Punks Return To The Scene With A Vengeance
© Maggie Hobbs Mar 28, 2009 -
As any Pulley fan will state, it's been quite some time since Pulley released any new material. The wait is over, and the band drop this five-song teaser. 2004 was a big year for Pulley, as they released both a full-length, Matters, and a split CD with The Slackers. However, since then the band have kept a low profile, even as fans eagerly awaited the news and music from the band.
Now, in 2009, the wait is over. It comes in the form of a five-song EP, entitled Time Insensitive Material. After almost five years of waiting, fans will be thrilled to hear that Pulley are back, and in fine form at that.
Return With A Vengeance
It is impossible to discuss the new Pulley material without noting its independent release on the band's own label, X-Members. While the band recovered from the whirlwind that was 2004, apparently a return to punk's DIY roots was in order. The album may be running on limited publicity from the label, but it is certain that this EP will receive vast word of mouth publicity from the fans who have been waiting patiently for new Pulley material.
From the opening of the EP's first track, "The Never Ending," the mood is set for the EP. it encompasses many elements that made the band popular on other discs, as well as embracing the darker side that was explored more on their last full-length.
Time Insensitive Material- For A Reason
Even with the emo and screamo explosion of the beginning of the decade, Pulley always stayed true to the sound they have been perfecting since the mid- 1990's. Sure, there may be lyrics about love gone wrong, but it is done in a way that makes the listener believe that it is pure catharsis, and not the band's sonic calling card.
Time continues much in the vein of their last full release, blending elements of skate punk, rock, and adding a darker edge, in a manner similar to recent Pennywise and Strung Out.
Over the past few years, the band have become more introspective, contemplating their place not only in the music scene, but as people as well, as shown in the track "Ghost Inside my Skin." With the edgier sound the band have added to their brand of melodic skate punk, such lyrics blend in beautifully.
Pulley have a distinctive sound that draws from many musical sources, while managing to stand apart from all other influences. Time Insensitive Material shows how a band can sonically weather the forces of changing times, and still come out on top. While the band has evolved, Time and their first album are not polar opposites. Rather, the new EP is more a logical progression, shown in the band's past works.
Now that Pulley have finally returned with a vengeance to the punk-rock scene, fans will be hoping that they will not have to wait another five years for the next full-length. However, if Time Insensitive Material is any indication, fans will be swarming to Pulley shows in the near future.
Read more: "Album Review: Pulley's Time Insensitive Material: Punks Return To The Scene With A Vengeance" -
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