This Is Not The End but The Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship

Dan Martin

Album Artwork by: Chuck Staton and Patrick Dennis

Hey there folks. One of my favorite local bands and friends, Senior Discount, released a new CD/DVD combo pack. It has been a while since the boys have released a physical album and they have a newer line up. The event for the album release was this past Wednesday, I have had the CD for less than 24 hours and haven't been able to stop listening. I am proud to be a part of this release, how am I involved you ask? Good question...

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CD/DVD Release promotional poster

...and we will get to that. But First...

The album opens with an instrumental track, "A Fistful Of Discount." A track they pre-released to those that bought advance tickets to the release party. It is a catchy punk tune that draws you right into the album with melodic horns from Nick "Sab" and a galloping bass line. Throwing you right into "Never Say Forever." Abe Correia's bass lines carve out an intense musical structure for Chuck Staton's lyrics backed by the steady machine gun metronome style of Christian Staton on Drums and sonic melodies provided by Chuck and Matt Kelley on guitars! There are guest vocals and guitars on "Smile," by George Dussault, the album's engineer and owner of Galillee studios in Cumberland, RI where the CD was recorded.

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As a fan of punk, I very much enjoyed this CD as the songs are catchy and empowering. The lyrics are about standing your ground, maturing and as the title, "This is not the end" would suggest, moving on. Track two [Never Say Forever] captures the "grown up" punk wonderfully with lyrics like, "I used to say forever, now I say so long." Giving the listener a sense that he [Chuck Staton] is aware that indeed nothing lasts forever. When we are young we feel indestructible but there comes a certain point when one becomes self aware and focuses on their goals. The second line of the tune is "Mother Fucker, you don't want none of me!" I disagree Chucky, I want it all. And the album does not disappoint. It is full of captivating melodies and subtle references to their iconic influences like NOFX and some traditional punk covers like Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds." Its not all so serious though. Tracks Ten through Thirteen are bonus tracks. The first of which is "Smile," a reprisal from their 2007 release "There Were Four Who Tried." This time with fun break downs that include vignettes from cover songs "Space Jam," yes the theme song from the movie of the same name and an expert piece of Pixies hit "Where Is My Mind." The final two tacks are acoustic versions of "Afterlife" and "Is this the end," offering another look at the songs you heard moments ago.

Overall this album is a fun listen and a must have for the local scene connoisseur. The bonus DVD offers the first live Chuck and Brad podcast and details some of the bands seminal moments. As well as a heart breaking, among other things breaking, story from yours truly. Click the pic to the left to purchase the CD/DVD combo pack now and enjoy! Their other albums are also available and some are even free! The band also produces their own movies. To hear the story of how we met and got involved, head over to The Comic's Corner show page and check out their episode. Such a versatile entertainment force must be encouraged to continue so please reach out and show your support where you can folks. DIY till we D-I-E. Enjoy!

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