Drink Dance Destroy by Teenage X: A Raw Punk Rock Punch from Canada
Alright, let’s talk about Drink Dance Destroy, the debut album by Teenage X. This Canadian punk rock gem is unapologetically loud, messy in all the right ways, and feels like a kick to the chest—exactly what you want from this genre. Released under their own label (Not On Label), it’s clear these guys didn’t wait around for permission to make something raw and real. And honestly? That DIY spirit shines through every track.
The lineup reads like a chaotic family reunion: Phil Page handling bass and vocals with his gritty snarl, Mikey Hawdon smashing drums like he’s got something to prove, Rich Gaskin shredding guitar riffs that feel like they’re trying to escape the speakers, and Sarah Page adding layers of tambourine and piano that somehow glue the chaos together. Oh, and props to Max Fruchtman for engineering this beast because holy crap, the sound hits hard without losing its edge.
Now, onto the tracks. You’ve got nine songs here, but two really stuck with me—Boom and Drink! Dance! Destroy! Let’s break ‘em down.
First up, Boom. It’s short, sharp, and punches you right in the gut. The opening riff grabs your attention like someone yelling “HEY” in your ear at a house party. Phil’s vocals are raw, almost like he’s spitting out words faster than he can think them. There’s no time to breathe; just pure adrenaline rushing through your veins. By the end of it, you’re left breathless, kinda wondering what just hit you—but loving every second of it. It’s not perfect, but who cares? Perfection isn’t the point here. Energy is.
Then there’s Drink! Dance! Destroy!, the title track, which feels like the band’s mission statement wrapped in three minutes of pure chaos. The chorus explodes into this chant-like anthem that begs you to shout along—even if you don’t know the words yet. Tambourine shakes in the background, giving it this weirdly danceable vibe despite the aggression. Like, how do you manage to make destruction sound so fun? I don’t know, but Teenage X pulls it off. Every time I hear this one, I picture some dingy basement show where everyone’s jumping around like maniacs, sweat dripping off the ceiling. It’s wild, reckless, and absolutely unforgettable.
What makes this album stand out isn’t just the music—it’s the attitude. These aren’t polished pop-punk anthems designed to sell merchandise. No, this is punk rock as it should be: rough around the edges, fueled by emotion, and made by people who clearly love what they’re doing. Even the artwork (shoutout to Cactus and Casey McGlynn/Fiona Smyth) has this scrappy charm that matches the vibe perfectly.
But here’s the thing—I finished listening and found myself thinking…what happens when life slows down for these guys? Because right now, Drink Dance Destroy feels like a snapshot of youth on fire. Will they keep burning bright, or will they fizzle out? Either way, they’ve given us something special here—a reminder that sometimes, the best art comes from throwing caution to the wind and letting loose.
So yeah, go listen to this album. Crank it up loud, maybe grab a drink (or don’t, whatever), and let Teenage X remind you why punk rock still matters. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors complain.
