We asked Ryan Young, vocalist/guitarist of Minneapolis punk band Off With Their Heads, to review eight unmarked songs for our Blindfold Test. And he did pretty well for a guy who hates trashing other peoples’ bands.
SONG #1
Young: This sounds like a band I would be friends with from Minneapolis. The kind of band that plays a couple times a month at the dive bar. I own one of their shirts, but I don’t really like it because it has a pocket with the band logo screened on it. It is not only uncomfortable because of the look, but also because the pocket rests right on top of my right titty. It’s a constant reminder of all the bad decisions I make. It makes me want to go to the gym, but I have another beer instead. All of that being said, I still go to their shows when I can because their angry songs don’t reflect their offstage personas, and the bass player sells decent acid.
The reveal: Corrosion of Conformity - “Denmark Vesey” from IX (Candlelight Records)
Young: I had no idea that those guys sounded like that. I always thought they were a straight up metal band. Trashy. Into it.
SONG #2
Young: This sounds like Chixdiggit or something like that. It’s got super happy, clean vocals that anyone can sing along with. Kind of like what I imagine Canada to be, metaphorically. I would say it’s either that or Masked Intruder. They did say “slammer,” and if I know anything, Masked Intruder are from jail. Right?
The reveal: Masked Intruder - “Saturday Night Alone” from M.I. (Fat Wreck Chords)
Young: Dead giveaway with the slammer thing. I’ve seen these guys with their masks off. They look like a gaggle of Ben Afflecks.
SONG #3
Young: This has to be Banner Pilot, right? I don’t listen to my friends’ bands much. I listen to Linkin Park and The National. Banner Pilot says “Time” like “Teeeeoiiiiime,” so that’s a dead giveaway. It’s either that or The Menzingers. Both guilty of “Teeeeoiiiime.”
The reveal: Banner Pilot - “Modern Shakes” from Souvenir (Fat Wreck Chords)
Young: I’m pretty good at this. Maybe you can fool me next “teeeeeoiiiime!”
SONG #4
Young: Wiener voice. How the fuck can people be into this? It’s dumb. Unless this is My Chemical Romance. They rule. Too much going on. Oh, wait, a breakdown. I’m scared. Warped Tour garbage at its finest. This coming from someone who doesn’t like being negative about other people’s creations. This sucks.
The reveal: Artifex Pereo - “Hands of Penance” from Time in Place (Tooth & Nail Records)
Young: Tooth and Nail, huh? Jesus would fucking hate this shit. Oh, the irony of Christian rock…
SONG #5
Young: Good voice. This is classic montage music. Seriously. It’s making me reflect on what I did today. I woke up, went to the post office and came back home. Those were the good times (today). Honestly, I wish I could sing. That’s really what this song does to me. Makes me feel like a piece of shit. Thanks, Song #5.
The reveal: Chris Creswell - “Little Bones” from One Week (One Week Records)
Young: The thing that I left out was that I could tell how beautiful this dude’s hair sounded. I was spot on. Lil’ Chris is a talented dude. I’ve been meaning to check this out. Thanks for reminding me.
SONG #6
Young: Oh, hell yeah. Here we go. This sounds like it was recorded inside of a nail gun. The band is the gun, and the singer spits nails. If this had different production, it wouldn’t be as badass. I dig it, though. Metal.
The reveal: Enabler - “Neglect” from La Fin Absolue Du Monde (The Compound/Creator-Destructor Records)
Young: This is one of those bands I’ve heard of, but never actually heard. Super curious to hear more. Good stuff.
SONG #7
Young: This is some fucking Burt Bacharach shit right here. Wait, The Weakerthans? It’s like the soundtrack to Austin Powers not getting laid and taking a walk around a lake. Or just me on a regular day. I’m not opposed to this. Trumpets are kind of corny, but so am I.
The reveal: American Football - “For Sure” from American Football Deluxe Edition (Polyvinyl Records)
Young: Another band I’ve heard of. Sounds like they are super into what they do. I’m going to check this out as well. No real excuse to not be caught up when there are things like Spotify.
SONG #8
Young: Jesus. I was waiting for some kind of bait like this. Wait, is this Banner Pilot? Kidding. This is fucking stupid. This is specifically created for idiot teenage girls. This is a perfect example of something ol’ Ryan just can’t get behind. It’s like the audio equivalent of an infuriating YouTube comment. You know who would have the best thing to say about this? Nick Cave. I bet he would not like this. Good to know this kind of shit makes money. Thanks. Now I’m mad.
The reveal: Koo Koo Kanga Roo - “Coolest Person” from Whoopty Whoop (Asian Man Records)
Young: Haha! That’s awesome. I was so far off. I was picturing the fucking 3OH!3 kind of shit. You know, with the head of hair that is just bangs? Or the “dayglow headhunter” look? Maybe some cat-eye contacts and a bone through their nose? These dudes are not that. You know music is in a weird place when you can’t tell if something is just genuinely playful and fun, or some kind of boy-band bullshit. KKKR, from what I understand, are good dudes just having fun. I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I feel like the dude that punched Jenny in Forrest Gump…
Off With Their Heads‘ Home is available on Epitaph Records.
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