Codename: Rocky - Blueprint

Initially forming in 1998 and releasing two albums before breaking up in 2005, Southern California’s Codename Rocky reunited in 2012, and in 2016 released album number three.  A year after its release vocalist Daniel Torres left the band and was replaced with new vocalist Justin Picon and guitarist Matthew Montoyo.  That brings us to the release of their latest EP Blueprint, the first with their new lineup.  While the four tracks all have their roots in ska punk they do a great job of keeping things diverse and fresh.  They kick the EP off in high gear with the hard-charging, in your face “Downswing”, a track that definitely emphasizes their punk side and has some great gang vocals in the chorus. “Post Prescriptions” then opens like a hardcore tune before moving in a punkier ska direction.  The band slows things down a little with “Best If Used By”, starting off with a laid-back ska shuffle before settling into a really nice midtempo ska punk groove.  Closing out the disc is “Silos”, a catchy track with a classic ska punk sound.  According to the band there is an album's worth of material already recorded, but they are releasing them in small doses and with Blueprint they are definitely off to a great start.  

(Wiretap Records)