I'm used to hearing Finnish punk bands singing in, well, Finnish. These boys put a shine to the ol' Stooges sound and crank out six grungy, kinetic shots of glory. Utterly uncomplicated and blissfully messy (with a wailing sax blasting away as often as not), Ugly Punch isn't particularly interested in prettiness and all.

Ugly Punch Ugly Punch EP (self-released)

The name of the band prolly makes that clear. What's remarkable is just how old and new these songs sound. It's been a long time since a band so explicitly plumbed this sound, but the blistering riffage and crunchy rhythm section here are more than enough to wonder why that might be.

This is just a big wad of fun. Ugly Punch will never be mistaken for technical brilliance or songwriting creativity. No, this is one groove per song played loudly and with as much distortion as the law will allow. Definitely a take it or leave it situation.

I'll take it. The robust power of these songs is enough to churn my turgid blood. Don't think about it for too long. Just let the adrenaline wire itself into your body. If you're not playing this loud, you're playing it wrong. Piss off the neighbors. Scare the kids. Get down. Really down.

Jon Worley