Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 09/27/2005
The story of how
the Blackout Pact aligned with
Thursday's
Geoff Rickly -- the producer of
Hello Sailor and co-owner of the band's record label,
Astro Magnetics -- is becoming near legendary. A prominent
punk vocalist walks into a New York City hot dog joint where Boulder transplant and drummer
Wisam Alshaibi is slinging hot dogs. A connection is made, a relationship is formed, and a short while later, an explosive and innovative CD is born. With ten songs of raw, melodic
rock of the
punk-meets-indie variety -- inclusive of the
Jawbox-like winner
"We Drink So You Don't Have To" and the inspired, near comical
"Ghouls Will Try and Get in Your Pants" -- frontman
Mike Herrera leads the group through anthem after anthem. Played without ulterior motives and only the slightest bit of pretension,
Hello Sailor is as invigorating as, say,
Thursday's
Full Collapse. Need a money shot?
"You Punch Me, I Punch You" is the standout of an amazing debut.
~John D. Luerssen, All Music Guide