If anything,
Branch Manager hold to the truth that rules are made to be broken. While many Dischord bands are known for tight rhythms and solid strong structures,
Branch Manager let the punk rock fly. Lead vocalist and guitarist Ron Winters delivers his lyrics with the power of HR from
Bad Brains and the melodic softness of
Jimi Hendrix and
John Lennon, while his guitar lines run the gamut of rock history. The rhythm parts are reminiscent of
Black Sabbath, and the leads are equal parts hardcore punk, jazz, blues, and funk. While the lyrics themselves can seem cryptic, Winters' singing is powerful enough that the pure emotion shines through. Bassist Dave Allen and drummer Derrick Decker provide an equally strong base, following the melody from heavy punk craziness to soft melodic breakdowns. Certainly one of the heavier rock bands to emerge from D.C., this is the album to buy if you are looking for something outside the standard punk/Dischord formula. ~ Chris True