Label: Fat Wreck Chords

After seven long years, San Francisco’s $wingin’ Utter$ have finally found the time to release some new material.  In anticipation for a new full length later this year, they have just released a new 7” vinyl to build some hype in the meantime.  Brand New Lungs sees the $wingin’ Utter$ continue to crank out Pogues inspired street punk in a way that few other band can.  Displaying the same earnest lyrics and working class ethics which have driven them since the band’s inception, the three new tracks on offer here are all top notch and surely herald good things to come in the not too distant future.

While $wingin’ Utter$ have displayed more and more folk influences in their music the longer they have been together, Brand New Lungs for the most part sticks to the straight ahead punk which made them famous.  Frontman Johnny Bonnel sounds inspired throughout, laying down some of the strongest and most competent vocals of his career.  “Brand New Lungs” in particular showcases his gravely and time worn yet sincere singing voice that remains the band’s single greatest asset.  Some might be disappointed that bass player Spike Slawson doesn’t get a go on lead vocals this time out, but this is only a minor complaint in the greater scheme of things.

Musically, the group is just as tight as ever.  While many long running bands find themselves limited by the somewhat rigid street punk format, it’s territory that $wingin’ Utter$ absolutely thrive in.  Indeed, despite the seemingly typical structures and power chord riffs, every song here sounds fresh and energetic.  The handclaps on “Forward To Fun” and the backing harmonies at the climax of the title track also really pay off, with these small extra flourishes really helping to accentuate the effort that has been put in to make every song as good as they can be.

Overall, “Brand New Lungs” manages to live up to the high standards which have kept $wingin’ Utter$ going for so long.  They may have pretty much taken the last decade off while its members spent time in other projects (such as Me First and The Gimme Gimmes, The Re-Volts and Filthy Thievin’ Bastards to name a few), but hopefully this is a trend which will soon be reversed.  I would definitely recommend that fans of $wingin’ Utter$ and street punk in general keep their eyes open for this 7”, as well as the group’s new album whenever it finally materialises.

By Matthew Woodward