I suppose if you are used to listening to punk rock you'll know that “parental discretion is advised.” Just in case, though, I felt it appropriate to mention. I didn't count how many “f bombs” were dropped on this EP, but it has to be a big number. As I said, it's to be expected with punk, but worth bringing up before you buy this and play it in front of your kids.

This disc is a short, but killer slice of punk rock that combines more old school pure punk and hardcore leanings, but also manages to make this reviewer think of early Rush at times. It's a great disc for fans of that genre. I personally can't stand emo, and these guys don't go in that direction. Instead they keep it, lean, mean and raw – the way punk should be played. They manage to pull enough different tempos and sounds into the mix to keep this from feeling monolithic, though. That's not always something punk rockers are very good at. Is The Ray Gradys the best punk band I've ever heard? Nope, I'd have to chalk that up to The Dead Boys or The Ramones, but these guys are darn good and a breath of fresh air in this world of emo pop punk garbage. For more information check out the band's website at http://www.myspace.com/theraygradys.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2007 Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.