Here’s a look (and listen) to some records that have been cluttering up our desk and inboxes here at YuppiePunk World HQ. Though none of these titles inspired us to write 3000-word soliloquys, we figured we could at least muster 50 and an MP3.

BANNER PILOT – “COLLAPSER”
If Fat Wreck Chords had a well-defined sound throughout the ’90s, the label is rapidly defining its sound for the next generation. The addition of Minneapolis quartet Banner Pilot to the label continues that trend, with a sound inspired by Jawbreaker — or more accurately — Jawbreaker as interpreted via the Lawrence Arms, with gruff vocals and a sound that’s more punk than pop. The kind of punk rock that doesn’t seem to come from the coasts these days, but rather the places in between. Dillinger Four are an obvious influence as well, and all the aforementioned bands have become the torchbearers for the next generation of pop-punks. Most of the songs on “Collapser” are about being young, drinking and girls, but the lyrics are good and mostly abstract so the themes don’t wear out their welcome. It’d be nice to hear some harmonies on some of the choruses, but hey, it’s a minor quibble.
Banner Pilot – “Farewell to Iron Bastards”

FAREWELL – “RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE”
Farewell’s 2007 debut, “Isn’t This Supposed to Be Fun?”? was kind of… well, fun — a synthesized pop-punk throwback that was full of energy. But their sophomore outing is kind of limp. It’s overproduced and generic, like a bland mix of Blink-182 and Jack’s Mannequin, but without the elements that make both of those bands appealing. It’s melodic enough, and there are lot of harmonies, but every song goes exactly where you expect it to. 12-year old girls will probably dig it though, and they buy a lot of records, so there’s that at least.
Farewell – “A Collect Call to Arms”

NORTH LINCOLN – “MIDWESTERN BLOOD”
If you’re looking to fill the void in your record collection now that Hot Water Music and Leatherface have stopped making records, these guys might just scratch your itch. Not as essential as either of those bands — not yet anyway — the Grand Rapids, Michigan trio plays no frills mid-tempo punk with subtle textures beneath the dueling vocals of Brian Beckwith and Kevin Nunn, who care more about emotion than singing in key — not necessarily a bad thing given the record’s rough edges. “Blood” was released by Florida’s No Idea label, and fans of that label will no doubt already know what this sounds like and probably already have it.
North Lincoln – “Leveling”

THE LEFTOVERS – “EAGER TO PLEASE”
Part Queers and part Elvis Costello, this Portland, Maine trio just wants to play sunny three-chord guitar rock with happy melodies and sing-songy choruses. Singer/bassist Kurt Baker has a whiny affectation to his voice that takes a little getting used to, but it’s almost expected considering the genre. Reinventing the wheel these guys ain’t, but if three-chord power pop is your thing, this record ought to make you happy.
The Leftovers – “Telephone Operator”

STRIKE ANYWHERE – “IRON FIST” EP
This four-song EP from the Richmond, Virginia quartet is the precursor to the band’s upcoming “Iron Fist” LP, with two songs here appearing on that plus a pair of B-sides. It’s well-produced melodic hardcore with songs on the kind of topics you’d expect from these politicos: corporate bailouts, war politics and religion. The EP’s final tack, “Twilight’s Last Gleaming,” is also its best and most melodic, sounding like later-era Pulley.
Strike Anywhere – “Twilight’s Last Gleaming”

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