The Offramps' full-length debut
Hate It When You're Right rips into fifth gear right out of the gates. Performing raw and muscular guitar-based tunes in the mold of
the Replacements and
Hüsker Dü, this Midwestern three-piece spits similar tales of confused love and brazen insecurities. Songwriter and vocalist Jeremy Porter sings "You're in my future, but to you I'm strictly past tense" and "Snuck up on you but you never turned around" on standout track "Hallmark Holiday," giving a perfect snapshot of the kinds of one-sided relationships that have been torturing artists since time began. Sappy love songs are strictly banned, however, these songs are all viewed through cracked lenses and played through overdriven tube amps. Veteren drummer Mike Popovich anchors the band through 12 tracks of suburban angst, with bassist Jason Bowes offering the occasional harmony vocal on the throaty choruses. Equal parts '80s American Underground punks and metro Detroit blue-collar bar band, the Offramps' honest bile and wounded passion demands repeated listens to be accompanied by a shot of whiskey and a Pabst Blue Ribbon. ~ Zac Johnson