BAD WEED
II (SILUH RECORDS)
BAD WEED crafts infectious power pop with a heavy dose of early UK sound in their veins, a must listen for all fans whose hearts beat beat out faster at the mention of the Buzzcocks, Exploding Hearts, or the Nerves - but all in a modern and fresh suit.
"Sweetie Bernhard (Siluh Records) asked me to phrase a hype text about the new BAD WEED record, and I was flattered firstly, but I had second thoughts about this later_ How can I explain and bring this powerpop gem closer to you in just a few words? It's not just the usual jangle pop thing or even worse, not something they call "garage punk" these days, nope sir! It is true 70s flavoured powerpop, but just like my boss always likes to utter: You cannot tell people about the greatness of a powerpop record - you have to listen to it, preferably with a drink of choice in your hand and soon it will unravel its specialty (or not).
What do I love about BAD WEED besides the fact that they are the most handsome guys around who -- after performing in many different bands for 20 years now - finally learned how to play their instruments? It's the songs! It's all about the songs! The first single from 2015 was something else, you can even call this garage pop, their debut album a couple of years ago and about 100 shows later was just the beginning, here is their second full length simply entitled "II" with the talent, songwriting ability and pop craftsmanship on display! Some of these 12 original songs remind me of albums / bands that seem to be long forgotten on the long run, like "If you ever pt1" could be an early THE FRESHIES single, "Breaking Lines" could be from a RUDI setlist or "Who's gonna love me" sounds just like one of those THE COLD earworms.
Most of the songs have this 80ties UK indie punk vibe that goes straight to my brain and heart! They even have the atrocity to cover TOWNES VAN ZANDT - and manage to make it sound not as depressing as the original, only a bit sad maybe.
To maintain that this is a feel good album is not quite right, it's not as simple as that.
It's a record that makes you want to see the band live in a small club, a record that just makes you smile and remember good times.
BAD WEED is a pocket band, a band you love and you want to tell friends about, but not too many, because the band should stay small and in your pocket, and not used in playlists of every Tom, Dick and Harry_" (Elmar, Bachelor Records) "The tracks on this album zip right by, dropping insistent little riffs, guitar licks, and melodic earworms along the way.
Jangly, garage-y power pop that sits (sonically and vocally) in the same territory as FM KNIVES or the first GENTLEMEN JESSE & HIS MEN LP-and if you remember what delicious little rippers those albums were, you'll want to score yourself some BAD WEED A-S-A-friggin-P, matey." (MAXMIMUM ROCKNROLL) "Debut album from Vienna's Blitzpop group.
Infectious powerpop-punk with a lot of early UK- vs semi-modern Texas-sound in the veins.
Buzzcocks , Exploding Hearts, The Jam, Bad Sports, Marked Men, pig-tight played, great melodies that pick you up immediately, a bit saxophone here and a bit organ there!!! The record is bursting with energy and joy of playing, finds a steep breakeven between wit, charm and class consciousness.
Strong!" (FLIGHT 13)