Osker
Idle Will Kill
Epitaph
Despite a potential explanation in the song “Anchor,” I don’t know what the album title means either. Unless it’s intended to be a condensed version of “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” No matter.
This California bass and guitar duo (augmented by drums played by various others) puts out stuff good enough to catch my attention on the latest Epitaph Punk-O-Rama sampler, amongst much more well-known company. Intelligent non-rhyming lyrics with emotional content without being whiny, some great rhythm guitar work and accessible melodies without overly glossy production mark the record. Think Jawbreaker and Atlanta’s great Five Eight, and you’re in the ballpark.
Epitaph Records, 2798 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026; http://www.epitaph.com; Osker, PO Box 661604, Los Angeles, CA 90066
