Beneath The Pines by The Creeps: A Raw Punk Rock Gem That Sticks With You
Released in 2018 via It's Alive Records, Beneath The Pines is a no-frills punk rock album that punches hard and doesn’t let go. Hailing from the US, The Creeps deliver a record that feels like a gritty love letter to the raw energy of punk while carving out their own space in the genre. The album’s got this unpolished charm—like it was recorded late at night with sweat dripping off the amps—and honestly, that’s what makes it work so well.
Picking standouts isn’t easy because the whole thing flows with intensity, but two tracks really stuck with me: “Staring Me Down” and “Full Shook.”
“Staring Me Down” hits you right in the chest with its driving rhythm and snarling vocals. It’s one of those songs where you can almost picture the band leaning into their mics, fully losing it on stage. The lyrics are sharp, kinda confrontational, but not overthought—which I dig. There’s something about the way the guitars chug along with this relentless energy; it feels like the musical equivalent of being chased down an alley. You don’t just listen to it—you feel it.
Then there’s “Full Shook,” which is chaotic in the best possible way. This track’s got this jittery, restless vibe that matches its title perfectly. The drums crash and pop like firecrackers, and the vocals teeter between a yell and a sneer. It’s short, punchy, and leaves you wanting more—kinda like a double espresso shot for your ears. These two tracks showcase why Beneath The Pines works so well: it’s stripped-down, honest, and refuses to take itself too seriously.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going. Tracks like “Bottom of Things” (yes, it appears twice, maybe as a bold artistic choice or just a happy accident) and “Superstitions” bring plenty of attitude, while cuts like “Shimmer” add a touch of melody without softening the edges. Even when the production feels rough around the corners, it adds to the authenticity. This ain’t some polished stadium rock record—it’s real, messy, and human.
Looking back, Beneath The Pines reminds me of those moments when life feels overwhelming and all you need is music that gets it. What struck me most is how The Creeps manage to balance aggression with hooks—there’s enough grit to satisfy diehard punk fans but also enough catchiness to pull in newcomers.
And here’s the unexpected part: listening to this album made me realize how rare it is to find punk rock these days that feels both nostalgic and fresh. If you’re someone who misses the days of basement shows and ripped jeans, this might be your new favorite record. Or, ya know, if you just want something loud to blast during your commute, this’ll do the trick too. Either way, The Creeps have created something worth remembering.
