No Use For A Name - Punk Rock Misfits?

Felt like writing again and what better way to get back into it than writing about the brilliance of NUFAN. See, the thing is, it's not just one album or one song, it's the body of work. Punk rock work! I've heard comments about changes in their style, the vocals have mellowed, not quite as hard as they once were, but if you simply stop and listen to the entire catalog, you can really appreciate a great American punk rock band.

I wonder if they fly under the radar on purpose? Does it just happen that way? Is it that they consistently deliver quality music and therefore after a while, get taken for granted? I am not saying that they are not appreciated, but there is a sense of a quiet, respectful appreciation and this perception of "hey, yeah, they are a pretty good band". Whatever it is, this is a free speech platform to add commentary on any topic and I, for one, feel compelled to write about the most harmonious punk band that has ever existed!

That's it, no magic secret, no hidden meaning, it's the way that No Use For A Name delivers harmony.

I have a boatload of NUFAN on my iPod and I'll come across a track that perhaps hasn't made it to the top of the Shuffle and I'll get goosebumps over the power of the particular harmony. It's usually Tony plus some background bandmates singing and it often times leaves me awestruck. How often can you say that about a band or a song? I know I don't use that term loosely, but it's the truth. Go back and listen to the chorus of "Domino", "Angela" or "Chasing Rainbows" and listen with a more critical ear. Don't simply settle for "yeah, it's pretty good", really listen, see if you hear something new or something that you find inspiring. I suspect that you will! Again, I'll go back to where I started, I think there is something about NUFAN that people don't get. Or maybe they got it and have since forgotten about it.

There music is after all, punk. Not punk by today's radio friendly standard where any kid with a little eye liner, a decent comb over and a guitar can get signed, provided their band name meets the major label standard for meaninglessness (is that a word?). Not besmirching that stuff, if it floats your boat, good for you, but that is not punk, nor is it No Use For A Name. This is no frills, ear pleasing, good 'ol punk rock. It's the stuff that no label will take notice of, radio stations could care less about and rock critics will generally ignore figuring that they have heard this before. It's dismissive, that's the word that's been escaping me. It's easy to dismiss this band and say that they are pretty good and leave it at that. I don't know NUFAN personally, and I don't think anyone of them is staying up late, worrying about perceptions and I don't think there is some great anti-NUFAN conspiracy, but I do believe that their legacy is far to under-appreciated.

It does happen sometimes that bands are not recognized for their impact and their body of work until there is no new music coming from them. I think you can apply that to some respected acts like Misfits (Danzig era), Rocket From The Crypt and The Accused. Sure, they were appreciated for doing something new and revolutionary while they were doing it, but it wasn't until they broke up that everybody stood up and cried, "I loved them, I always have and I always new they were special".

I will not call NUFAN revolutionary and I'm not saying that Tony Sly is the second coming of Glenn Danzig, but can we all just agree that NUFAN's legacy (still unfolding) is solid? Come on, after all "I love them, I always have and I always new they were special".

Nothington Roads, Bridges and Ruins Review

I looked at a bunch of "Best of 2009" punk lists over the past month or so. Nowhere did I see this release and that is a pity! I saw lists chocked full of Strike Anywhere, Polar Bear Club and The Swellers. Each of which is absolutely deserving! This release also truly merits the recognition as one of the best punk albums of 2009.

I never heard much Tsunami Bomb when they were around, but after hearing this release it makes me want to revisit all of Jay Nothington's work. From the first chord, "Roads, Bridges and Ruins" had me completely fixated. Maybe it's the similarity between Jay's voice and that of Leatherface front man Frankie Stubbs. It's no secret, I love Leatherface and think their "Mush" release is a true punk classic! The vocal style of Jay is gruff, strained, yet beautiful. Much like Leatherface, Nothington is working mans punk. It's stripped down, low tech and completely passionate. "A Mistake" is an excellent opener and it takes about 20 seconds for the listener to figure out that this band knows exactly who they are. It's truly an immediately memorable track. "Another Day" is another standout. Kind of Social Distortion-esque, it's mid-paced, up tempo punk rock.

My favorite track on the entire release is "Not Looking Down", it reminds me of some early Lawrence Arms. It's a melodic punk track and one that showcases the bands ability to craft a most complete song. There are no clunkers on this release, each track is solid, with good supporting background vocals and a variety of punk paces.

After having finished the album, I immediately thought back to the first time I heard "24 Hour Revenge Therapy" by Jawbreaker. That was a raw, rough and emotion-laden album from beginning to end. I feel the same description works for Nothington, some 16 years later! There is just a vibe and feel to Bay Area punk rock, both then and now. The band has just embarked on a tour of both North America and Europe. In this era of punk, touring has never been more important to a bands ability to distinguish themselves from the rest of the din. I wish them nothing but success in that effort.