The Pests
A Damn Fine Mixture
Grit Records
12" LP on 180 gram vinyl, gatefold jacket

This is without a doubt one of the most fun punk records to come along in a long time. The effort starts with "Vince," a classic New York-style punk rocker filled with buzz saw guitar and throaty vocals, both from Pests main man Steve Halprin. You're not going to pigeonhole this innovative band though; it's not often that you hear a Beatles influence in punk rock, like you do in "The Pain" where a jaunty pop bounce butts heads with the appropriate roughness needed for a song with lyrics that advise "One of these days you're going to feel the pain�" The Ramones are hinted at in the speedy "Kill Her Some More" and there's a little Beastie Boys in "Meaningless" but this record is thoroughly Pest-y with cuts like "Rage Against the Vending Machine" showing off Halprin's vocal versatility along with a dab of humor. Hard enough for hardcore fans but those who like groups like Eddie and the Hot Rods will also dig this record, as will listeners who like to sing along, with or without their fists in the air. A fast ride and a really good one. Download code included.