Popping this cassette into the tape deck of my 1989 Dodge B350 tour van, I was convinced that something was broken. The stereo salvaged from the junk yard? One of the speakers? Maybe the tape itself? I can’t begin to count how many records I’ve heard that begin with the classic “uh-oh, your stereo might be busted!” gag, but this is the first time I actually fell for it. Completely and totally. I ejected the tape, flipped open the stereo’s protective flap, toggled the speaker pan lever back and forth quickly. It was only after replacing the tape and hearing the exact same cacophony that I realized I had been duped. If that experience doesn’t perfectly encapsulate KILL THE HIPPIES as a band, I don’t know what does. This is a band that can do things we’ve all heard a thousand times before and still make them feel exciting, interesting, and leave you wanting even more. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, KILL THE HIPPIES have been at it since the early ’90s, steadily cranking out their particular blend of snotty, catchy, humorous Killed By Death inspired punk. On first listen, it’s clear that they’ve still got plenty of gas left in the tank. An absolutely timeless recording, Special Master had me excitedly listening from song to song to hear which direction this modern classic band would take next. Quirky bonkers nonsensical riffs, herky-jerky starts and stops, a song with almost comically delivered falsetto vocals, a cover of “New England” by Jonathan Richman. You might listen to this and think that KILL THE HIPPIES are a novelty act or some kind of joke, but I tell you with utmost sincerity that this is punk perfection. Dropping recordings this solid after thirty years as a band, and having seen how powerful they are live, I would wager that KILL THE HIPPIES might just be the most genuine punk rock band still in existence.

Label: Color And Time Tonight

Band: KILL THE HIPPIES