HiFi Handgrenades.com

Hifi Handgrenades
Carry On
New Romance for Kids
2008

www.myspace.com/hifihandgrenades

1. Cut Strings
2. Stupid
3. Carry On
4. Smiling Judas
5. Hold Fast
6. Facing The Firing Squad
7. Heart Of Steel
8. Around Again
9. Sunset To Sunrise
10. Detroit Has A Skyline

I have been a huge fan of Detroit music and its history for quite some time. From the MC5 to The Stooges to Ted Nugent to Negative Approach to The Suicide Machines to the dozens of well known garage bands, Detroit has always been home to some great music. Hifi Handgrenades continues in that tradition. The band features veteran Detroit rockers John Speck, formerly of The Fags, two former members of The Suicide Machines in drummer Ryan Vandeberghe and bassist Rich Tschirhart, and Grande Nationals guitarist Tony Vegas.

Carry On, which was recorded at the Foo Fighter’s 606 West Studios, is Hifi Handgrenades debut full length debut for New Romance for Kids records. It’s one of those records that flies by way too fast. The ten songs clock in at just under 22 minutes leaving you wanting more, which is the mark of a great record in my opinion. Musically, upon first listen, a Loved Ones comparison is undeniable. Hifi Handgrenades play the same style of melodic punk rock that bands like the Loved Ones and Lawrence Arms have made extremely popular with the beards and western shirt punk crowd. However, lead singer John Speck’s time spent with power poppers The Fags give them a dash of pop sensibility that is missing with so many other punk bands today. Much like The Replacements and Against Me! before them, you can definitely see Hifi Handgrenades transcending the punk rock label and being known as just a kick ass straight up rock n’ roll band.

The stand out track of the album would have to be “Smiling Judas”, a fast Replacements-y rocker about two faced backstabbers that would not be out of place on Hold Me Up by The Goo Goo Dolls. The chorus of “You’re smiling / Look at your pearly white’s / You’re smiling / As you’re sharpening that knife” will have punk rockers everywhere singing along at live shows. Speaking of live shows, Hifi Handgrenades have been supporting the Foo Fighters on their recent tour through Canada, parts of the U.S. and Japan which, unfortunately, has not included any stops in Minnesota.

Carry On can be downloaded for free HERE. Registration is required.

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