Album Of The Week: Beach Slang’s A Loud Bash Of Teenage Feelings

Every time Beach Slang’s James Alex writes a song, it seems he makes a conscious effort to discover the communal essence of punk rock. It doesn’t consist of bouncing around the mosh pit in a drunken haze; it embodies the moments when you’re singing along as you watch your favorite band on stage in the middle of a sweat-drenched crowd. The feeling of a massive group acting as one is rare, and Alex does a stellar job of exuding that through his music. Together with Ed McNulty and Ruben Gallego, Alex is releasing the Philly punks’ second album A Loud Bash Of Teenage Feelings on September 23. It’s a great follow-up to last year’s acclaimed debut, The Things We Do to Find People Who Feel Like Us, that straight up rips.

Much like the band’s first album, A Loud Bash Of Teenage Feelings speaks for the outsiders and the outcasts. The people looking for a community where they can be accepted regardless of who they are and who they can relate their struggles to. Beach Slang captures the genuine, heart-on-the-sleeve punk aesthetic with Alex’s honest lyrics. Alex’s guitar riffs supply the necessary grit and edge to up the musical intensity. If you’ve ever felt alienated and cast aside, then you should listen to Beach Slang immediately.

One of the most beautiful things about music is the way it can change someone within minutes. A really good song can uplift spirits, clear minds and even save some lives. Bob Marley said it best: “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” In their own unique way, Beach Slang mirrors that quote with their music. To get into what I’m talking about let’s examine my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week:

“Punks In A Disco Bar” is the lead single and it’s stunningly triumphant. There’s a bit of catchiness that makes it a hit, but what makes the track special is Alex screaming at the top of his lungs with each lyric. A scorcher that lights the ears on fire is “Atom Bomb;” it’s two minutes of fury that is chock full of energy and vigor. The prime motivator in the album is “Warpaint.” It’s a gutsy song about taking life by the horns and destroying the things that bring you down.

Beach Slang will celebrate the release of A Loud Bash Of Teenage Feelings at the 312 Urban Block Party in Chicago on the day the album hits record store shelves. They’ll be following that show up with a bash at Rough Trade NYC in Brooklyn on the 27th. In Boston, Alex and the gang will take over the Royale on October 6 for a sold-out show with punk legends Descendents and local act Night Birds. Whether you’re at one of the shows or you can’t go to any, grab a copy of Beach Slang’s new album when it comes out. When you give it a listen, you’ll definitely feel more alive.

Check out Beach Slang’s music video for “Punks In A Disco Bar” here: youtube.com/watch?v=1O1s1JbBKjE; Beach Slang’s Website: beachslang.com