scanner - one foot in the grave, and more pissed than ever

Scanner 

One Foot In The Grave, And More Pissed Than Ever
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Scanner originally formed in Pennsylvania in 1979 and played punk rock. Back then they were influenced by some of the pioneers of the genre like Sex Pistols, Ramones and The Clash. Thirty plus years later the founding members (Joe Brady and Junnie Fortney) got back together along with new drummer Troy Alwine and you can still hear that influence. 

This is old school punk that is nasty, gritty, brimming with attitude and sounds nothing like the hyper realized pop punk of today. The album they reunited for and released is called One foot in the grave, and more pissed than ever. The album title made me snicker almost as much as the album cover did. It contains ten songs that are two to three minutes long and get you geeked to crack open a  Miller High Life, bash your head against a 2x4 and pass out.

Opening with “Sonic Reducer” the band is in good form and sound like they could be a bunch of lads hailing from England about half their age. The song benefits from the perfect amount of attitude of the lead vocals, the vocal harmonies and stellar guitar work (especially the lead).“Pornography” is a quick one at 1:36 seconds but you have to appreciate a song where the only lyric in the chorus is “pornography.” Their delivery is humorous and light, which makes it work.

Another good solid tune that has the right amount of unpretentious humor is “Weekends Suck.” The lead singer sings “Sittin’ at the bar, talkin’ ‘bout nothin’/Wearin’ trendy rags, nothin’ but a poseur.” Interestingly enough they end with an instrumental number called “Surfin’ Sepents” that contains such catchy lead guitar work that might remind you a bit of “Free Bird.”

So ten songs of short 70’s inspired punk that is done by guys who grew up in the era. What's not to like. Take a listen. 

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