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Before I review this outstanding album let me give you a little background information on Mischief Brew. Mischief Brew is a folk-punk band from Philadelphia, PA, a rowdy group of ramblers led by Erik Peterson (guitar, vocals). When Mischief Brew records albums they play with a whole slew of collaborators from various bands. Some collaborators on this album come from bands such as Leftover Crack, World/Inferno Friendship Society, Guignol, and the Hold Steady. During live shows Eric either plays solo acoustic acts or electric shows backed by Shawn St. Clair (bass) and Chris "Doc" Kulp. No matter if the show is acoustic or electric you can expect a sweaty, chaotic basment show packed with drunk crusties.

Now onto reviewing Smash the Windows, Mischief Brew's first real full-length. The musical sound here is a mix of folk, punk, swing, jazz, and even some country. It makes you feel as if you are wandering the country with nomadic gypsy pirates who cause mischief and play boisterous music with a wide variety of instruments. Some instruments featured on this album include mandolin, junk percussion, bodhran, trumpet, marching drum, marimba, squeeze box, and clarinet. Some people reading this review are probably thinking, "how can these guys make punk music with such an odd array of instruments?" I assure you these guys are punk as fuck (or should I say punk as folk). After listening to these songs it made me want to start a riot and go looting.

Enough with the musical aspect of Mischief Brew. The part of Mischief Brew that really makes it great is Erik Peterson's superb songwriting. In songs like "Nomads Revolt," "The Lowly Carpenter," "Departure/Arrival" and others we're shown Erik's exceptional anarcho-punk lyrics. My favorite lyrics occur in "Roll Me Through the Gates of Hell" with lines like "if you offer pink or blue I'll take the blackest / if you offer one or two i'll offer three / and on the border of utopia I'll test you anarchy."

This is DIY folk-punk at its finest that rivals early Against Me!, Defiance, Ohio, Ghost Mice, and This Bike Is a Pipe Bomb. Give it a listen -- you'll love it.



People who liked this also liked:
The Clash - London CallingWorld/Inferno Friendship Society - Red-Eyed SoulThe Lawrence Arms - Oh! Calcutta!Against Me! - As The Eternal CowboyDefiance, Ohio - The Great DepressionPaul Baribeau - Paul BaribeauSundowner - Four One Five TwoF-Minus - F-MinusAgainst Me! - is Reinventing Axl RosePaint It Black - CVA



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    Posted by briennis on 2007-09-12 10:54:53
    My Score:

    Pretty bad review for a pretty good album.

    I'm not a huge fan of the stuff Erik does when he verges on "pirate music," so i understandably enjoy "Songs From Under The Sink" more.

    Posted by Jesus_H_Christ on 2007-09-10 15:43:25
    My Score:

    This record is fucking brilliant.

    Posted by MonkeyFracas on 2007-05-03 13:56:42
    My Score:

    I can not say enough about how awesome Mischief Brew/Erik Petersen is both on record and live. Very energetic performance, and very heartfelt, refreshing folk-punk. I also recomment the Songs from Under the Sink LP/CD, his split 12" (as Erik Petersen) with Robert Blake, as well as two split 7" with David Dondero and Bread & Roses.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 3, 2007 at 1:33 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    One hell of an amazing band and song writer. It's nice to hear some different, intelligent type of punk rock.

    Posted by fuzzy on 2007-05-02 12:07:01

    Mischief Brew is good stuff.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 10:21 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I love this album. Erik Petersen is one of the best folk musicians of our era.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 8:57 PM (EDT)

    "Toast to Anarchy" that is all. Other than that, good review, great artist, greatest album.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 7:51 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    The fact this this is the first Mischief Brew/Erik Peterson record to be reviewed here (or even mentioned as far as I can tell) just goes to show how lame this site has become. Oh but I can't wait till next Tuesday to hear that fucking mohawked millionaire's latest stupid reggae shit song.

    Posted by etwiels88 on 2007-05-01 14:02:19

    Saw this band open for D4. Loved it.

    Posted by JonDaley on 2007-05-01 12:28:56
    My Score:

    this is a really solid album and baseball is right I like this a lot more consistant than say Defiance, Ohio and a hell of a lot better than Ghost Mice.

    Posted by baseball on 2007-05-01 12:04:03
    My Score:

    Erik Peterson writes some great songs and has been doing it for quite some time with a lot less notoriety than other bands hyped on here

    i prefer his live show when it's just him

    probably not my favorite Mischief Brew release, but this is damn good

    Posted by JonnyJay on 2007-05-01 11:58:00

    Mischief Brew kicks ass!

    Erik is playing this benefit show in my friend's basement in June. He's a very decent fellow.

    "I'd rather taste a rebel's glory, than drink blood from your cup."

    Posted by tommytumult on 2007-05-01 10:10:05
    My Score:

    Awesome! I love Mischief Brew, though I prefer last year's Songs From Under the Sink to this album. But they're both really great.

    Posted by notfeelingcreative on 2007-05-01 09:29:33
    My Score:

    Great band!!!

    Posted by PatThetic on 2007-05-01 09:13:01
    My Score:

    best folk punk album ever

    Posted by DarrenMcLeod on 2007-05-01 01:49:31

    i've been meaning to check out mischief brew for ages... this review has me convinced that I gotta hear it.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 1:00 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This is a badass album. Then again, pretty much anything Erik Petersen does is badass. Great folk tunes that make you wanna throw a brick at sumthin'.

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