From the wild woods of Middleboro, MA, a frustrated leader of a one-man band ixnays the high-priced position on a therapist's couch and confronts his demons in a more direct way. Greg Mongroll chooses the punch of a sledgehammer over the pill of sedation on "Smash It," and the recorded evidence makes a strong case for leaving doctors and their obnoxiously displayed diplomas behind for good. Archaic answering machines, tapped-out televisions, innocent Coke cans, useless tapes and a Feederz album (seriously?) are demolished beyond recognition and donated to the worst thrift store in Hell, Delaware. To label "Smash It" as a Damned song sans adverb (or is "Up" an adjective in this case?) would be a somewhat inaccurate price tag, but there's plenty of good punk-junk in the tune's trunk. New Englanders should appreciate the snot-covered trinkets modeled after The Queers' Wimpy era, while those flying their Union Jacks high would salute the lo-fi treasures recalling the best of Billy Childish and Eater. Much like Teengenerate's "She's A Dumb," "Smash It" is poised for a sweet spot on an upcoming Dirty Sheets mixed CD. Try to be gentle with it, Greg!
With utmost certainty, there ain't a goddamn thing delicate 'bout "I Tell You." Suicide suggestions are delivered in a tone redolent of the angry Germanity put forth by punk Fuehrers PVC/Pack. "Drunk Again," "I Don't Want Your Love" and "No Way" intoxicate at the BAC levels of Cincinnati lager legends The Slobs. Yo, Shawn Abnoxious: I don't invoke that esteemed name lightly, so think on it before you scream "FOUL!" Speaking of The Slobs, The Minds' "Night Drive" is the sort of swag they would've covered on a 45. Haven't yet heard the original, but I will after tonight, mang. Killer take, 'Rolls! How do I own the Unnatural Axe tribute disc without possessing recordings from the group itself? "Three Chord Rock" (reprised on Truth Or Dare) is an apt description of both UA and Greg's musical leanings. Menace's "GLC" spits like "jealousy" when said aloud. The Mongrolls' version should make pseudo-garage shits with four times the members and one-fortieth the talent feel exactly that way.
When Pussy Riot are released from a Russian prison, The Mongrolls should be the meat on a sandwich bill with Madonna. The concert could be held at the same arena where Rocky Balboa defeated Ivan Drago. Maybe Greg can get a few attendees to cheer ... FOR HIM!!!
-Gunther 8544
