Album Review: Lipups – 7ep2 (2017)
Alright, let’s talk about 7ep2 by Lipups. This punk rock gem from Japan came out in 2017 under the Luworks label, and it's got that raw energy you’d expect from a band unafraid to keep things messy and real. The album clocks in with just four tracks—“Hint,” “Give Three Cheers,” “Master,” and “Smog Eat”—but don’t let the short runtime fool ya. It packs a punch.
First off, gotta shout out “Give Three Cheers.” Man, this track is stuck in my head like gum on a shoe. It’s fast, loud, and kinda chaotic—but in the best way possible. You can tell Lipups aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel here; they’re just having fun with classic punk vibes. The lyrics feel like a mix of teenage rebellion and existential shrugs, which honestly hits different when you’re zoning out after a long day. There’s something about the chorus that makes me wanna grab a mic (or a hairbrush) and scream along. Feels cathartic.
Then there’s “Smog Eat.” This one stands out for its grungy vibe and killer guitar riffs. Like, seriously, I caught myself air-guitaring at my desk while listening to it. It’s got this gritty undertone, almost like the sound of urban life compressed into three minutes of pure noise bliss. The vocals are snarly but not overdone, giving it an authentic edge. If you’re into songs that make you feel like you’re part of some underground scene, this is your jam.
The other two tracks, “Hint” and “Master,” round out the EP nicely. They’re solid, though they didn’t stick with me as much as the first two did. Still, they add variety without dragging the whole thing down—a nice balance.
What’s wild is how 7ep2 manages to feel both throwback and fresh at the same time. Punk’s been around forever, right? But Lipups bring enough personality to the table to make it their own. And coming outta Japan adds another layer of intrigue. You don’t hear a lot of Western-style punk coming from there, so props to ‘em for keeping it legit.
Honestly, I finished the album thinking, “Man, I wish these guys had more stuff out.” Four tracks felt way too short, like eating one slice of pizza and being told that’s dinner. Maybe that’s the point—to leave you hungry for more? Either way, if you’re into punk rock with zero chill and max attitude, check out 7ep2. Oh, and maybe send Lipups a message asking where the heck their next release is. We need more of this!
Random thought: Why do all punk albums make me want to start a band even though I can’t play any instruments?
