Cloak/Dagger

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Cloak/Dagger

Album: Lost Art

Label: Jade Tree

Genre: Hardcore Punk

Comments: This marks the first album I've reviewed where I not only know of all the "Sounds Like" bands, but I'm also incredibly well-versed in what they're all about. So, let me get this out of the way: Cloak/Dagger does not sound like the Ramones, the Circle Jerks, and it sure as hell does not sound like Mission of Burma. However, if you'd told me that this was some hidden last album by Hot Snakes, I'd totally believe you. Both Hot Snakes and Cloak/Dagger went for the most promising evolution of punk in the modern world: still being loud and angry, but co-opting aspects of indie rock into the sonic attack. Hell, even their lead singers sound the same.

Still, there are differences. While Hot Snakes occasionally eased off their rockhorse, there is not a single mellow song with Lost Art, which does make me sort of agree with their comparison to Black Flag (though not noting whether they're comparing themselves to pre or post-Rollins Black Flag makes them get negative punk points), though I'd argue that they're probably closer to Minor Threat and the whole DC scene. Cloak/Dagger really does try to give a little more homage for their punk progentitors than most other good punk acts today, having only two songs greater than three minutes, and each one being a powerhouse destroy machine. It also rocks in a way more accessible than your average noise rock or screaming fat mosh guy (though you should probably listen to the Obits to see if you can handle that before jumping to this).

Look, do you like punk? Then listen to this and burn that horrible Saosin or Against Me! shit.