I Hate Smoke (2018)
This five song CD was recently released on I Hate Smoke records, a label I've become more familiar with over the past year or so and one that I'm starting to trust just seeing their logo on a release. The Sensations are another band that's new to me, but I'm pretty impressed by this first encounter.
Dig Your Own Grave is very much a fun, Japanese pop punk record. It's got a slicker style of production and at times the gang vocal harmonies (and the slight amount of ska that creeps into the songs "Time Flies" and "Keep Your Rough") remind me a little bit of the Beat Crusaders (and you know how much I love the Beat Crusaders since PopKid put out one of their records). Another thing about this EP that really stands out is the dynamic drumming, running the gamut from fast paced to lower rumbles with super smooth fills and transitions every time.
While I wouldn't necessarily rank The Sensations as one of the greatest things I've heard in my entire life, all five of these songs are fun, catchy and the EP just breezes on by. It also goes out on a high note as it closes with it's strongest song, "Feel Like Yesterday." It has much in common with the various Snuff "Nick" songs from over the years. Mid tempo, a bit soulful and catchy as can be. It's a keeper.
The Sensations - Dig Your Own Grave:
https://ihatesmokerecords.bandcamp.com/album/dig-your-own-grave
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