Review: Title Fight - Kingston

Label: Flightplan Records

Released: January 29, 2008

Some time in the 90s, pop punk generally began placing the pop over the punk in its approach to the point that it might be difficult to tell the difference between A New Found Glory and Avril Lavigne. That's sad, because punk has a long pop tradition that dates back at least to the Ramones' love affair with early 60s AM pop. The passion and anger and edginess of punk shouldn't have to be sacrificed for a hook. The Ramones, the Pistols, the Buzzcocks, and so many others created great music that was fully both pop and punk.

Title Fight understands this. Kingston, their three song 7" is catchy. The melodies are rough ones, but memorable. "Memorial Field" and "Loud and Clear" have some of the best guitar hooks this side of the Descendents and still beat with the heart of punk rock. Good as those tracks are, "Youreyeah" has their heart beating harder still as they delve into a bit of Stiff Little Fingers' raw, but catchy passion.

For those who've given up on pop punk, the time to come back is now and the reason to come back is Title Fight. Their brand of pop punk is every bit as catchy as the rest, but they bring back all the punch and abrasiveness of real, genuine punk rock as well.

Ratings
Satriani: 6/10
Zappa: 5/10
Dylan: 6/10
Aretha: 8/10
Overall: 7/10

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