There seems to be a theme these days around Lucky13: reviewing really talented bands from the west-coast of Canada that are made up of members from now-defunct groups.

John, the guitarist, comes from the Ottawa based group Fortycentfix, Steve, the singer, is best known from his skate-punk band Belvedere, as is the drummer Graham. The bass player Corey comes from Inventing the Wheel. So what happens when these guys get together and write some music?

Well, it blows some fucking minds, for starters.

I must admit, I hold the genre of skate-punk dear to my heart. After starting to listen to records like Propagandhi’s Less Talk More Rock and Nofx’s White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean in the early 90’s, I am always on the hunt for bands that still play the timeless sound we all know and love. This is a Standoff does just that – it’s a welcome change in the already crowded arena of modern music. It’s an instant trip down memory lane and those days of listening to mixed punk-rock tapes on the bus rides to school and feeling the sheer excitement of hearing new bands on compilations in the various artist sections of your local music store.

If you are familiar with any of the members’ previous bands, you already like This is a Standoff. They play smart, tight and conscious punk-rock that is few and far between, especially amongst the shitty black haired, eyeliner wearing fucktards you trip over at every show these days (what’s with those pants, seriously). This is t-shirt, jeans, skate shoes and a good fucking time.

This is a Standoff don’t stray very far from the path that led their past groups to success – there’s no groundbreaking parts on this disc – but that’s ok. The formula has been perfected and this band expertly executes their ability to play it well. With Steve on vocals, any uninspired passer-by would mistake this record as one by Belvedere, it’s a wonder why Steve just didn’t continue with that name and continue to ride that wave – but it seems that the new band and new name is to symbolize a new beginning, to start over, one that brings excitement and change, which is exactly what This is a Standoff bring to the table.

Bravo gentlemen, Bravo.

www.thisisastandoff.com