by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Over the past few years Cherry Cheeks, the clamorous punk band led by Kyle Harms, have released a handful of EPs in addition to their debut album, all while relocating from Orlando to Portland. The once solo project expanded to a band and they’ve spent time on the road touring with Research Reactor Corp and GEE TEE, an experience that band say informed much of their upcoming album, CCLPII. Due out on October 6th via Total Punk Records (Retail Simps, Pyrex, Lavender Flu), the home-recorded record expands on the band’s “egg punk” jitteriness and unwieldy energy with an added emphasis on “pop” hooks. It’s still utterly weird and damaged punk, but it’s a lot of fun and dare we say, you can shout along with your pals while on your next bender or as your mind melts in the summer heat… in pure pop fashion.
Following last year’s great Cherry Radio EP, Cherry Cheeks are back in action with “Hard Stancing,” the first single from the highly anticipated CCLPII. Harms manages to pack an exhausting amount of vitality into the single, the song charging with a crisp tempo that sizzles for its entire runtime. Condensed but focused, there’s a psychedelic sheen to the rattling pace, sharpened with piercing synths and garage punk riffs. With filtered vocals that retain a lo-fi frill as we’re blasted into the animated chaos and hooky melodies, “Hard Stancing” is adrenaline soaked punk joy, a delightfully askew ripper with fried refrains and a combustible sense of exhilaration.