Many folks think of punk rock as a medium for snotty teenagers to complain about their lot in life, but let's face it, grownups really have bigger fish to fry and real problems to gripe about. The three members of the Seattle band
Wimps are clearly not kids -- one of them even has a grey beard! -- but they sure know how to bash out no-frills four-four punk rock, and their second album, 2018's Garbage People, is full of cool tunes that are funny but also speak to the many annoyances of modern living. Feeling bored after conquering your vices? They have a song about it ("Quitter"). Afraid of what will happen if the bees become extinct? They sing about that, too ("Bees"). Feel like you're not getting a fair shake because you're a woman?
Wimps are with you all the way ("Giant Brain"). Are your troubles keeping you from getting a decent night's sleep? They feel you ("Insomnia"). Can't get up off the couch? Ditto ("Procrastination"). And do you love cheese pizza but hate paying for it? Yes, even this vital issue is covered ("OPP"). Guitarist/singer Rachel Ratner, bassist/singer Matt Nyce, and drummer Dave Ramm kick up a big cloud of fast, loud, and fun fury as they vent, with a goodly portion of garage-influenced hooks crammed into the spare but effective melodies, and they have an admirable commitment to concision -- at 3:15, "Procrastination" is the longest song here by a decisive margin. Garbage People is as frantic and opinionated as punk rock is supposed to be, and if what
Wimps have to say reflects the mindset of an adult with a job and responsibilities (who else would write a tune about wanting to stay home on Saturday night?), their passion and snark suggest they're still in touch with their inner 17-year-old. Could Garbage People be the album that finally closes the generation gap? Well, no, not really, but if you like punk rock, regardless of your age, you'll probably find something to dig here. ~ Mark Deming