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 Caught in the Carousel "There will be music despite everything"
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The Black Pacific
The Black Pacific
SideOne
Full disclosure: I am a punk junkie. For those of you not currently addicted, consider The Black Pacific's self titled debut album your gateway drug.
Led by Jim Lindberg (formerly of Pennywise) this trio, including drummer Alan Vega (Good Guys In Black) and Davey Latter on bass, does not stray far from their punk roots. In fact, if you were one of the Pennywise fans bemoaning Lindberg's sudden departure from the band he helped form, you will love this album. While not sounding just like one, it is very reminiscent of a Pennywise release (which is not surprising, given the fact that Lindberg was the voice of Pennywise). What is surprising is how tight and confident The Black Pacific already sound on their debut. This is evident right from the opening cut "The System" which is vintage Lindberg; fast, furious and meaningful. But the inevitable comparisons to Pennywise stop there. The second cut, "When It's Over" is where The Black Pacific break away from the past and stand on their own. The songs become more melodic and add a heavier bass line, both of which add more depth to the music. The best example of this is on "Kill Your Idols" a song Lindberg wrote 10 years ago but only now recorded with The Black Pacific. The song reflects Lindberg's new vision of where he wants to go with punk; adding in more complexity and heft while keeping the basic punk aesthetic.
Clearly this album is the first step in Lindberg's journey to reaching that vision. Based off this debut, it should be one helluva ride.
—Pamela Obenchain
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