A couple of years ago, a pretty much unheard of band, who went by the name of 1208, released their debut album through Epitaph. It was a solid and enjoyable effort that hinted there was a lot of promise in the bands mix of skate punk and melodicore. Fast forward to the present day and 1208 are back, looking to fulfil that potential. Believe me when I say ‘Turn of The Screw’ is one of the best things to come out of the Epitaph stable for sometime.
In the two years since the release of their debut album, 1208 have taken a huge step forward in their musical development. This has been helped in part by a slight change to the band’s way of doing things. Lead singer Alex has dropped his guitar to concentrate on his vocals, a decision that has lead to a much stronger vocal performance. Another factor is just how tight the rhythm section has become, driving and holding together every track on the album.
1208 aren’t a band that break any new boundaries, but they are without a doubt the best band to emerge from the South Bay area since Pennywise. They mix mayhem and melody to great effect, and serve up a collection of great songs. Opening track ‘My Loss’ showcases the bands abilities well. It begins with a soft, brooding intro, before exploding into a wall of noise. ‘Fall Apart’ is even better, with punchy guitar riffs, and a hugely infectious chorus. ‘Tell Me Again’ hints at a new found subtlety that wasn’t evident on 1208‘s first album. The band know when to go full throttle and when to slow things down a little.
This other side to the band is best showcased on the inventive acoustic number, ‘The Saint’, a song you wouldn’t have guessed the band were capable of, but proves to be a great addition to their sonic arsenal. However, the core of this band is in the anthemic punk rock department, and it is this that makes the album such an enjoyable listen. Tracks like the catchy ‘Next Big Thing’ and the downright superb double bill of ‘Everyday’ and ‘All I Can Do’ can’t fail to grab your attention.
‘Turn Of The Screw’ is a great album and proof that Epitaph can still produce the goods. It may not be original but it certainly is genre leading. There can be little question that 1208 are one of the brightest stars shining in the punk rock sky right now. The ‘Next Big Thing’? They deserve to be…
Mark