Californian band Pulley epitomizes punk rock at its edgy best, and they sound like they’re raging against the world, forcing their way through the barrage of unwanted noise and colliding with the status quo… and then pulverizing it. By doing so, Pulley have elevated into an act totally in control of their muse. They’re not the biggest band on the planet, but their music is big, bold, dramatic, riff infused and meticulously created. The Golden Life enforces a punk spin and does what it sets out to do, and that’s giving people a natural embrace. As a record of substance, it doesn’t rely on the same done-to-death riff or an overly used lyric. It actually tells a story, and one that tackles many themes. These themes are dark and somewhat depressive. Pulley certainly aren’t a collective to shy away from the razor-sharp, cutting realism that life brings. Not just on the warpath, Pulley dance with every riff that they create and dazzle with every lyric they put down on paper. They’re not one of your run-of-the-mill punk bands singing about decaying lust or jokes and they’re notably pushing the genre either. Instead, they’re augmenting it and adding their own monumental slant in the process. ‘Repeat Offender’ starts the record off with a blast of high energy punk rock. The band wants to design openings like this, not just for dramatics, but to get the listener engaged and off their feet. A solo is present here, and the lyrics describe failings and hurt. ‘Northbound’ is a melodic stab at punk, which is enlightening and spontaneous at moments. The band convey their hope for recovery. It’s also worth mentioning ‘Dust Off The Dreams’ too, which hits harder than most and is melodically smooth, detailing woes and monotony. The Golden Life by Pulley dodges clichés and hyperbolic intentions. It’s also a record of hard-hitting songs, which are melodic and sincere.

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Pulley   The Golden Life   Album Review - 69