the Distillers

Editor's Review:

The sounds of early punk rock are there; they have the drummer from CH3. The Distillers are fronted by female vox augmented with active backup vocals…. So what’s my problem? Why can’t I just say I like them? I guess in the end it’s just a bias. I don’t really trust Epitaph… uh, I mean Hellcat, to produce anything other than "Radio-friendly" commodities. I suppose I’m still waiting for Bad Religion to remove their hatchet from my back, you know, the one they left in me when they swapped their contagious anti-pop morals for a bit of the American corporate pie. Anyway, we know that’s not fair to The Distillers. When you’ve played punk rock for 10 years, there arises a desire to make enough money to keep yourself on the road and out of the 40 hour grind — but punk rock is econocide!

The Distillers could be awesome if they tossed the Rancid formula for market success, but damned if that "corporate element" doesn’t seep through The Distillers’ music and infect their image of being flagrant crusty punks. Besides, I always crack up when a label sends in a virtually pre-written review of the band under the guise of a bio. Another thing that bugs the crap out of me is when a band attempts to make a name for itself by listing the bands it has played with. What a joke! You know what? I don’t give a shit!

All right, I know the cons outweigh the pros, so I’m just going to pass along the list of bands The Distillers sent in that they have played with. My god, they must be wonderful if they’ve played with: X, The Dwarves, U.S. Bombs, The Criminals, Stitches, and Litmus Green. Wait a second, I’ve played with the Dwarves! Do you think Hellcat will sign my band?

Bookmark:

Record Label Hellcat Released April 2000

Tracks Oh Serena Idoless The World Comes Tumblin' L.A. Girl Distilla Traunt Ask The Angels Oldscratch Girlfixer Open Sky Colossus U.S.A. Blackheart Gypsy Rose Lee The Blackest Years