The Traditionals
East Coast Oi! Fest
May 2008
By Jillian Abbene
(SugarBuzz Wash DC/Richmond)
SugarBuzz Magazine
Down in the gut of Stage 2, I scurried to squeeze in on the side of the stage. Rob, the lead vocalist is hyper and wastes no time. Introducing the first song of their new CD entitled, “Generation Of Today,” with the song, ‘Propaganda Games.’ Assertive, Rob is eye-to-eye and face-to-face in contact with the crowd. Heavy-chorded fast beats and a tuck-n-drum rolls into the first verse. With nothing between the band and crowd, Rob is belting out chiseled-sharp aggro-vocals with pockets full of cymbal crashes in top-notch-tight, lead riffs. Dave, between the chorus, is apexing on the ending with lyrics, “I’m tired of playing their stupid games!”
‘Lost Opportunities,’ syncopates with a slower cadence as Rob has the uncanny ability to deliver very clear, but guttural diction. It’s very catchy. The defined M8 is again dense in rock ‘n roll lead riffs, and quick cut-the-chord workings overlap a vocal roundabout chorus with, “Lost Opportunities,” with Rob and Dave together as a clever bonus for effect.
‘Spirit Of Oi,’ makes a splash with Bohdan (lead vocalist, The Antagonizers) as Rob shares the vocal responsibilities. Rob potholes shouty-sharp vocal scores in a fierce anthem, “Spirit of Oi,” in heavy-drum thunder-rumbles. A rock ‘n roll grooves the bridge switching the roles of the lead guitar and rhythm. The high-strung temperament undercurrents as it all crashes to the end.
‘Generation of Today,’ is a galloping monster, with drum-thuds, slugging bass, and bolstering guitar chords in hard-hitting, “Heys!” Rob consistently repeats shouts with, “Watch what you say, we’re not going away,” while Dave carries the solo melody trolloping between drums and rhythm.
Closing the set is a more refined version of Cocksparrer’s, ‘Runnin Riot,’ but still maintains with The Traditionals’ flair…but louder! Long-driving chords ends in Rob’s vocals in, “I just wanna riot!” as the crowd fights their way for the mike, pushing each other out of the way, to shine on the gang-vocal shouts -- all stopping in one final chop. With lots of claps, this was truly a solid set.
You can get The Traditionals new CD: “Generation Of Today,” at: www.interpunk.com
www.myspace.com/thetraditionals
www.myspace.com/eastcoastoifest