Record Label: SOS Records
Genre: Punk/Rock and Roll
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com link

Formed in Manchester, England, Goldblade has been tearing it up with various line-ups for the past 12 years. Goldblade infuse punk rock and Oi! with various rock and roll influences to bring a sound similar to Rocket From the Crypt if it were fronted by Stinky Turner.

From what I can gather, “Punk Rockers In The Dance Hall” is more or less a compilation of previously released songs packaged up for release in the US. Goldblade’s artistic style encompasses a very wide range of musical genres. Kicking off the album, “Strickly Hardcore” is one of those fist-pumping, Exploited-style songs that borders on the lines of punk and hard rock. “Do You Believe In The Power Of Rock N’ Roll” seems like it should have been on an AC/DC album while “Who Was The Killa” could have been mistaken for a Business song. And those are just the first three tracks. The trend of revolving musical tastes continues throughout the entire fifty minutes of the record with appearances being made by a friendly saxophone, the soulful harmonica and even the dreaded keyboards show up now and then.

Goldblade’s ability to mix it up keeps the album fun and unpredictable but at times, it seems that they try to stretch the boundaries a bit too far. “Hairstyle” sounds like it should have been on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack…, which is really pushing it. Dance songs just don’t belong on a punk rock record, even though it is a catchy little ditty. Some of the more “indie rock” sounding songs are drawn out and boring while the album carries on just a bit too long.

To wrap it up, “Punk Rockers In The Dance Hall” is a great way to introduce a band that is looking for some success in the states. It’s fun, full of energy and seems to have something for just about everyone on it. Goldblade pushes the boundaries of rock and roll, maybe a bit too far, but overall this album has replay value and the band should find some success in the US punk wastelands.

Bottom Line: A good album with too much going on at times.
Notable Tracks: Strickly Hardcore, Home Turf, Black Elvis, Dream The Vicious Dream Baby
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