Bensin brings back classic power punk
Pop-punk, power-punk, punk-rock. What’s the deal with the ubiquitous punk scene these days and why do they all sound the same? With so many
overrated, untalented and overpaid bands out there, it can be frustrating to distinguish MTV propaganda from the real deal. Taking you down the underground scene of power-punk, fresh off the press is Bensin’s new album “Control! We’re headed for the ground.”
Hailing from Buffalo, N.Y., Bensin is comprised of five talented musicians who have hit the road for their fifth U.S tour. This time the boys are out to promote the follow-up to their 2004 release, “Leave your mark.”
Bensin gives a fresh approach to the power-pop scene that seems to be filled with the same power chords and sappy lyrics we have all heard before. After deciding to leave Search & Rescue Records, Bensin self-produced their newest album, giving them the freedom to go in a new direction, which they are proud to say, is much less poppy.
Their dance rock feel and punk rock groove driven by their energetic keyboardist and drummer has given Bensin a solid ground to build their crisp guitar licks and catchy hooks.
Bensin came to town recently to promote their new album and give the Logan scene something to talk about. This is not the first time they have paid Logan a visit and they didn’t let the fame of their new album stop them from coming back. Loyal fans packed into Club NVO Monday
singing along
to the familiar lyrics and busting out their hottest ’80s dance moves. The crowd was warmed up by local bands including Flocked Cows and Woodly Bog. By the time Bensin opened with “Jennifer” the club was alive with crowd surfing, dancing and singing.
Later that night, the band joked about the feud they have started by sending obscene packages to their rival band, Fall Out Boy. Bringing up the most notable memory made thus far in the tour, when Nick’s (lead vocals) credit card number was stolen, leaving the band short $3,000 for the rest of the tour. They hope that the success of the new album will help out with the missing money as well as leave their mark on cities around the nation.
So where does one go to find their newest album? To their next show on Friday, March 10, 7 p.m. at NVO where Bensin will play again with Forgive Durden from Seattle, Trademark from Salt Lake City and some local bands. You can check out Bensin on MySpace at www.myspace.com/bensin. Their single “Scandalous” can also be heard on www.purvolume.com. But if you can’t wait or you want to escape the MTV music scene for a while, you can buy their new album at www.smartpunk.com.
Christy Benson is a critic for the Utah Statesman. Comments and questions can be sent to her at chjensen@cc.usu.edu.