One of my very first releases was with a group of young, talented kids from Portland, Maine. They called themselves “The Leftovers”. They put out a 7”record that instantly gave them notice in the world of Pop Punk. Then they backed it up with a ripping full length (On The Move) recorded at the legendary (now defunct) Smart Studios in Madison, WI. The Band toured relentlessly, gained a great following in the world of underground pop punk and eventually signed with a much larger label culminating in a whirlwind of even more touring and recognition. Like many bands, eventually something changes – people change, circumstances change, expectations change. Much to my chagrin, my mighty Leftover pals eventually stopped touring, stopped playing music and from all accounts had a falling out. The reasons vary depending on who you talk to, but the end result is the same..they simply aren’t a band anymore. Thankfully, Kurt Baker (Bassist, Lead Vocalist) has taken his show on the road with a new cast of talented musicians (including Geoff Useless of Guts fame!!), playing rocking shows all across the states and Europe. Somehow I feel a part of it (albeit a small part of it) and it makes me rather proud.
So you might imagine my excitement when Andrew Rice (Leftovers Guitarist) stopped by for a few beers, some pizza and a bit of hockey (shit) talk while making his way up to Sheboygan, WI to visit yet another Rally Records luminary (Eric Manke, The Jetty Boys bassist extrodinare!!). Andrew mentioned that he and Adam Woronoff and Matt”Smash”Danger (the other Leftovers guys (and incredible musicians)) had put together a demo and maybe I’d like to hear it…. “Hell yes, I said!”
It’s great stuff. The Band is called “Borderlines”, they give us 6 ripping tracks of “pointed” Pop Punk. Hard hitting drums? Check. Killer lead lines? Check. Sweet riffs? Check. Bitting commentary on prior musical collaborations? You decide that one.
To be release late Spring, 12”45 rpm. w/ DL. Produced By Adam Woronoff, Mastered by Justin Perkins. Album artwork, by Jon Lewis (Dopamines)
Take a peek here..
