Indianapolis-based punk rock outfit BOMB CATS just released their new EP, Third Street Melody, a five-track collection of raw, no-frills rock music.
Bassist/vocalist Russ Webster says, “This EP is the culmination of everything we have worked on to this point. It is both heavier and catchier than our previous work. It is more polished but also more raw than anything we have done before. We could not be more proud of this effort and we believe there is something here for everyone.”
He goes on to add,” ‘Third Street Melody’ is dedicated to the kinds of venues that allow bands like us the opportunity to perform: small, independent venues that care about original music from artists who do it for the love of the music.”
Made up of Chris Farrell (guitar, vocals), Russ Webster (bass, vocals), James Williams (lead guitar), and Colin Nulty (drums), BOMB CATS was formed in 2014. Since then, the band has performed in clubs and venues in Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, South Bend, Louisville, and Nashville.
The EP begins with the title track, opening on potent, platinum guitars riding a rolling, rambling rhythm topped by retro-flavored vocals. Vaguely reminiscent of Tom Petty crossed with The Ramones, the feel and flow of the tune are at once enticing and dense with gleaming guitar layers.
Highlights include “Good Advice,” traveling on potent, roiling guitars atop a pushing rhythm featuring a fat bassline. A personal favorite, “Dance Miss D,” rolls out on growling guitars exuding hints of Southern rock blended with snarling punk. A bit dirty and sleazy, there’s a nasty allure to the harmonics, simultaneously alluring and seductively erotic.
The last track, “Flesh Fiend,” starts on a muted guitar and then ramps up to down-and-dirty rock and roll as thick washes of murky, bluesy guitars imbue the harmonics with pulsating energy. For some reason, this track conjures up memories of Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll,” only grungier.
BOMB CATS have it going on! Surging with retro dynamism, potent rhythms, and visceral force, Third Street Melody hits the sweet spot.
