Pathogens, The
Patient Zero
Patient Zero is a debut album that combines so many years of punk rock experience, it feels like it was put out by a classic outfit at the height of their power. Combining a high-energy feel, fast riffs, and vocals familiar to anyone acquainted with the East Bay variety of punk rock, the EP conjures up images of circle pits in abandoned warehouses and the destruction of unsuspecting musical establishments. The album opens with the hard-hitting, chaos worshipping "Rattle The Cage," capturing the original aggression of the Bay Area punk rock scene. With a chorus shouting, "Lets do something bad," whats not for a punk rocker to love? The end of Side A, "Long Time Gone," changes the feel with a melodic sing-alongs about friendship and loss. It has all the ingredients for an alternative radio hit. (That is, if anyone still listened to the radio or alternative usic!) Side B switches the lyrical content of the album from the personal to the political. "Better Bother You" brings back the "punch you in the throat" feeling, complete with blitz speed riffs and a female Donald Trump impersonation from TILTs Cinder Block. The album finishes with "Never Say Die," a sharp commentary on climate change and our consumption habits. This EP satisfies every need for the punk listener, musically and emotionally.