“Life Under the Gun” by Militaire Gun
An exhilarating punk record that marries the underground with pop hooks.
Hello! 😊👋
Welcome to a new edition of the Best Music of All Time newsletter!
Today’s music pick is an exhilarating punk record that infuses underground energy with high-level craftsmanship.
Genre: Punk Rock, Hardcore Punk
Label: Loma Vista
Release Date: June 23, 2023
Vibe: 🤘
Translating punk’s underground sound into an album that’s been produced and marketed to a broader audience, all without losing its energy and essence along the way, is no easy feat. The groups who have done so, like the Stone Roses, Blink-182, and, most recently, Turnstile, are now household names. My fingers are crossed that the same fate awaits Militaire Gun following their full-length debut, Life Under the Gun. Full of breezy and melodic tracks, listeners of a certain age will undoubtedly be transported back to the Vans Warped Tour days, where memorable riffs collided with chant-worthy choruses that were surprisingly heartfelt. That said, straddling the fine line between aggression and vulnerability isn’t just a nostalgia play either. It’s the sound of a group coming into their own with a bold musical statement.
Frontman Ian Shelton’s performance is the x-factor for me, oozing through the cracks in the fiery instrumentals with vocals that are equal parts reflective, confiding, and, at times, deeply remorseful. By touching on themes like addiction (" Very High”) and denial (" Never F***ed Up Once”) with such stark honesty, it invites the listener in instead of keeping them at arm's length, the latter being a trap other punk records of similar ilk find themselves falling into. As turbulent as the emotional trajectory can be, the production stays laser-focused on the melodic aspects, giving a track like “See You Around” a vaguely George Martin-esque feel. With enough pop in its DNA to facilitate crossover appeal, Life Under the Gun is another notch in Loma Vista’s belt, continuing the label’s strong run during the past few years, and a potential watershed moment for a rejuvenated punk scene.
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