Prison City Brigade, a post-punk outfit out of Joliet, IL, is set to release their third studio album (War on Boredom - 2017, Trials of Survival - 2018) entitled, Rough Skeletons (February, 2020). Produced by Gary Tomanich of Ground Level Productions, the nine song ensemble is clear and punchy with everything skillfully placed in the mix.
The album boasts both straightforward punk elements in songs such as, Michael David Wilson II, and Failure by Design (reminiscent of Pennywise), but also has a tighter, more metal-like guitar attack in songs like, Thing 166, Living in the Wake, and Call Out! This really isn’t surprising considering the band does not have one primary songwriter, but instead each member brings ideas to the table (“rough skeletons”) and then they go about making them their own.
Gallows, the first song on the album, typifies this idea. The song starts with a bell tolling and an almost Megadeth type riff. The vocals get a little adventurous before leading into a singable chorus with a great hook. Another song that has a variety of influences is, To the Days. It starts with a galloping riff accompanied by drums and charges into a chugging section just begging for some woah-ohs...and they are delivered. There is also some nice high-hat work and a bouncy verse melody that catches the ear. Finally, Nola, the fifth song on the album, features the band's bass player on vocals. The song provides an interesting deviation and has a nice arpeggiated feel to it - a scorching guitar melody over the top. Like Gallows and Failure by Design, Nola also has a catchy, singable chorus.
No matter the song, one common theme remains throughout...never give up, no matter what is happening. And if you are ever feeling different, dysfunctional, broken, and/or rebellious, remember, you are not alone. “We are one - We are all - We are The Brigade!”
- Pauly Brazen
Prison City Brigade Is:
Eddie "Zero" Cavanaugh -Vocals- Brandon "Lamp The Vampire" Rivette -Guitar- Paige "Ratchet" -Bass- Jose "Punk Rock Possum" Gastelum -Drums- Zach "The Dread Pirate" Roberts -Lead Guitar-
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