Insert no end of infectious jokes here, like after infecting the European underground with their relentless live shows and a ferocious debut LP in 2023, Amsterdam punk outfit THE COVIDS are back for a second jab. Or an Infectious, catchy punk rock album number two from the Netherlands punk rockers. You can fill ’em in yourself from here on in.

‘Releasing on Wap Shoo Wap Records on September 25, their sophomore full-length “PAY NO MIND” ‘Pay No Mind’ is a 10-track barrage of melodic punk power pop influenced by a lifetime of listening and absorbing Buzzcocks, The Undertones and The Wipers, for example. There is a never-ending well of supplies for this happy-go-lucky punk, it’s not taking itself too seriously and can take on any subject for song matter, taking the time-honoured ‘Banned From The USA’ or ‘No Kids’ or punk classic ‘Waste Of Space’

‘No Kids’ is a sharp anthem in a similar vein as the daddies of the scene, The Briefs or Cyanide Pills. It’s catchy and powerful in a Briefs way and power. To be fair, that’s pretty much the MO for the album. Bouncy, catchy, rapid songs with big hooks and earworm choruses.

The Covids aren’t here to re-invent punk, its all about having a good time and making a noise that they can dance to and escape the real world and on that front its job done and a great big thumbs up from me because the main point is they have to be good and they score highly on that front which at the end of the day is all that counts doesn’t it?

The songs are short as well as sharp. I particularly liked ‘No Good Nothing’ and its punchy Bass line, then to collide into the brutal power pop of ‘Roots’ which, to be fair, is a dance floor banger guaranteed to get the pit pogoing and covered in beer and sweat.

It’s not a waste of space at all, and the Fergal Sharkey and co inspired song (Waste OF Space) is old school and another contender. Leaving the ‘Banned For The USA’ to finish this album off.

Top marks from me, I love this power poppin punk rock and the more bands doing it, the better, hopefully, the Covids will spread the word and leave their mark wherever they may roam. Thankfully, this catchy Covid is far better than getting contaminated by the other Covid. I suggest you ignore the name and go catch a show and listen to this most excellent record its got so much going fo rit I think it might pull through.

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Massive tour –

European Tour Dates: (More dates TBA)

BELGIUM

Oct 28: Antwerpen – Antwerpen Music City

SPAIN

Oct 30: Barcelona  – Sala Continental

Oct 31: Madrid – Fun House

Nov 1 : Puerto de Santa Maria – Milwaukee

Nov 2: Sevilla – Even

Nov 4: Algeciras – Sala Zero

Nov 5: Córdoba – Hangar

Nov 6: Ponferada – Cocodrilo Negro

Nov 7: Burgos – T.B.A.

Nov 8: Vitoria – Helldorado

FRANCE

Nov 10: Hossegor – 416 Crew

GERMANY

Nov 13: Dortmund – T.B.A.

Nov 14: Hamburg – Komet

Nov 15: Berlín – Kastanienkeller

Nov 17: Göttingen – Juzi Maren

Nov 18: Beiruth – Schokofabrik

Nov 20: Tübingen – Hausbar

Nov 21: Mannhein – JUZ

Nov 22: Kreuzlingen – Horst

SWITZERLAND 

Nov 23: Bern – Reitschule

FRANCE

Nov 30: Sorgues – T.B.A.

Dec 2: Montpellier – KJIBI

Dec 3: Toulouse – T.B.A.

Dec 5: Saint-Gille-Croix-De-Vie – Rock Sea

UNITED KINGDOM:

Dec 12: London – Hope and Anchor