Album Review // Ralphie's Gone Blind // RGB EP

Self-released

Abuzzing and vicious throwback to classic 1990s skate punk and street punk, Ralphie's Gone Blind are making exactly the kind of music they want to hear. If you grew up amidst old issues of Thrasher, Punk-O-Rama and Fat Wreck Chords compilations, then you will feel absolutely at home with this local band. I know I sure do. After seeing the band live multiple times, I pretty much knew what to expect, and I was there for it. Sing-along choruses and nostalgic, fist-pumping anthems all the way through? Hell yeah. These five tracks authentically encapsulate the feeling of the band, in all their heartfelt glory. The dual attack of guitarists Chris Lucero and Jonathan Buscemi grind gracefully on every track, with overdriven tones ideal for the assignment. The rhythm section of drummer Skylar Otto-Smith and bassist Frank Fisher provide those picture-perfect frequency levels that really fill things out. Hearing the cymbal work coincide with that punchy picked-bass tone is what that sound is all about, while singer Joe Rose's grit and charisma is captured beautifully. Perhaps a highlight of the EP is "Summer of 98," a track which gives you everything you need to know about the band from North East. This is a labor of love, clear as day.