Wow, that there John Reis, he be on fire people releasing records like it’s going outta fashion. No writer’s block for Speedo the former Rocket From The Crypt fella.

Celebrating 55 years in the music business! Swami John Reis is back with his second LP in eight months. ‘Time To Let You Down’ is a raw live melody man on a mission, blasting out raw feral punk rock like its going out of fashion and going to be outlawed by the federal government for being a threat to the kids. This is eleven tracks full of proper tunes from your fist in the air songs, to the nodding head collection, right through to the shit kicking department. Reis isn’t fucking about here just cashing in and phoning in a record because he has to he’s doing it because he needs to release these rabid beasts.

The album opens with the rabid title track and it never looks back from there. Its a dash to the finish with tempos raised and the melodies dialed in to the max. There’s a raw anthemic vibe Reis has struck upon, and he’s mining the seam to the limit, something he’s done all his career to be fair, but this one is bristling with vibrancy and a joy in such troubled times. It’s punk rock, baby, but with the attitude comes a maturity in the melodies that are here to take it somewhere fresh and ‘Basement Envy’ is proof enough to me that this is one hell of a band and Reis knows it. Kick out the jams you bastards, but don’t forget the Beach Boys melodies. ‘Boomer Rang’ is like a chainsaw ripping through your speakers until the soothing keys tickle your lobes like the ultimate audio sweet and sour. The first single ‘Feed The Dogs’ is a brooding bruiser in comparison to its predecessors, but that’s the beauty of this record, it sounds like it’s got the lot.

Flip the record and buckle up, this might get dangerous. ‘Prince Of Parade’ might be your typical Reis kinda song with a thumping driving beat and so much harmony and melody it makes you sick. It’s noticeable that only a couple of songs stray over the three-minute mark because Reis knows what captures the attention in the 21st Century, and time waits for no man. Get in – out and get the job done and if you can’t get the point across in under three minutes, you’re message is wrong.

Have I mentioned the melodies? sure as shit I have and disciples already know this but if this is your introduction to the world Of John Reis then let me reiterate that the guy loves a melody and here is an album packed to the gills with em and ‘Kamen Rider Theme’ is one huge melody and the only thing Stinking on here is the amount of talent on offer. ‘Because I Stink’ is fun and that keyboard is hypnotic and pinching melodies and lyrics is always cool, one of my favourites so far has to be the brilliant ‘Cold Feet’ the groove they hit is addictive and mention has to go to old comrades from Hot Snakes who make contributions Jason Sinclair, Bed OF Nails Joey Guevara is on those synths and of course Reis does a smart job on the production as well. I expect the next one before Christmas, and if it’s half as good as this, then Swami John Reis might well have a couple of albums in the shakedown for album of the year – just buy it!

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Author: Dom Daley