Mad Mulligans - Who are the Mad Mulligans?

The Mad Mulligans are a relatively new band from New York City. The band released their debut album, “Who are the Mad Mulligans?”, on December 30th, 2020. Members consist of Johnny Kray and Albee Damned (The Krays), Wynn Cicalo (The Krays, Skism, Wrench, American Eagle) along with Rich O’Brien from Darkside NYC. “Who are the Mad Mulligans?” is on two different labels. The one on Rotten Bastard Records is the US version, currently on its third edition. On March 22nd, 2021, a remastered version with a bonus track, “Divided We Fall”, was released on the UK label, Dammit Records. 

The 8 tracks on “Who are the Mad Mulligans?” have a Punk and Oi feel with an 80’s sound. The band likes to mix things up by sharing vocal duties, producing solid performances all around. The more I listen to “Who are the Mad Mulligans?”, the more I like it. The album is full of great choruses and guitars riffs, there isn’t a song I don’t like. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be “Bricks and Batteries”. I catch myself singing along each time, “Time to take 'em down woah oh. Grab their fucking crown woah oh. Drag ‘em through the town woah oh. Burn it fucking down woah oh”. 

This is a great debut and is well worth checking out. If you’re into bands like Sham 69, The Business, and The Cockney Rejects, this one’s for you.

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Skism - 2021

Skism is a band from New York City, featuring members from The Krays, American Eagle, Wrench, and the Mad Mulligans. On their Facebook page, the band describe themselves as an “anti-social, angst ridden, hyperactive punks who pound out driving music with screaming vocals, fast guitars and pounding drums, with old school punk, hardcore and oi influences.”

Their latest release titled “2021”, is published by Rotten Bastard Records and features 9 songs that are guaranteed to get you all fired up! Listing off the issue of the day with loud guitars, pounding drums, and harsh vocals, the songs are short and to-the-point. The band does a great job combining hardcore punk with the classic British punk sound. My personal favorite, “Nomad”, has a killer D.O.A. guitar style with a 7-Seconds like chorus. “Can’t stay long, I’m on the move. Can’t play right, out of the groove. Don’t even care, nothing to lose. Can’t stay long, I’m on the move”.

“2021” is a special treat for fans of eighties hardcore punk music. The overall sound of this release reminds me of the bands like, Iron Cross, Wrecking Crew, Supertouch, and Warzone. If you are a fan of any of those bands, give Skism a listen, you won’t be disappointed.  

The “2021” CD is available on Rotten Bastard Records, and digitally on Bandcamp.

Cro-Mags - 2020

Last Summer, the Cro-Mags released their first album in 20 years. Six months later, the band released a new six song EP titled, "2020” (now available digitally worldwide). A release date for the physical release has been announced. “2020” will be released on April 9, 2021, as a limited three-part colored 7" vinyl box set, 10" colored vinyl, and CD. 

“2020” picks up where “In The Beginning” left off, opening with “Age of Quarantine”. The song starts with a heavy instrumental opening, before the track speeds up and the vocals join in. Somewhat reminiscent of the opening song from “The Age of Quarrel - We Gotta know”, it made me want to dive off my couch and wreck my living room, as if I were at a hardcore show. “Age of Quarantine” is a great opening song for what’s to come.

“2020” is an aggressive, harsh and brutal EP with Harley’s vocals sounding more ferocious than ever. Singing about relevant issues of today, Covid-19, BLM, racial divisions, the economy, all with a punch in your face force. The band displays their diversity brilliantly, bringing a bit of hip-hop, hardcore, punk, thrash, and even a cool dub intro on “Violence and Destruction”. 

The Cro-Mags have a tumultuous history, so it’s kind of fitting they make their return during one of the most turbulent time in our lifetime. “2020” is a must have for any Cro-Mags fan, you can grab yours here.