New York Junk are one of those quintessential NYC bands. As soon as you listen to the songs you know where their origins lie, not just because the style of their music rests well with the icons of the New York City alternative an punk scene of the 60s/70s but also because the subject matter of their lyrics often reflects topics relating to the Big Apple or tackles the issues the city faces.
It seems only right then that the band release their new record, Dreaming, on Astoria, NY based label, Tarbeach Records. The record follows hot on the heels of another ex B-Girl Cynthia Ross related release, last year’s glorious ElectraJets Transatlantic Tales album, one of my albums of the year for 2019. With Cynthia on bass together with Joe Sztabnik (Guitar and vocals) and Gary Barnett on drum, these seven tracks are also sure to be up there again at the end of 2020, an astonishingly good year for new music despite the circumstances.
Gutter Angels
I’ve yet to make my pilgrimage to NYC in order to soak up the atmosphere, taking in some dive bars and (hopefully) some quality gigs along the way. In the meantime, New York Junk’s new mini album will help me connect with their music providing part of the soundtrack to my summer. Lead track Gutter Angels sets the vibe off perfectly, a driving rhythm, with the first line linking to last release, 7 Train – “Angels ride the subway trains”. The sincere lyrics (thanks to Puma Perl) along with the solid warm cadence is a paean to the invisible and the ignored “bless the homeless, bless the dope fiends, bless the sidewalks where they fall”. The lyrics for Gutter Angels were written by the supremely talented Puma Perl. Emotional stuff.
Bluesy Swagger
Gutter Angels gives way to She Don’t Care, the essence of Lure/The Heartbreakers is evident in the resolute raw passion on show here, before an effortless bluesy swagger takes over to soundtrack the louche demands in the lyrics Walk My Dog.
Don’t Cry injects a bit of pace back into the proceedings, the song falling somewhere between The Heartbreakers and The Rolling Stones Its All Over Now. With Cynthia counting into Scared, the pounding beat and driving guitars reflect the tone of the lyrics perfectly “I’m fucked up, I don’t care, I’m scared” Sztabnik almost mutters in exasperation in reaction to the modern world. They could have ended there, and you’d have had an outstanding 5 track EP.
Passion
But that would have meant missing out on the last brace of tracks. And that would have been a tragedy. Passion kicks off more like a late 60’s Velvet Underground building and layering some exquisite grooves and licks, the passion in the title is evident in the playing, the three coming together in perfect harmony. Outstanding.
The final track, like its predecessor, lives up to its title. Dreaming is wistful, packed with emotion, a dream rock n roll with a hint of Americana/country. Elegiac and beautiful, “I will sing this song of love as my world fades away” the air of despair apparent, but the mournful guitars rising to a melodically uplifting climax.
New York Junk are a trio that need to be checked out immediately. If you’re already on board, you’ll know what to expect, if you are just joining the 7 Train, strap yourself in, you’re in for a bounteous treat.
Quality release number two in as many weeks from the discerning Tarbeach Records. Next up from Tarbeach, Ty Murray with his solo album Treefort.