Album Review: Dead Medley by The Kramers
The Kramers’ Dead Medley is a raw, unfiltered dive into the chaotic world of garage rock with punk and rock influences. Released in 2018 under the Not On Label banner, this Australian gem doesn’t try to polish its rough edges—it celebrates them. Mixed and mastered by Mitch McDonald, the album feels like a DIY labor of love that punches you right in the gut (in a good way).
The record kicks off with "Intro," setting an ominous tone before launching into "Synapse," one of the standout tracks. What makes "Synapse" stick? It's not just the relentless guitar riffs or pounding drums—it’s the attitude. The track feels like it’s daring you to sit still while throwing curveballs of distortion and rhythm shifts. You can almost picture the band crammed into some dingy garage, sweat dripping as they hammer out every note. It’s messy, loud, and impossible to ignore—a perfect encapsulation of what The Kramers are all about.
Another track worth mentioning is "No Libido." Yep, you read that right—no libido. Don’t let the title fool ya; this song isn’t sulking around. Instead, it barrels forward with a snarling energy that refuses to apologize for itself. The vocals are raw, almost unhinged, but there’s something oddly magnetic about how everything comes together. If “Synapse” grabs you by the collar, then “No Libido” gives you a shove and tells you to figure it out yourself.
The rest of the album follows suit, blending short interludes like “Interlude” with full-throttle numbers like “Ground Flight” and “Swim Down.” While not every track hits the same high notes, the overall vibe keeps you hooked. There’s a sense of urgency here, like these guys had something to prove—and maybe they did.
What sticks with me most after listening to Dead Medley isn’t just the music itself, but the feeling it leaves behind. It’s chaotic, sure, but also strangely liberating. Listening to this feels like breaking rules you didn’t even know existed. And honestly, isn’t that what punk and garage rock are supposed to do?
Here’s the kicker: I couldn’t stop thinking about how this album would sound live. Would the walls shake? Would my ears ring for days? Or would it be one of those shows where everyone ends up drenched in sweat and grinning like idiots? Either way, count me in.
Final thought: This ain’t background music—it’s front-and-center noise with heart. Play it loud, play it proud, and don’t forget to crank up the volume when “Synapse” drops. Trust me on that one.
