Rebel Spies! may be the world's most obscure supergroup. The Detroit band has members of The Suicide Machines, Hellmouth, Fordirelifesake, HiFi Handgrenades, and Telegraph. They play classic, melodic punk and hardcore, and they do it very well. If you grew up on a steady diet of early 80's punk/HC, you will want to hear this. Their bio lists 7 Seconds, Dag Nasty and the Misfits as influences, and this would be a good starting reference point. The lyrical content, lead vocal delivery and melodies are similar to 7 Seconds and Dag Nasty, while the gang vocals are pure Misfits.

Opening track "We Must Be Cautious" is a minute and half of sing-along goodness. "What Have I Done" might remind you a bit of Minor Threat before the backing vocals and metallic riff kick in. It's probably the strongest of this little record's three songs. "Fire When Ready" is the catchy, high energy closer. Rebel Spies! definitely wear their influence on their sleeve, but they also put their own twist on it. The music pays homage to classic punk but manages to sound surprisingly fresh.

The only problem with Before I Die, I Shall Destroy the Rebel Spies!, is how short it is. Its six minutes fly by and leave you wanting. Rumor has it that Rebel Spies! are working on a full length for release late this year. If these guys can come up with a half hour of material as good as this, their future is bright. This is available on 7 inch in limited quantities directly from the band, and is also available for cheap/free download from Bandcamp.