Lipona (Tallahassee, FL)
Pigeonholed (self-released)
Release Date: October 13, 2009
1. Beginning The Dynamite Era
2. Tragedy Of The Commons
3. Hawks (mp3)
4. Shooty Hoops
5. Reberverations
Who said punk was dead? Apparently, someone who was never that invested in the underground DIY scene in the first place, as hardworking, independent bands such as Lipona are ensuring the movement isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. That is, if you believe the movement continues to embrace dissent, nonconformity and independent thought. Pigeonholed, the Tallahassee quartet’s second EP and follow-up to the critically acclaimed Atlas, does exactly that, epitomizing the ideals and ethics that made punk rock culture so subversive (and exciting) in the first place.
Pigeonholed unfolds with a haunting, ambient guitar riff before erupting into nearly 20 minutes of fiery and raw, yet incredibly tight, thrash and hardcore inspired punk rock. The pace is often breakneck and unrelenting, and the four piece tears through songs with an unrivaled technical precision. Still, Lipona are masters of reigning in their hot-blooded compositions with infectious melodies and undeniable shout-along choruses. Many of these tracks actually remind me of the fist-pumping anthems I heard in those late 90’s skateboarding videos…and I say that with the fondest remembrance for those times.
What impresses me most about Lipona is the band’s desire to write songs that forgo recycled, overwrought breakdowns shoehorned between choruses that piss and moan about girlfriends and other such high school dalliances. It’s clear that front man Yamil Velez wrestles with what he sees as a decline in morality and a general shirking of responsibility by individuals that are consumed by vanity, apathy and greed. In particular, the lyrics in “Shooty Hoops” stood out to me. This being in context to “making it” or signing to a label. I’m glad there are people writing music that is inward-looking yet challenges the status quo. The members of Lipona do not concern themselves with skinny jeans and trendy haircuts. It’s difficult not to respect this strong DIY ethic combined with a well-crafted blend of Rise Against, A Wilhelm Scream and The Swellers.
Pigeonholed is perfect for anyone (not just punk or hardcore aficionados) who clamors for music that’s incendiary, gritty, honest and in your face…and pretty damn catchy as well. News of punk’s demise within the independent and DIY scenes has been greatly exaggerated, in part thanks to bands like Lipona who continue to fight the good fight while cranking out some of the most explosive, exciting punk rock these ears have heard in quite a while.
- Drew Magid
Pigeonholed was engineered, produced and mastered by front man Yamil Velez. Originally offered up by Lipona as a free digital download earlier this year (www.pigeonholedep.tk), the band will self-release the EP on October 13, 2009. Pigeonholed is the follow-up to the band’s self-released and highly acclaimed 2008 full-length, Atlas, as well as their debut EP, Urbi Et Orbi. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/lipona or www.beartrappr.com/lipona
Press Contact: Chuck Daley / Beartrap PR / chuck@beartrappr.com / (704) 649-7128
