After undergoing some changes, 2017 marks the rebirth of Energy. The Boston punk band found success among their peers in the mid 00s, but sadly, slipped under the radar in the years that followed. With their support slot on Creeper’s upcoming UK tour, ‘Apparition Sound’ is now getting a proper UK release. Finally, more people will be able to enjoy Energy.
Recorded over several sessions between 2012 and 2015, ‘Apparition Sound’ was the first Energy release to be written solely by founding member, Jason Tankerly. With that in mind, ‘Apparition Sound’ feels just as urgent as their previous album, ‘Punch The Clock’, and yet Tankerly has been given the freedom to explore his own creativity on a different level.
Musically, ‘Apparition Sound’ does little to break the mould of punk rock, and races by in a concise manner. It draws heavily from the dramatic, minor power chord sound that was popularised by the Bay Area bands of the late 90s. ‘New Worlds of Fear’ follows a familiar structure, and ‘Another Yesterday’ is a simple, effective slice of melodic punk; the mould is fine as it is, why change it too much?
The influence of bands that have either long since departed, or indeed, changed their sound, plays a huge part in making ‘Apparition Sound’ so likeable. If you miss early AFI, wish The Nerve Agents would get back together, or have an affinity for 90s era Misfits, then it will hook you in. It’s more than just a nostalgia trip, though.
What sets Energy apart from your average punk band is the heart and conviction that resonates from ‘Apparition Sound’, particularly in the vocal delivery of Tankerly. He has an impressive range, bringing huge choruses to ‘The Infection’ and ‘The Shadowlands’. With the extra punch in his voice, it saves a cover of Ramones classic, ‘Pet Semetary’, from being a carbon copy of the original.
Even if it is, at times, derivative of a classic sound, ‘Apparition Sound’ is a solid collection of well-written tracks. Jason Tankerly put a lot on the line when opted to take on the full creative reigns, but it has paid off. With any luck, ‘Apparition Sound’ will kick start the second coming of Energy that they rightfully deserve.
GLEN BUSHELL