Blockage - Viva Block Vegas
2001 / 20:45 Minutes / 5 Tracks + 1 Bonus Track / Studio
Release Date: 2001 - Self Distributed
Produced by: Sean Lampley
Website: www.blockage.net

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on February 11, 2002

Every once in a while, you hear a band, an unsigned band, and wonder how it is that some label has not snapped them up. That's the case with Blockage. This is an Orange County, CA band and we already know that OC breeds some pretty great bands; No Doubt and Korn to name a few. I've watched this band live and it exhausts me to hear the frenetic pace that they maintain. Blockage, named after a pet feline's illness, hits the punk business directly on the nose, paying dues, and respect, to Ramones, X, and other old school punk greats.

Six songs, longer than the average punk song, especially where the Ramones were concerned but that's OK. Because we want them to be different, to stand out and be noticed for their originality and not their perfected ability to sound like an existing or old band. A tribute band they ain't. A perfected and original band they are.

The drum works of Juan Gutierrez is paced perfectly, spewing machine gun staccato and is complemented by the exclusive and excellent bass work of Dave Guzman. Sean Rowley's vocals are expertly delivered with equally well executed guitar style. Frank Guzman's guitar work is classic. And this is the CD. You should hear these guys live. Even better.

As a matter of fact, the CD is too short. But what is there is exemplary. The standout tracks, Plastichica and I Owe You Everything, a heartfelt tribute to Joey Ramone, are excellent. I Owe You Everything is reminescent entirely of Ramones material. 200 Pages appears to be the radio-ready track on this CD, with great hooks, chainsaw guitars/bass with a blissful lead. Everything is in tandem to make this a single. The other tracks rock as does the band. Go see them if you can, order a CD and hear what great post modern punk can be that has great radio potential.

Where are the labels when great bands like Blockage remain unsigned? Go figure.

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