Reviews

Of all the things I love about the punk/emo/hardcore scene, the opportunity to get to talk to old-heads (respectfully said) and getting stories of bands that became legendary throughout the circles of people who participate in the scene itself is my favorite. Whether it was once hearing a story about crashing on a basement floor with a pre-fame At The Drive In, or having the fortunate opportunity to talk to Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory (formerly of Shai Hulud) briefly about his time in the hardcore scene and his firm stance in straight edge which he maintains to this day, I’ve been fortunate enough to hear a good bit of it. It’s truly always a privilege to hear about the history of the music and bands themselves and I felt a bit like this simply listening to and reading up on False Alarm while reviewing their newly released 2002 album Fuck 'Em All We've All Ready (Now) Won!
 
First off, the album cover was designed by guitarist Paul Kostabi and Dee Dee Ramone, which I’m sure is a story all on its own. And it’s almost hard to focus on the music itself knowing their ex bass player from the early eighties was the beloved front man of NOFX himself, a teenage Fat Mike. Being an off and on band for twenty years due to drugs, alcohol, and other musical projects, this band probably has its own laundry list of experiences. All this being said, for any potential fans, the new album features guest vocals from Cheetah Chrome of Dead Boys (who had a big part in the making of the album, performing guitars for six tracks), Rick Wilder of Berlin Brats, and De De Troit of UXA.
 
The album shows a solid stripped down punk rock style rare to most major punk rock labels today. The energetic and passionate style of the CD, dedicated to former member Dylan Maunder, shows honest reflections of garage punk and its rich history in Los Angeles. Their open and down to earth style is a refreshing one in modern punk rock, as they even include a cover of “Vietnamese Baby” by New York Dolls, showcasing some early glam influence.
 
Amongst the better points of the album, surprisingly, was in hearing a produced record in which they didn’t digitally edit out some of the amplifier static. The raw nature of the album is actually one of the better qualities of the Fuck ‘Em All We’ve All Ready (Now) Won! It didn’t sound overproduced or forced, it actually seemed as though this would be a band more fun to see live than to listen to recorded.
 
The downside to the album is some would say the style of music is outdated and that a new style has been ushered in to progress the music. Others may maintain that due to its nature, it may be a modern punk rock novelty album. In all honesty, I find it unfair to say any band has missed the evolution of their style of music; if everyone progressed to the full potential of punk/hardcore/metal musicianship, I feel like every band would sound like Dillinger Escape Plan.  Despite the skepticism that may come, I find this record an honest depiction of a style found growing up in 1980’s Los Angeles in the punk rock scene and I truly and honestly enjoyed it. Though at times it can be a bit repetitive and unflinching to change, I’m giving it four stars and would suggest any true punk rock fan check it out.