The Vancouver outfit Bishops Green has been at it for over a decade now, though a little quiet as far as new releases in recent years, though they’ve still racked up an impressive catalog of records that tip its hat to legends like The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, Cock Sparrer and Agnostic Front. These seven new tracks, thankfully, don't deviate from that.
“Last Minute Warning” gets the listen off to a raw yet very tuneful start with buzzing guitars, hard hitting drums, bouncy bass lines and gritty singing, and “Empty Streets” continues this energy with its swirling guitar work alongside the acrobatic drumming and shouted vocals.
Packed in the middle are “What For” and “Ravens Cry,” where the former makes a big impression with an anthemic quality that's full of razor sharp melodies and firm sing-along vocals. The latter doesn't disappoint either, and pairs soaring singing with the bristling rhythm section that's as precise as it is memorable.
Towards the end, “Your Paradox” takes a darker approach that flirts with post-punk amid the dreamy bouts of tunefulness, while “No Tomorrow” showcases gang vocals to complement the swift drumming and dynamic guitar playing. “Another Mourning,” the final track, then illustrates the band's many strengths in a street punk exit that puts a firm exclamation point on just how well done the record is.
The songs here represent the band's old school punk roots and highly melodic formula, where Greg Huff (vocals), Rob Schwitzer (guitar), Troy Zak (bass, backing vocals) and Orville Lancaster (drums, backing vocals) make the most of the quick listen with energetic and memorable anthems.
If Black Skies is any indication, Bishops Green must put on an incredible live show, cause these charged riffs, sturdy melodies and no lack of sing-alongs sure are animated and exciting.