Melee by Stinkaholic: A Punk Rock Time Capsule from '97 That Still Kicks Ass
Alright, let me tell ya—Stinkaholic’s Melee isn’t just another punk rock album. It’s the kind of raw, unfiltered chaos you didn’t know you needed in your life until it smacks you upside the head. Released back in 1997 on 206 Records (shoutout to US underground vibes), this thing hits hard like a rusty crowbar but somehow makes you wanna dance at the same time. Like, how does that even work?
First off, kudos to the lineup because they absolutely killed it: Neil Platfoot shredding vocals and guitar duties like a madman, Andy Platfoot holding down bass while throwing in some killer backing vocals, John Bowen smashing drums with reckless abandon, and everyone else chipping in to make this monster come alive. Oh, and props to Bodie Shaw for the gnarly artwork—it’s got that edgy, DIY feel that screams “we don’t care what you think.”
Now, onto the tracks. I gotta shout out two jams that stuck with me long after the needle lifted off the record.
Track 3, "Runnin Up On Me," is one of those songs that feels like a punch to the gut—in a good way. The opening riff grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Neil’s voice has this raspy desperation, like he’s trying to outrun something he can’t escape. And honestly? That vibe gets me every damn time. You’re not just listening to music here; you’re living through someone else’s panic attack. By the end, when the guitars spiral into total mayhem, you’re left breathless, kinda wondering if you survived or not.
Then there’s "Living After Midnight." Yeah, yeah, I know—it’s a Judas Priest cover. But hear me out. This version strips away all the glam and polish of the original and replaces it with pure grit. Neil sounds pissed, like he’s been up too many nights chasing ghosts or bad decisions. The whole track feels darker, heavier, more personal. When the chorus kicks in, it’s less about partying and more about surviving. Honestly, it made me rethink the whole idea of staying out late ever again.
The rest of the album keeps the energy cranked to eleven. Tracks like "Bright Idea" and "Closed Off World" show off their knack for catchy hooks without losing that rough-around-the-edges charm. Even the slower tunes, like "Inside Looking Out," pack an emotional wallop that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
But here’s the kicker—the real reason Melee sticks with me isn’t just the music. It’s the attitude. These guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel or win any awards. They were just doing their thing, loud and proud, spitting in the face of whatever stood in their way. Listening to this now, decades later, it still feels fresh. Like finding an old mixtape in your car and realizing it’s exactly what you needed to hear today.
So yeah, give Melee a spin if you haven’t already. Just don’t blame me if it ruins other albums for you. Punk rock this honest doesn’t grow on trees anymore. And hey, maybe crank it loud enough so the neighbors complain—that’s probably what Stinkaholic would’ve wanted anyway.
