A short while ago it was the 80's and I had just started junior high in the thriving metropolis of Rancho Cucamonga, California (in America) when my friends met one day with me to discuss that we were now all totally dedicated to a) skateboarding, and b) being punk rock/listening to punk music.
That part of Southern California is a region known as "Dogtown" to the skateboarding community because it's near to San Bernardino County, the murder capitol of our wonderful state. Not intended to be a compliment (skating down the streets of south Ontario could get you shot in the 80's and now) the fair denizens made it their flag.
Skateboarding and punk rock were synonymous to us and where we skated, whether it was Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, Upland, Claremont, Montclair, Fontana or San Dimas and beyond. The first albums I listened to as a teenager were Join the Army by Suicidal Tendencies, Give me Convenience or Give me Death by The Dead Kennedy's, Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me by The Cure, Bad Music for Bad People by The Cramps, Never Mind the Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols by Sex Pistols, and Atomizer by Big Black.
My first album I bought was Living in Darkness by Agent Orange. We got onto our skateboards and rode down the streets from Ontario to Upland where I dropped $5 on vinyl at a Music Plus downtown. They didn't have cassette tapes for the work. We then went home, put the album on a record player, popped in a blank cassette, repeated the process for the other side, and I now had a copy of a genuine Orange County, California surfpunk, or just punk, record plus cassette. That's progress.
Before I go further, check out their cover of "Pipeline." Wow! Moving on decades later Pyncher sent me an email with a link to their latest single, "Get Along." I wondered at this. Pyncher isn't punk, exactly. They are vastly more unique and evolved. I'd still count their music as postpunk from the Manchester, UK scene, which makes it a direct connection to the source. Wow, again!
Understand that, I like Pyncher. No just as a music band. They are very cool, good, honest, seriously music oriented people I'm emotionally invested in. So it's important to listen to "Get Along," as an outside observer, while to other coin's side is that a badass band emailed me a single! I didn't have to get on my Mike McGill mini with Indy 150's, German bearings and Santa Cruz 65A Slimeballs while I ollie'd curbs and did my best not to fall on my face in the streets of south Ontario, CA holding Agent Orange's record in a plastic bag. Open email, follow link, enjoy music. Not much risk.
It was a rush to listen to the song. The energy, driving backbeat, thrashing guitar grooves, bone throbbing drum beats and harsh, powerful vocals synthesized, creating a single dedicated to getting you along the highway, sidewalk, or just life. The song is ominous. It reminded me of bands like Sonic Youth, Echo and The Bunnymen or Jesus and Mary Chain. It's rock and roll. It's going places, or "Get Along" is going to get you. Probably both.
When I first listened to Pyncher long ago (there's a review for one of their singles on my site, if you look) what captured me was their ferocious, punk energy. That cannot be manufactured or processed. "Get Along" has that fire, like a locomotive comprised of guitars, drums, bass, vocals and sheer supersonic inspiration. I turned up the volume listening to the song, and wanted to drive faster. It has that Zen.
Listening to the single really is a jaunt. There's discovery and surprises. Pyncher had studied the greats, you can feel so many influences throughout their music, yet "Get Along" is it's own machine. Each song they compose has a story. The lyrics can haunt, echo, rock and wail, like the other musicians playing in the band. The best part is how their songs can become part of the soundtrack to your life, if you want, and take you right off this slow, unimaginative Earth.
One of the great advantages being me is that I get the honor of talking to musicians about music. Sam Blakely took time from touring and making music to share some words about why "Get Along," got made, and what it's like being part of the charisma Pyncher possesses.
What's the inspiration for "Get Along?"
I didn't think much about inspiration when writing it. I was listening to a lot of Sonic Youth at the time. I wrote the song on Harvey's acoustic guitar in one afternoon and I suppose I was trying to write a love song because I was tired of writing depressing lyrics, but it turned out a bit different.
Does the song have a message?
The song is about looking back and longing for something, even if it wasn't all good at the time. And that's quite a universal feeling, I think.
Pyncher has gone very far in just a few years. How do you feel about that?
It's quite special to me because I never felt like I would ever share my songs with anyone. I wrote a lot when I was younger but was quite embarrassed by what I was doing. It wasn't until I was 18 when I reached out to Harvey and Jack and showed them my music. I'm sure it wasn't great for at the time so I'm grateful to them for sticking with me and backing what I make.
There's so much more we want to do but we know how hard it is to get anywhere in music right now. So we're trying to work hard and enjoy what we do in equal measure. Which is tougher than it sounds.
How does "Get Along," compare to previous songs you've written?
It definitely has some sort of energy we haven't managed to capture in any of our other songs. I think the simplicity and rhythm of the song made it a fun challenge to write. It's nice to be restricted sometimes.
What do you think will happen next for Pyncher?
I wish I could know. Hopefully great things.
...
At 50, it's time to realize that the customers have to go home, machines must be deactivated, the lights will turn off, and one day your life will be CLOSED. Whatever. All the friends I grew up with are dead or so far away we never talk. My entire family died years ago. Socialization is as rare as a falling star.
Skateboarding is still an option, which is a good thing. I'll always have the music, though. Bands like Pyncher, The Cramps, Skinny Puppy, The Cure, Black Market Baby, Manufacture, N.W.A., etc. gave me a companionship real life couldn't, and can't, anymore. Good music makes you feel less alone, like you'll never slow down, and I am thankful. Great songs give you wings. Keep flying high and fast, Pyncher. We love the acceleration.
Enjoy Pyncher on Facebook. It feels good.
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Don't forget X, where Pyncher is there to provide you with love and music.
Pyncher has a website where swag and paraphernalia are there for you.
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