With spring seemingly here to stay in DC, Santa Clarita punks together PANGEA have provided the perfect accompaniment to the balmy weather in the form of two new B-side tracks from their 2017 album, Bulls and Roosters. Clocking in at less than three minutes each, “Misunderstood” and “Praise” are hectic, angsty bursts of noise that recall both the surfy ennui of songs like “Make Me Feel Weird” and the cleaner feel of PANGEA’s newer albums.
Taking aim at the cloying boredom of suburban life, “Misunderstood” is a short, punchy snippet of garage rock full of speedy guitar and William Keegan’s characteristic mocking croon. Unlike other Los Angeles punk fixtures like FIDLAR, together PANGEA has always shown a distinct inland influence that at times seems more Midwestern than Californian. With its simple chord progression and biting lyrics, “Misunderstood” seems to channel the Orwells’ “Who Needs You” while still capturing PANGEA’s surf roots.
“Praise” takes a slightly more pensive tone more in keeping with singles from Bulls and Roosters like “Kenmore Ave.” As is the case with that song, “Praise” is inspired by bassist Danny Bengston’s stint in rehab and his struggles with drug addiction. Bengston’s bass dominates the song, complemented by Erik Jimenez’s machine-gun drumming and clean, surfy guitar licks. PANGEA has always shown a talent for writing melancholy songs without getting bogged down in self-pity, and “Praise” is no different in this respect from earlier hits like “Badillac.”
together PANGEA was already one of my summer-weather staples, and these newest tracks further confirm their place in my rotation. Both songs are available for purchase on iTunes, and I strongly suggest you give them a listen.
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