It's hard to believe it's been 10 years (at least) since Dr. Dirty Sanchez have graced a stage together. Part of Buffalo's punk and hardcore resurgence in the early 2000's, DDS have given us one last gem to sit back and enjoy. After years sitting unfinished, Greg, Tim, Phil, and Jesse have released Prepare for the Worse - a misnomer if ever there was one.
Let's start by looking at the instrumentation. Greg and Tim keep the guitars super tight, with a guttural growl over Phil's clean and clear basslines that hold down every song. Then comes, Jesse: one of Buffalo's most accomplished and versatile (and bloody fast) drummers. These guys were tight. Every line is followed and every beat is rock solid. There is some datedness in the sound on the recording. The drums are often too far in the background with the bass holding up the rhythm section's weight by being up front. Vocals are well placed and clear regardless of who's singing or providing the oohs and aahs.
It's easy to see how this album will be a fun trip down memory lane for folks into pop-punk and hardcore in their youth. (FULL DISCLOSURE: I remember having tons of fun playing shows with these whack-jobs. If only this could be a DVD). Songs like "Make Up My Mind" and "Missing Nuns" are fun, the type of fun that makes you want to run around and light things on fire...you know, like you did when you were a kid and the punk show didn't start until the sun went down. The title track shows a bit more of the hardcore roots of the band and the scene that spawned them.
The only drawbacks of this album is that (a) there will be no more albums after this and (b) there will be no shows to go to in order to see the songs performed live. Alas...Dr. Dirty Sanchez is in fact a blast from the past. But we should all be thankful, they gave us one last backflip off the amp stacks to enjoy.
Where to get it:
- BandCamp(name your price!!)
RIYL: Seaweed, The Descendents, Snapcase
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