Cheap Time

“Handy Man” b/w “Wildlife” 7-inch
Douche Master Records

Nashville trio Cheap Time is the latest export from the same scene that churned out noisy garage rock savants Be Your Own Pet. But whereas BYOP emerged with a cadre of catchy hooks backing up explosive youthful energy, Cheap Time goes back to the basics to draw out grit and stamina.

“Handy Man” is a fun-loving garage rock anthem that pounds straight-ahead through reverb and tinny production. On the flipside “Wildlife” offers more of the same, but stands out as the shining star of this single. The music is simple, fun and bound by unwavering punk rock tantrums that are infectious in their capacity to channel refined spastic energy. There isn’t much to write home about regarding songwriting here. Plodding rock naivety and enthusiasm are Cheap Time’s strongest assets and the group wields them with unadulterated passion.

--Chad Radford

Hex Dispensers

“Lose My Cool” 7-inch
Douche Master Records

Urgency is the driving force behind the angst-ridden guitar chug that carries “Lose My Cool” on the A-side of this single from Austin, TX power punk outfit, the Hex Dispensers. The song strongly evokes Jay Reatard’s approach to working out demons and self-loathing via psychotic rage channeled through powerfully distorted and punk-damaged new wave melodies.

“Taxidermy Porno” on the b-side blows out irresistible angularity and controlled power, but keeps the song reigned in with sharp hooks and honest-to-goodness great lyric writing which adds fuel to the fire. A flawless cover of the Wipers’ 1980 power punk jam, “Tragedy” shows off a musical upbringing that places the group on the right track to power punk greatness. The only problem is that three songs aren’t nearly enough to satisfy anyone’s appetite for what the Hex Dispensers have to offer.

--Chad Radford