On their MySpace page, Philadelphia band Blue Collar refer to themselves as a Pop-Punk outfit. Having heard their album and seen them live, it's safe to say they err more on the side of punk. With guitars that have never known a volume below 9 and vocals that straddle the line between harmonious and blood-curdling, Blue Collar is one of those punk bands that make bands like Yellowcard or The Ataris ashamed to consider themselves in the same genre.
Blue Collar is quick to boast about two things; one, the list of bands they've played with in their 10 years of existence, an impressive list including Phantom Planet and Sugarcult, and second, the absolute dedication of their fans stretching from Philadelphia all the way as far north as Vermont. BCPA (as they're called by fans to differentiate them from the comedy group) makes it clear how proud they are of their accomplishments. Sadly, in 2004 founding member Vinny Green died in a car accident, causing the band to record and dedicate their debut album Vincent to his memory. Suffice it to say it's a fitting tribute.
The sound on Vincent goes all over the place both musically and emotionally. It's almost as though the album goes through the band's dealing with Green's death. Album highlights "Rise Up" and "Microphone" both make direct references to the subject at hand, and carry pretty much the same message; that the only way to honor Green was to keep playing. And play they do.
At this moment BCPA is touring the tri-state area while they work on the follow-up to Vincent. If you get a chance to see them live, do so. Either way go check out their MySpace page and get a copy of Vincent. Trust me, it's well worth it.
Blue Collar - Microphone
Blue Collar on MySpace
Don't search Blue Collar on iTunes unless you want to end up punching things...or if you like Larry the Cable Guy (God help you if you do).
==TJ==
Monday, March 10, 2008
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