The Anti-Biotics

Pineview EP (2008)

AlmostPunkEnough

As always, I have no idea where to start with this. I generally have a problem with cliche metaphor-based reviews that writhe gleefully in their own cleverness. In fact, I'm sure you assumed when you saw who the author was that you'll get no cleverness here at all. You will, however, get a brief review of an equally brief EP called Pineview that I received from a band called the Anti-Biotics, hailing from Bolton, Ontario, Canada. I have no problem with brevity, especially here, where there seems to be the perfect ratio of music to amount of this EPs production that I can tolerate.

Most importantly, though, there's the music itself, which frankly, is pretty fuckin' awesome for a band that has self released their first EP. It's nothing mind blowing, at least not in some pompous, post-rock, self-fellating sort of way; and thank god, cause I usually hate that shit. For what this is, though (and what it is is basic pop-punk-cum-ska-punk), it's pretty goddamn original sounding. Now, I almost have a problem saying that, because as you listen you'll think "I've heard this all before," and while that's true, it's just so much more than the sum of it's parts. When it all comes together and you look back on the five songs (and three acoustic redos) that you just heard, I dare you to tell me you didn't have a lot of fun. (Actually don't bother, I already know what you'll say). Lyrically, it's not like Walt Whitman lent a writing credit, but there's some truly witty moments/metaphors (even a good allegory) and certainly nothing to embarrass you away from liking any one of the songs.

Let's see, guess I should give some comparisons… shit, that's the thing, it's kinda hard to compare it to anyone. I mean, there's moments of Sublime here and there, especially on "Spin At 33," which I would consider to be Pineview's best song. You can also hear some OpIvy-ness, some (old) Rancid, even a touch of early Lookout! shit in the faster songs ("Turn Up the Stereo," the title track). Overall it has a much more modern feel than it's influences would lead you to believe. The best thing I can say about it is that I'm reminded of Big D quite a bit.

Well, this is already way too fuckin' long for an EP review, so lemme just finish with a few miscellaneous thoughts. First and foremost, the production here is terrible. Actually, no, I take that back. I know that the band produced it themselves and I just have to give them credit for that. It's not even that it's "bad" per se, in fact, it's a damn good first attempt and I gotta give the guys credit. It's more that you can tell just how fuckin' awesome a couple of these songs could be if it was just more balanced. So there you go. If you're a sucker for fun punky/poppy ska-punk songs, you'll love this, even with the production woes. The Anti-Biotics have a shit-ton of potential and I can't wait to hear a full length.