Chinese Telephones
Over the past decade or so, Milwaukee, Wisconsin has produced quite a few pop-punk bands worth listening to (which wasn’t always the case before that!). The Chinese Telephones are undisputably at the top of that list today. They play that good old Midwestern punk rock – think Rivethead and Naked Raygun – the kind that’s long on heart, soul, and cheap beer, and short on pretension and poses. What makes them a cut above the rest, though, is main songwriter Justin Telephone’s ability to take this style and meld it seamlessly with the Marked Men’s brand of high-energy power-pop-punk – especially the Jeff Burke stuff. Soaring vocal melodies (aided and abetted by sweet backups from bassist Andy Junk), big power chords, freight-train percussion, and slashing solos from lead guitarist Daniel James – unusual for this kind of pop-punk band, and totally fucking essential – are what these guys are all about. Formed in early 2004, the Chinese Telephones have a quality discography deeper than the bench of the ’27 Yankees – if you’re new to the band, start with their album on It’s Alive Records (recorded in 2007 by Jeff and Mark from the Marked Men, naturally). One last thing: the Chinese Telephones have seen members come and go over the years, but this show will be the last for long-time drummer Eric “Gorky” Gorecki, and his loss will be strongly felt. The band’s future is uncertain. This may be your last best chance to see the Chinese Telephones, so don’t pass it up!
