We here at Milwaukee Record are fans of clever wordplay and well-crafted punk rock. You’ll find both on display in a big way on Out Of Spite / Out Of Mind, the debut full-length by The Stinkeyes. The self-described “skunk punk” trio’s album, which was released August 9, is chock full of witty puns, top-notch turns of phrase, portmanteaus aplenty, and delightful double entendres that are delivered in the form of brash vocals and are set to gloriously grimy music.
The driving drums, distorted guitar, and shouted dual vocals on opening track “Polly Pocketknife” set the tone right away, which persists for the entirety of the 10-song, 40-minute effort. Along the way, horror-punk offering “Ghouls Gone Vile” showcases a spooky side of The Stinkeyes, “Junk Male” takes disrespectful men to task while serving as an upbeat pop-punk earworm in the process, and “D-I-Why” is an anthemic and artist-centered call to action.
Finally, the album comes to a memorable conclusion with “No Body,” a dark and dour closing number that highlights Emily Kapellusch’s vocal chops and undisputed frontperson presence—as well as the entire band’s quality musicianship—over the span of nearly six minutes. All told, Out Of Spite / Out Of Mind manages to wrap deceivingly smart lyrics and personal themes in an upbeat and fun punk rock package. Come for the puns, stay for the music, then come back again and again because The Stinkeyes are great.
The Stinkeyes will play an album release show at X-Ray Arcade on Sunday, August 18. The 7 p.m. show costs $12 in advance and $15 at the doors. Barely Civil and Glitzy will also play in support.