If the name Jamie Styring sounds familiar, that’s because the B-Leaguers’ standout was the frontman of the Pop Dogs, whose Cool Cats for Popdogs album generated rave reviews all over the planet when released in 2013. Unfortunately, that band dismantled — but the good news is Jamie soldiered on, forming a new group.
Called B-Leaguers, the Lincoln, UK-based band also features Ched Howard on guitar, Mickey Barraclough on bass, and Mark Barrett on drums. Death of a Western Heart, their seven-track debut EP from Kool Kat Musik, is crammed to the finish line with hooky punk-pop songs lodged along the lines of bands such as the Buzzcocks, the Undertones and Green Day.
Shaking with nervous energy, B-Leaguers race through these ditties with the stamina and drive of a marathon runner. Sawing guitars, banging drums, and snooty but smashing vocals shape numbers like “Amnesia,” “Lemonade,” “Death of a Western Heart,” and “Rock And Roller Toons.” Spiky breaks, joined by big and brash choruses add extra weight to the band’s swift and sure songs.
Ignited by both attitude and awareness, Death of a Western Heart will have you pogoing around the room the minute the on button is activated. There’s nothing b-league about B-Leaguers, as these guys belong in the major leagues!
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