Good old punk never dies. Just ask Smarts, an Aussie band comprised of members of Ausmuteants, Parsnip and The Living Eyes. Mid-October, they’ll launch their debut album Who Needs Smarts Anyway? Good question, in the best punk tradition.

The long-player, recorded in just one weekend, contains 13 tracks. Four of those are re-recorded versions of the tracks on the band’s 2018 EP Smart World, which was recorded by the band’s Billy Gardner (bass, vocals) and Mitch Campleman (guitar). Since then, drummer Jake Robertson, synth player Sally Buckley and saxophonist Stella Rennex were added to the line-up.

A saxophonist? Yes, that’s right. Smarts deliver fast-paced, sax-fuelled punk. That already sounds wicked on paper, so wait ‘til you hear the music for yourself. Cling Wrap is the band’s new single. A raucous, playful, tight, thrilling, dynamic adrenaline rush, which clocks in at just under 2 minutes. Just like a good punk song should.

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Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.