Spike Polite & Sewage, a street punk band, has released their new extended play called Punk Not Dead. The EP is led by New York City punk rock legends Spike Polite (a vocal duo consisting of Reagan Youth and Cheetah Chrome,) Michelle Shocked, Antony Romero, and Beast on drums.
Reflecting on the values of the Tompkins Square Park Riots of 1988, Spike Police & Sewage represent the freedom to ‘play what you want.’ Sewage is an underground expression of L.E.S. New York street punk, which rose to the scene after the riots opposing police brutality at Tompkins Square Park. According to them, the band Sewage is a “story of survival and continuity” that calls for “justice, to stop regression to hatred and ignorance,” and to “unite people to make necessary changes.”
Punk Not Dead holds the same manic, twisted energy that fans have come to love from previous releases Pandemonium and the acclaimed album The Italian Sessions. Their newest EP is what they call a “salvo of insurgent punk rage” and has an “in-your-face social satire” reflection on the happenings of the modern world.
Having formed in the spring of 1991 in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the band has experienced longevity despite what some may consider to be a rocky start. They state that they were squatters at 3BD in Tompkins Square Park, performed with David Peel, Onyx, and Cypress Hill, and opened for the final show of infamous rocker GG ALLIN on June 27th, 1993. Sewage has also played ABCnoRio with Bambi and the punk band Public Nuisance.
Later, Sewage was filmed in the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame’s documentary on PunkRock, and was eventually signed to Grim Reaper Records in 1998. Spike Polite, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, was also a model and an actor with Eastwood Talent, which placed him and his band in many commercials and movies, including Requiem for a Dream.
Spike Polite & Sewage’s Punk Not Dead EP is described as “unapologetic, grassroots and punk for the sake of punk,” and as usual, “pulls no punches.” This raucous upcoming piece, which features snarling guitars, concussive drumbeats, and cutting lyrics, centers around punk rock’s passion, message, and politics.
The EP showcases the band’s commitment to raw, unfiltered punk rock, a genre that has always been synonymous with rebellion and social commentary. Each track on Punk Not Dead is a visceral experience, echoing the band’s deep-rooted connection to the gritty streets of New York City. The lyrics are unapologetically bold, touching on themes of resistance, unity, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The music, characterized by its aggressive riffs and relentless pace, serves as a stark reminder that punk rock is not just a genre but a way of life.
Spike Polite & Sewage have always been known for their dynamic live performances, which are as much a spectacle as they are a communal experience. Fans of the band can expect to see this energy translated into their latest work. The EP has been well-received by both long-time followers and new listeners, who appreciate the band’s ability to stay true to their roots while continuing to evolve their sound. The raw production quality of Punk Not Dead adds to its authenticity, ensuring that the music resonates with the same intensity as it did during the band’s early days in the Lower East Side.
The release of Punk Not Dead is more than just a musical event; it’s a statement of defiance in the face of a world that often seems at odds with the values of punk rock. It’s a call to arms for those who still believe in the power of music to enact change. Spike Polite & Sewage’s latest offering is not just a tribute to the past but a bold declaration that punk is very much alive and kicking. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, the band remains a vital force in the punk rock scene, inspiring a new generation to pick up the mantle and keep the spirit of punk alive.
Punk Not Dead is exclusively available on vinyl from Solid Bass Records and select retailers. Fans can pick it up today, enjoy Side A’s rock rank rock, and flip it for punk-industrial-noise dance remixes by XnormL on the B side.
Published by: Martin De Juan
