From the moment I heard the amp buzz on the opening track of Second Coming, I knew The Sinbusters were going to be full of raucous, rowdy energy. While the album is short (no track is over 2:30 in length), the band manages to leave a lasting impression on the listener with their classic, hard-nosed punk rock style. The Lowell-based quintet is heavily versed classic punk rock, while borrowing occasionally from other genres. One example of this mixing of styles would the fourth track on Second Coming, “Gimme the Word.” The track, a surf rock-ish groove mixed with a bit of a The Kinks, had me dancing in my seat and longing for the days when I would frequent basement punk rock shows.
I especially loved the distorted organ the band incorporates in many of the tracks on this album. I think it adds depth to the tracks and really thickens the sound of the album. The second song on the album, which also happens to be the title track, is my favorite on this record. “Second Coming” showcases the organ well and really highlights the lead vocals in a Stooges/Iggy Pop-like style. I could practically feel myself being pushed around in the mosh pit as I listened to this song.
Overall, I thought Second Coming was an excellent album. The band has managed to produce a punk rock album that stays true to its roots–while adding their own original touch–keeping the songs from sounding too mundane. Be sure to check out Second Coming (as well as some of the band’s older material) on their bandcamp page and keep an ear out for their next live appearance in the New England area.–Daniel McMahon