CD
Review
By John Stephen
"I Know What I Gotta Do," the first track from John Surette & the Deniros' new disc closes with John singing, "I haven't felt this good in years." I think he's telling the truth. If the black ink from the pages of this 'zine has stained your fingers before, you've probably heard of Boys Life, John's former band. It's been quite a while since the days of Boys Life, but John's been rocking quietly yet steadily ever since. It even sounds like a dash of a Pixies influence has crept in since then. Then again I don't know. Back in '83, I was just a toddler. It was probably the former that influenced the latter.
This disc has been out for a while, yet oddly enough, hadn't received a review yet. It is a fantastic punk influenced disc that yields a nostalgic effect on the listener without sounding a bit dated. It is a successful declaration of reemergence and rebirth, a new baptism. Every song is a well-written reflection on embracing the whole of life, the nice and the nasty. Each track is a standout; rarely is there a forgettable hook in sight. A Kinks cover is included in "Big Sky," as well as the interesting inclusion of The Neighborhoods' "Arrogance." The essence of the punk scene and lifestyle is documented and captured in the observational "The Greatest Punk."
Although fronted by Surette the band is completed by Boston rock vet David Minehan on lead guitar, Melissa Wells on bass, Kathy DeMarco on drums, and Tom Higgins adding some additional guitar in "The Greatest Punk" and "Thank God It's Over." The production efforts made by both Surette and Minehan (at Minehan's own Woolly Mammoth) give this disc a crisp sound with a tight punch. It really sounds like Surette and Co. have just got it, period. They'll be making great rock for some time to come, preserving a sound that rarely sounds this fresh. Thank God it's not over.