Latte+

Everybody Listens To The Ramones Even My Mom (2018)

Pete Vincelli

This long running Italian punk rock trio is back at it again, this time with their first ever vinyl release, through the rad folks at No Affiliation Records. Latte (Latte Piu) has built up a solid following in Europe and is looking to crack the airwaves in the good ol’ USA. And while none of the tracks are new (the tunes are a collection of some of their best English songs), all 17 songs on this record serve as an excellent introduction for American listeners.

The title track, Everybody Listens To The Ramones Even My Mom, pretty much sums up the theme of the entire album. Every song is fun and catchy as hell. Some of the tunes are happy and positive and force you to sing along (“Everybody Listens To The Ramones Even My Mom” and “No More Than Three Chords”). While many of the songs have aggressive and angry tones, they are still sweet to listen to (“Screw You” and “I Don’t Wanna Be With You Tonight”). The record aptly runs the gamut of the pioneer sound and some of the other bands that fell under the spell of the godfathers from Queens; bands like Screeching Weasel, The Queers, and The Riverdales. It also has hints of Kerplunk-era Green Day, as well as a few nods to early Descendents and early Bad Religion.

Throughout the album, the band successfully chases that backbeat bop with downstroke-ridden guitars, half-note slides, pounding bass and drums, accompanied by harmony vocals at just the right time. Some of the catchiest songs (“Stitches” and “Anyway I Wanna Be With You”) even add organ and glockenspiel to the mix to further cement the melodies into your brain.

Latte has been playing this brand of punk rock for 20 years and they show no sign of slowing down. After a successful run of shows in Europe, the band is looking forward to spreading their short, hook-ridden anthems to a wider audience with this summer release. And like their predecessors, the band has written an album that everybody can listen to. Even my 7 year-old sings along, though I have to skip some of the songs in fear that he’ll sing them at school. Lines like “I’m gonna kick kick kick you in the ass tonight” and “I will hate you for the rest of my life” are his favorites. And when I play this record for my mom, I’m willing to bet that she’ll definitely like it.