Getting the email from Mike at Earshot Media about this single dropping on January 20th was one of those strange coincidental moments. I had actually been listening to Classy Punk for Trashy People (Crimson Riot’s 2019 album) a few days before it arrived. That all came about courtesy of yet another Apple Music “chase the next suggested band” session after I had started with the great Minneapolis group Banner Pilot (jump on Collapser when you get a chance). After a couple more turns I arrived at Classy Punk and was pretty impressed both with the unique quality of Gunn’s voice and also the straightforward direction and clarity of sound that only a talented three piece band can deliver. I picked that album up on Bandcamp and had looped through it a few times when I got the chance to hear this new release.
“Cross The Line” has one of those great soaring guitar beginnings that gets you pumped up right away. It steps down just a little bit for the verse bars although the rhythm groove from a very punchy bass and choppy drum line keep much energy flowing. The vocals are delivered with Gunn’s characteristic strength and edginess to round out a well-crafted alt-punk song.
One more quick recommendation about this band – check out “St James Gate” (off 2020’s It Took An Apocalypse) …yes, it is another song about Guinness and related stuff but this one is quite good…have not heard the entire album yet but I will be hoping to get to it soon.
Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list:
Musicians on this are: Chris Reject (bass, vocals), Roxy Gunn (guitar, vocals) and Ryan J (drums)
Stream this now in your usual places and check the video:
The full album (via Leg Lamp Records) is due to drop March 20th – Pre-order for Third Time’s A Charm now open here:
Please let me know your opinion also in the comment section below
Interested in more info on this Artist?
https://www.instagram.com/crimsonriotband/
https://crimsonriot.bandcamp.com/
Just a few ideas if you have the time: purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂
jack mesenbourg 