Catch 22
Washed Up
Victory Records
Chicago hardcore label Victory has softened its approach a bit lately, and nothing's more indicative than Washed Up, a four-song EP by New Jersey band Catch 22. The band's seven members are crackerjack goofballs, flopping between jokey hardcore riffs and speedy ska breakdowns as if MTV hadn't worn out that idea two years ago. The best gag is the Cliff's Notes version of Don MacLean's "American Pie," where only the chorus is repeated faster and faster until it becomes a mindless mantra. I haven't heard Madonna's version yet, but I'm guessing hers is just plain dumb (Uh, as if MacLean's version didn't become a cliche years ago...I'll shut up now). To make Catch 22's ethic perfectly clear, vocalist Jeff Davidson says during the EP's hidden live tracks, "At least we have fun at what we're doing. It doesn't matter if we suck or not."
- Joe Warminsky III
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