The Australian band The Vee Bees formed in 2000, so they’ve already racked up a respectable quarter century of existence. Honestly, I didn’t know this band at all before, but they deliver a likable mix of punk and rock’n’roll. They don’t take themselves too seriously and, instead of focusing on politics, personal confessions, or other heavy topics, they make fun of themselves and the world around them. Anyone who sees punk purely as a style meant to tell the government to fuck off, insult politicians, and hate global injustices will probably be disappointed here. But if you enjoy tongue-in-cheek humor in the spirit of Madness, you’ll be more satisfied.
The EP was released on silver vinyl, includes printed lyrics, and sticks to the graphic style the band has used since the very beginning.
The band’s style reminded me a bit of the era around 2000, when I used to listen to the Punk-O-Rama compilations from Epitaph Records. That time is long gone and punk rock has evolved since then, but this EP definitely brings that period to mind. It’s actually a nice throwback to the days when skateboard culture and punk rock felt like essential allies to me.
The first song leans more toward punk rock and deals with the “adventures” of waiting for a public toilet and the bits of wisdom you usually find scratched on the walls of these useful facilities. The second track is slower, more rock’n’roll-oriented—maybe even straight rock—and thematically it can be about whatever you associate with rock’n’roll. It sounds odd, but give it a listen and you’ll get it.
I also appreciate that there are no serious themes here—it’s all about blowing off steam. It’ll please anyone who enjoys punk rock, fun, beer, and a bit of that good old beer-fueled humor.
You can’t really go wrong with The Vee Bees if you prefer good old beer-soaked fun over politics—like riding through town in a shopping cart, drawing on a passed-out drunk friend with a marker, or hooking up with your buddy’s girl while he’s puking behind a portable toilet at a festival.
TOP TRACK: Third In Line For The Throne
BANDCAMP: https://1url.cz/IJ8zX
