Krang – Listens To Krang Once LP (SBAM)

Czech skate punks Krang has recently released “Listens To Krang Once,” their fourth full-length release that will satisfy all those looking for socially-conscious, politically charged, flawlessly executed melodic punk rock music. Consisting of twelve catchy, engaging, memorable songs, “Listens To Krang Once” offers Krang’s best version where brilliant ideas and exceptional musicianship shine through. Besides being political punk rock bands, these folks also take some time to pay homage to their favorite topic, the eighties and nineties cartoons, video games, and pop culture in general. For example, “Listens To Krang Once” is a homage to the TMNT, with four different vinyl variants for each ninja turtle. This album wouldn’t be complete without exceptional artwork, so this time, Krang promotes unity and inclusivity in the DIY punk rock scene with their artwork. Everything is printed on a hefty cardboard, protecting your precious vinyl, so the band took packaging and vinyl quality to a whole new level.

For those stumbling upon Krang for the first time, their sound goes beyond classic skate punk music. Of course, modern skate punk is a starting point, but they also explore melodic hardcore, classic nineties melodic punk rock, and pop punk. These experimentations with different but complementary punk rock subgenres leave so much space for levitating through the eras, contributing to the fresh, unique, innovative, and diverse sound. You’ll notice how impressive vocal performance commands attention and guides your listening apparatus while delivering profoundly detailed lyrics. The flawlessly executed balance between low, mid, and high notes emphasizes all the segments and instrumentations, ensuring that the listeners are fully engaged in the process. In the meantime, the cleverly assembled interplay between rhythm and lead guitar shapes a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon. The catchy, memorable, tastefully arranged riffs and chord progressions resonate on one side while the other shines with magnificent leads, themes, melodies, harmonies, and other sonic maneuvers. Also, it’s nearly mindblowing how vocals and guitars pair together harmoniously.

This album wouldn’t sound this good without the rock-solid rhythm section. The equally intricate, vividly hearable, warm-sounding low-end roar beneath guitar layers, offers more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth while binding all the vocals and orchestrations with drums. Of course, no skatepunk album would sound good without the excellent, dynamic, well-accentuated drumming performance. The drummer keeps everything in line while directing groove and tempo with expertly composed beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics. Every band member plays a significant role in this sonic equation, which sounds divine from scratch to finish. Tracks like “Cowabunga,” “DeLorean,” “Distance,” “Millenial Song,” “Cocktail Of Freedom,” “Birdhouse,” “Alf,” and “Running Out Of Time” are highlights, but you should pay close attention while listening to this album to an entirety because its probably their best work so far and every song deserves your time. Head to their Bandcamp page or SBAM Records for more information about ordering this gem.