Counterpunch – Handbook For Recently Debriefed 7” (Thousand Islands Records / SBÄM Records)

Counterpunch is back with another exceptional material! Considering their involvement in the skatepunk scene, the chances you never heard of this Chicago based skatepunk unit are almost equal to none. The group is lurking around for more than fifteen years and delivers nothing but outstanding skatepunk recordings. Since their formation, Counterpunch released an impressive amount of full-lengths such as An Idiots Guide To Being An Asshole, Counterpunch, Heroes & Ghosts, Bruises, and Dying To Exonerate The World. Counterpunch also appeared at various artist compilation named Sick Slabs Of Sonic Sound From The Slaboratory. Each album outstands the preceding one with even more ideas piled over technically precise musicianship.

Handbook For The Recently Debriefed is probably their first EP release, as far as my knowledge goes. This 7” release includes two compositions, Handbook For The Recently Debriefed on A-side and We, The Role on the other. The first composition commences as every skate punk song should sound. Counterpunch offers fast-paced rhythmical acrobatics right from the start, combined with thoroughly detailed chord progressions. The rough guitar shreds, energetic rhythm section, and exceptional lead vocal are keeping this tune dynamic, raging, and entertainful. Handbook For The Recently Debriefed showcases how Counterpunch invested heart and soul into this track during the writing process. The perfect sense for delicate structures and arrangements is what keeps this Chicago based skate punks close to the top of the genre for years.

We, The Role offers a profoundly balanced mixture of pop-punk, skate punk, and a bit of melodic hardcore. Perhaps this particular number goes a bit further towards technically demanding modern skate punk sound, but you’ll notice how Counterpunch involved the nineties melodic punk rock music into it. Like the previous composition, this song includes marvelously performed lead vocals, empowered by soothing singalongs that will melt your listening apparatus with beautiful harmonies. Maybe this composition provides more detailed melodic punk rock maneuvers than the previous track, but both songs are equally sounding like a charm.

Handbook For The Recently Debriefed liberates more than enough melodies and dynamics through these two exceptional punk rock compositions. Maybe this 7” lacks a couple more songs, but this deficiency doesn’t spoil all the fun. Who knows, maybe Handbook For The Recently Debriefed represents just an overture for a possible full-length. Only time will tell, but until then, enjoy these two awesome tunes. This material is currently available in different variants at Thousand Islands Records and SBÄM Records. Head over to these labels for more detailed info about ordering.