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Written by Laura Hamlett Sunday, 23 November 2014 14:11

Vincent’s announcement is simple: This ain’t history; this is rock and fucking roll.

 

 

 

“Supergroup” is a term that usually turns my stomach: So and so from such and such a band from some 20-odd years ago (or longer) wants a comeback, but none of his original lineup is game, so what does he do? Grabs some old talent from a few other back-the-day bands who are available. Usually, this leads to an overdone spilling out of “Look how cool we still are” that fails embarrassingly, along with cries from listeners of, “Study history in books, not all up in my scene!”

Usually.

Sonny Vincent, originally of The Testors, makes an announcement with “Dog on the Subway,” the first of 14 tracks on his new full-length album Spiteful. His announcement is simple: This ain’t history; this is rock and fucking roll. He doesn’t make it alone, though; he did get the help of old talent from a few other back- in-the day bands, but they don’t fail at the “Look how cool we still are” part.

Rat Scabies (The Damned), Glen Matlock (of the original Sex Pistols), and Steve Mackaye (The Stooges) form a rare supergroup, indeed: one that actually succeeds at it. And they keep doing so through the track list, with “Disinterested,” inciting an authentic 1977 style still flavored with youthful disenfranchisement; the start-stop-start again of “Sidewalk Cracks”; and the go-to track for this author, “Wait,” which drives a classic punk rock rhythm broken by a quick guitar solo that should get your head nodding. And if it doesn’t, you need to check your pulse. B+ | Jason Neubauer

RIYL: The Dickies, The Dictators, Testors, The Damned