Complaints*

*Wanna Be Bored [7 inch] (2009)

Brian Shultz

Complaints boast quite a lineup, comprising members of Swingin' Utters, Western Addiction, Dead Ringers and Radio Reelers. Every dude in this band clearly has some experience already under his respective belt, and while their 7" here doesn't completely blow minds, it does show they've got the chops to make something plenty worthwhile.

Wanna Be Bored bears four slabs of choppy, rock'n'roll pep, sounding like the early '80s hardcore bands who weren't afraid to show plenty of '77-style punk influence (closer "Cheap Reward" sounds like a condensed Buzzcocks/Stiff Little Fingers lovefest). It's a little bit snotty, but not too much so; there are some solos, but they aren't too far over the top. When the band slow it down just a pinch for Side B, it offers a nice reprieve from the succinct, sharper delivery of Side A and especially the driving title track.

Solid start. This won't bore you, at least.

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*Wanna Be Bored 7" EP