REVIEW: PUNKTUALS – ‘BETTER NEVER THAN LATE’

Over these last few months, Seattle’s PUNKTUALS have been busy crafting a fresh and immersive aesthetic in which to suit their punk origins. Taking cues from icons of the scene like The Ramones, Bad Brains, Melvins, Butthole Surfers, and Mr Bungle, the four-piece look to add a modern spin on those more traditional ideals, regularly resulting in a smorgasbord of tenacious energy and colourful hooks. And with their presence set to make waves in the months ahead as well, they cement their dynamic direction to date with their lively debut album ‘BETTER NEVER THAN LATE’, a record that truly elevates the sound of modern punk-rock.

Opening up with its vibrant and energetic title-track, ‘BETTER NEVER THAN LATE’ looks to combine the rustic and organic sound of classic punk with this more progressive approach to both songwriting and production. The result is this varied and heady mix of inspirations that seeks something new and interesting as often as possible. Whether they are looking to get our fists pumping with the spritely ‘THROW SOMETHING AT ME’, or adopt a darker and more sombre atmosphere with ‘HA Ha’, PUNKTUALS always manage to find an angle that invites us in and rarely lets us go.

It may still be early days for their tenure right now, but ‘BETTER NEVER THAN LATE’ shows that they already have a strong and commanding grasp over their sound right now. Delivering a brilliantly eclectic listen that ebbs and flows throughout, it feels like PUNKTUALS have certainly looked to leave a lasting impression with this one.