Diner Drugs have been steadily making a name for themselves. They’ve developed a reputation for the live performances, keeping themselves steadily on the road and recently opening up for well known acts like Cancer Bats. This four-piece stoner rock crew has finally released their much anticipated new album, As Is, and on Friday the 13th no less. Maybe this album will be the band’s good luck charm?
“We actually made a joke at first that if the band broke up the record would be called ‘As Is’ as in, this is it, here it is, as is. We just kept calling it that and it stuck,” laughs Jackson Landry the band’s guitarist.
Compared to their previous self-titled EP, Diner Drugs have taken a bit of a shift with As Is. This record seems louder, yet they still kept those catchy choruses we all know and love.
“Rotten Eggs” catches your ear immediately with its muddy bass tone and punchy snare, and kicks out the dynamic range with the guitar. This track, being the first released, was followed up with a hilarious music video revolving around the idea that things sometimes look awesome but may not turn out to be what you expected.
“As Is” is a lot faster than anything else we’ve ever put out, we really wanted to keep this one fast and loud,” says Landry. “‘Rotten Eggs’ seems to cover everything we’re capable of, it was the first single we put out for the record because we all really enjoy playing it.”
The second single, “Gump Truck,” leads with a great opening riff, the harmonies are well written and the reverb on the vocals adds a nice dynamic. Now this is a song we expect to see you moshing to!
“Under Fire” takes no time getting the hard partying energy established. With the 80’s metal guitar style, and the catchy chorus intertwined with well done vocal changeups. The intensity of this track pulls no punches.
“Jack Of All Trades” uses clever drum timing between guitar riffs which assaults the senses in different ways and rattles your eardrums like an off-balanced washing machine. The skate punk style writing of this track will have you wondering if NOFX and Suicidal Tendencies had a baby.
A standout track comes down to “Cell Maid.” The track is heavy with instruments but also heavy in meaning.
“’Cell Maid’ is about a certain point in your life or during certain relationships, weather it’s romantic, work, or friendships you feel like you may be the one putting your all, giving your time and energy into it and feeling like your getting nothing back, but as time passes the dynamic can switch and you end up being the one not putting enough time and energy into your goals of relationships,” explains Landry.
Not a single song lets up which stands as a testament to the hard work of the band members. You can catch Diner Drugs bringing their charismatic chaos to the maritime punk scene on their album release tour.
Tour Dates:
09.13.19 – Halifax, NS @ Gus’s Pub
09.14.19 – Moncton, NB @ The Caveau
09.15.19 – Charlottetown, PEI @ Sportsmans
09.17.19 – Saint John, NB @ Peppers Pub
09.18.19 – Fredericton, NB @ The Capital Complex
09.19.19 – Quebec City, QC @ Bar La Source
09.20.19 – Montreal, QC @ Turbo Haus