Confines of Life, the third studio album from California punk band Neighborhood Brats, grabs your attention immediately and doesn’t let up until the closing seconds of the final track. Recorded right before California went into lockdown in the early days of the pandemic, fans are now finally able to hear it in all its glory. The songs that make up the album are ones that need to be heard in this day and age. The band doesn’t shy away from controversial topics that need to be tackled head on.
Neighborhood Brats confront fascism, misogyny, depression, and environmental issues throughout.
Some music is entertaining, while some focuses on getting the listener to think and consider their own perceptions and viewpoint about life. It’s a special treat when a band can find the correct formula to entertain and educate at the same time. With Confines of Life, Neighborhood Brats does just that. Fueled by the urgency of ’70s punk, ’80s hardcore, surf rock, and a dash of garage rock, Neighborhood Brats take the best elements of those influences and make it their own.
The songs are rapid-fire, poignant, and important. Lead singer Jenny Angelillo’s voice is accompanied perfectly by the raw power of the rest of the band. Together, it’s a sonic assault that fans of bands like The Cramps, The Stooges, Dead Kennedys, Bikini Kill, and The Ramones will fall in love with.
The songs will make you want to get up and move, and then do something about the injustices discussed in them
Superficially, you could easily just listen to each song on Confines of Life, and be completely satisfied that you just experienced a catchy punk rock album. That is doing the songs a complete disservice though. These songs were made to get you to move, but to also get you pissed off at the systemic injustices they point out.
In “Harvey Weinstein (is a symptom),” “FBFF,” and “Miss America Pageant” the band dives headfirst into the misogyny that exists in our male-dominated society. “Harvey” in particular tackles predatory and abusive behavior by men to women. It’s one of the fastest, and most aggressive, songs on the album. It puts me of the mind of Baltimore’s War on Women actually. It’s a rager and should piss you off. If it doesn’t, it might be time for a little self-reflection to be quite honest.
In today’s music scene, bands are more focused on singles than complete albums, so it’s common to have a few songs that just feel like filler. Not with Confines of Life. All 12 songs bring it. There’s even an instrumental palate cleanser towards the middle of the album called “All Nazis Must Die.” It’s a laid back surf rock track that helps you catch your breath before the band grabs you by the throat again for the back half of the album. If you’re a fan of this band, Confines of Life is Neighborhood Brats at their best. If you’re new to them, it’s a perfect jumping on point.