Album Review: Innocent by Violent Society (1992)
Alright, so let’s talk about Innocent, the 1992 punk rock gem from Violent Society. Released under Dead Elvis Records, this album’s got that raw, unfiltered vibe that just screams early '90s underground punk. It’s not perfect, but honestly, that’s kinda the point. If you’re into music that feels like it was recorded in someone’s garage (in the best way possible), this one’s for you.
First off, the track “Red Tag” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s fast, punchy, and has this riff that digs into your brain like a stubborn splinter. I remember this one because it’s got this chaotic energy that makes you wanna smash stuff—or maybe just headbang real hard. The vocals are raw, almost like the singer’s screaming his guts out in a tiny club with bad acoustics. Love it or hate it, you won’t forget it anytime soon.
Then there’s “Cracked Winter,” which is probably my favorite on the album. It slows things down just a smidge but still packs a punch. The lyrics feel like they’re straight outta someone’s messed-up diary—dark, brooding, and kinda poetic. It’s one of those tracks where you catch yourself nodding along even though you’re not entirely sure what the hell he’s talking about. That bassline in the background? Absolute fire. It’s the kind of song you’d blast on a cold, grey day when you’re feeling all angsty and misunderstood.
The other tracks like “Translucent Holiday” and “Innocent” hold their own too, but they don’t quite stick with me as much. They’re solid, but they blend into the overall vibe without really standing out. Still, they keep the energy up, and that’s all you can ask for in a punk record, right?
So yeah, Innocent isn’t gonna win any Grammys, but that’s not the point here. This album feels real, like it was made by people who didn’t care about being polished or radio-friendly. And honestly, that’s refreshing as hell. Listening to it feels like stepping back in time to a dingy club where everyone’s wearing ripped jeans and yelling about stuff they don’t fully understand.
Random thought: I bet if this album came out today, some TikTok teen would make it go viral for all the wrong reasons. Like, imagine “Red Tag” soundtracking some skateboarding montage. Weird, right? But hey, punk’s always been kinda weird. That’s why we love it.
