Washington, D.C.'s
Bluetip fits nicely within the glove of their hometown's hardcore reputation, and they seem right at home on the famed Dischord label. Under the direction of producer and
Fugazi alum Ian MacKaye, they turn out a powerful and punchy set of punk rock on their first album, with all the post-punk touches requisite to any true students of the D.C. scene. Singer Jason Farrell has an appealing, almost rockabilly yowl, and the band knows how to sneak in the catchy pop hooks and melodies amidst the abrasive guitars and plentiful, self-assured punk swagger. Unless you pay attention to the liner notes, most of the songs bleed together after a while, but this is a minor gripe; after all, we're talking punk rock, not Baroque fugues.
Bluetip delivers, and they seem like they will only transcend the sum of their influences on future releases. ~ Ted Alvarez