 
The Dead Pets - www.thedeadpets.co.uk
Too Little Too Late (released 2000)
The Revenge Of The Village Idiots (released 2003)
Ten Past Ten Records - www.10past12records.com
Both of theses discs are re-issues, but the tunes stand up today just as they did four and six years ago. If you don't know The Dead Pets are a posse of a band, somewhere in teh double digits...10, 11... I guess it depends on what time of day you manage to catch the band. The UK-based out fit plays punk and ska in the vein of Square, but with the aggressive nature of Rancid, and most other street punk bands. The "Too Little Too Late" disc features thirteen tracks of fast-paced, upbeat ska-punk tracks with not all of the tracks having horns or organs, but there is a constant hint of ska built into each and every track. The final track on this album is something unique, it's a traditional sounding dirge, that brings to mind the Dropkick Murphys. I know, The Dead Pets are English, and the Murphys play Irish influenced punk, but seriously, the traditional sounds from both coutries sound remarkably alike. As for "The Revenge Of The Village Idiot", there are nine tracks, again fast and highly aggressive, although this disc album seems to be themed on horror rock. Maybe it's the packaging, song titles, imagary, but it's clear this is a different inspiration for the band. The Dead Pets also have an affinity towards politics on the "Too Little Too Late" album, however I'm not sure that is a constant theme for the band, I haven't heard anything past these two albums. In any case, these re-issues of the band's debut and sophomore release only reiterates the staying power of the band and their sound, even if the members don't seem to stay. I have recent read that they have changed the line up yet again. If you're a fan of fast, loud, sing-along punk rock and roll with a skanky influence, then you are a fan of The Dead Pets and you should run out and track down these two albums. -MG |
