums on track 5. “Big Wave Dreaming” has these DC punks wishing for high surf advisories with rockin guitar riffs. This love song is a highlight on the album.
Catchy pop punk licks and thoughtful lyrics like, “I’m raging a cold war against my intentions”, and, “I’m losing a war in my brain, empty headed” makes track 5, “Stummies”, by Treaties from Tyrone, Pennsylvania one of my favorite tracks on this comp. This 2 minute song is the perfect introduction to this masterful act.
Rawness, old school, and hints of early Blondie, mixed with the edgy-ness of Bikini Kill can be heard in the next band from Fredericksburg, Virginia called Trash Rocket. “Makes No Sense” is definitely a song I’d like to see live, and with influences like Ramones, Talking Heads, and The Cure, and attitude by Monster, lead vocals, this band is sure to rock your face off.
Track 8 is good, fast pop punk from StryderSound out of Stafford, Virginia. Their track, “Sorrow In My Melodies”, featuring Will West, reminds me of early Blink 182, but quicker and punkier.
“Like A Hero”, track 9, by skate punks from the San Fernando Valley, This is a Train Wreck, has me headed right back to the pit. This high energy, pop punk tune is right up my alley and a highlight of the compilation.
Track 10 is from Milwaukee pop punk trio, Mulva. I hear NOFX, Green Day, and Ramones influences in their song, “Stay With Me.” Lots of down strokes and hooky lyrics make this up beat tune a favorite. And who doesn’t like a band named after an obscure Seinfeld reference?!
Not be outdone by a cool ass band name, power pop punks from Harrisburg Pennsylvania, The Super High-Tech Jet Fighters, crank this comp to 11 with the eleventh track, “Philly Rain.” With hints of Husker Du, they have officially revived the power pop sound from the 80’s.
Track 12 takes us deep into the punk/metal sound with DC hardcore, Orlando Furioso. Named after the long Italian epic poem by Ludovico Ariosto that tells of the adventures of knights, princesses, kings, warriors, wizards, and witches – their track, “Voices”, makes them seem perfectly named. Nimble guitar licks, rapid fire drums, and screaming lyrics give this comp a song for those who like it fast and loud.
Bringing it back to a more old skool feel, Caswell The Mighty from Sarasota Florida, contributes their track, “Dark Times.” It reminded me of early Social Distortion mixed with Dead Milkmen.
Allegedly Records chose to cap off this compilation with the acoustic track, “1991”, by Will West. Smooth harmonies and backing vocals was the perfect way to bring the album to completion.
My impression of this record company compilation is that they have something for every genre of punk rock that you might be craving. I suggest you not lag on this label and dive deeper into some of these great punk bands.
Keep it Rhude, my friends!
Mikey Rhude is a DJ that lives on the N. Shore of Oahu and does a live on-line radio show every week. A veteran of the LA punk scene, and vocalist for the short lived Inland Empire punk band, Insufficient Funds, Mikey has been DJing ska, punk and alternative radio shows, and at local clubs and gigs for over 5 years, but just recently began writing album and live performance reviews.