I just missed 80's punk by being born in the 70's. Those were dark days, from the archaeological finds I have in my collection. It seems like all you had to do to form a band was learn four chords and get some friends to sing along to your questionable combination of words into phrases. You want to say "Forward into the past"? Go ahead, no one will stop you. And that's sort of the great thing about 80's punk, as well. Everything was so plastic and horrible in the mainstream, that authenticity came from your earnestness and not knowing how to play well didn't get in the way of that. In fact, it enhanced your honesty. I'm glad that part of 80's punk stuck around as our standards of musical ability rose.

Not only is the musical ability pretty terrible, it sounds like this record was recorded on a cheap tape deck stuck in the middle of the room. There's a weird flanging going on and some frequencies just drop out altogether at random times. It sort of fits though. I bet some band would pay big money to get this sound on their record these days, just to seem more indie. I'm sure back in 1987, Amenity never had a big recording budget. In fact, I'd say they actively did not care what the recording sounded like.

That abandonment of all musical standards continues in their song structures. A chorus is just the same as the verse, but slowed down and with repeating lyrics. When in doubt, play faster. Do so with heart, though. Sing a song about the homeless. Most of all, be sure to end with a positive note like "And I don't think we'd want it any other way through the good and bad times that happen every day."

80's punk seems to be all about never letting anyone hold you back from what you love. I can respect that. But the music is pretty bad.

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