I’ll be honest and say I’m not a huge fan of this band, or this style of punk in general, but you have to admire the fact that they’re putting themselves out there.

I’ve seen these guys twice (well, once, and heard them from outside another time), and though they improved their performance, and increased the anarchy (though the venue wasn’t impressed, but hey, that’s punk) I’ve still haven’t been ‘blown away’ by this band.

While I was at a gig the other night, that Myrtle Place happened to be one of the supports at, I was handed this DIY copy of their demo disc, ‘Fuck the System’. I don’t think they realised who I was, but I took the copy and decided to give it a lesson (after putting off for a while).

And you know what? This recording far surpasses their live performances I’ve witnessed. For this style of bucking the system, don’t give a shit, old-skool punk, this is actually pretty good. I keep getting images of Romper Stomper in my head though.

The production is quite balanced. The guitar and vocals lead the way, and cut through easily, with the rhythm section pounding away in the background. It still has managed to retain a lot of rawness in the recording, which, if you like your punk, is what you want.

It’s actually reminding me of listening to an old sampler CD that me and a very good mate of mine (Ryzer, now a well-known DJ down in Sydney) used to take in, featuring the likes of old Frenzal Rhomb and more on it. The kind of full-on aggro shit that you listen to before a big session at Mooloolaba, or going for a skate.

It’s typical bar-chords ahoy in these songs. Don’t expect Dead Letter Circus style vocals or anything. This is flat-out-in-your-face screaming word punk. And to be honest, nothing else would suit. The bass sits nicely in the mix, but I do think they could’ve added a bit more mid to the sound, just for an extra bit of twang you’d expect from punk-style bass. It was a bit too warm in sound, but still does the job.

The drums, while not overly awesome, are still damn good for punk. Lots of fast rolls, splattering cymbals and typical punk drums.

This IS a good example of fuck-you punk from the Sunshine Coast, and I’m definitely surprised.

Raise your mohawks, ready your air-kicks, and raise a finger to the establishment, as Myrtle Place, believe it or not, have delivered the goods.

Rooster.