If the Scandi-Rock-meets-punk thing is over somebody forgot to tell P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S. And just as well. This one presses a boot to the windpipe and doesn’t let the victim up until he’s out of air and long done squirming.
There’s something timeless/placeless about this stuff but the fact the single was recorded in Sweden had me convinced P.R.O.B.LE.M.S. were another hair, denim and leather outfit off that country’s esteemed production line. I was impressed to find out they’re from somewhere that’s arguably even more isolated (Portland, Oregon) and that their ranks contain Pierced Arrows and Poison Idea members. As do most bands from Portland, Oregon.
“Hit And Run” bursts out of the gates with nostrils flaring, an acrid guitar tone ringing and ragged vocals. Crude and effective, the twin guitars take it out.
Vocalist Bradly sounds like a demented hillbilly who’s slipped a cog and is barking at passing trucks on the raucous B side, “45 Minutes”. which gets along on an amphetamine beat and those same articulated guitars. There’s a touch of Antiseen about this one if that gives you a hint of what to expect.
P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S. seem to spend a fair bit of their time touring Europe and that seems perfectly logical in the scheme of things.
