Punch-Drunks

Punch-Drunks – Big Nothing (Independent)

It’s temping to file Los Angeles two-piece, Punch-Drunks (Noah Justin Trevino: guitar/vocals, Devin O'Rourke: guitar/vocals), as folky-Americana, but after a few spins of “Big Nothing” it becomes obvious that their influences are far too diverse for such a simple categorization. Indeed, previous reviewers have noted their “half Cash, half Clash” split musical persona, and artists as varied as The Everly Brothers and Pavement also seem to have made an impression on the pair. The result is a sound that feels new and vital, and on their latest five-track EP, both their songs, and the unpolished production in which they’re placed, are well suited to their approach.

“Big Nothing” begins with O’Rourke’s “Like a Train”, a love-gone-wrong lament, underpinned with what sounds like the metallic jangle of a national guitar. Their languid country-blues captures the essence of the lyric completely. They’ve only been playing together since the beginning of the year, but already seem in perfect sync – like brothers, in fact. Indeed, “Howl” brings their voices together, and they’re a joy, each adding lead inflections, while the song tumbles to a close. “Nightingale” is the closest they get to a straight folk song, and it works like a charm, and the EP is concluded with “The Devil's Inside”, a little twang is injected and the lyrics seem to ponder on the acceptance of one’s circumstances – I think – wrapped up in an alt. country-indie tune. - Leicester Bangs

Punch-Drunks – Big Nothing (Independent)

It’s temping to file Los Angeles two-piece, Punch-Drunks (Noah Justin Trevino: guitar/vocals, Devin O'Rourke: guitar/vocals), as folky-Americana, but after a few spins of “Big Nothing” it becomes obvious that their influences are far too diverse for such a simple categorization. Indeed, previous reviewers have noted their “half Cash, half Clash” split musical persona, and artists as varied as The Everly Brothers and Pavement also seem to have made an impression on the pair. The result is a sound that feels new and vital, and on their latest five-track EP, both their songs, and the unpolished production in which they’re placed, are well suited to their approach.

“Big Nothing” begins with O’Rourke’s “Like a Train”, a love-gone-wrong lament, underpinned with what sounds like the metallic jangle of a national guitar. Their languid country-blues captures the essence of the lyric completely. They’ve only been playing together since the beginning of the year, but already seem in perfect sync – like brothers, in fact. Indeed, “Howl” brings their voices together, and they’re a joy, each adding lead inflections, while the song tumbles to a close. “Nightingale” is the closest they get to a straight folk song, and it works like a charm, and the EP is concluded with “The Devil's Inside”, a little twang is injected and the lyrics seem to ponder on the acceptance of one’s circumstances – I think – wrapped up in an alt. country-indie tune. - Leicester Bangs

I have to applaud when bands come up with new and slightly ingenious ways to get noticed. Some will post contests for their bassist to shave their beard if they reach their goal on a crowd-funding platform (like my friends in Laramie Music). Others, like the band I'm talking about today, took to the internet looking for people to review and promote their band. I've gotta say, great idea. You never know who you're going to find. And in this case, we've found ourselves a good acoustic duo.

Punch-Drunks are based out of Los Angeles, California, and to be quite honest I'm not sure why they're not on anyone's buzz lists yet. They're a great blend of acoustic and punk stylings, but they keep themselves grounded in the singer/songwriter world. Consisting of Devin O'Rourke and Noah Trevino, the two-piece has some heartfelt lyrics spread over a decent acoustic set on their newest EP, Big Nothing. The multi-instrumentalists stick to two acoustic guitars, a harmonica and their vocals, and they don't need much else to be good. I'd be curious to hear a song like "Like A Train", with its twangy elements be played with a full-on studio band.

The aforementioned track has the most depth to it, but other songs like "Howl" are much more catchy and could benefit from some radio and TV placement. "Nightingale" has some great melodies between the two vocalists, and leads into a perfect whistling bridge, working for getting the crowd involved during shows. The track might end a little early, but it leads into a well-written acoustic picking opening for "No Dice". It's probably the best song on this short five song smattering, with "The Devil's Inside" pulling up the rear. The group brings a sound that reminds one of Woodie Guthrie and a little bit of Johnny Cash at times, but more Guthrie than anything.

You can get the Big Nothing EP right now for $5 at the group's BandCamp page, and check out the other links for more info on this duo. - Discovery Sessions

I have to applaud when bands come up with new and slightly ingenious ways to get noticed. Some will post contests for their bassist to shave their beard if they reach their goal on a crowd-funding platform (like my friends in Laramie Music). Others, like the band I'm talking about today, took to the internet looking for people to review and promote their band. I've gotta say, great idea. You never know who you're going to find. And in this case, we've found ourselves a good acoustic duo.

Punch-Drunks are based out of Los Angeles, California, and to be quite honest I'm not sure why they're not on anyone's buzz lists yet. They're a great blend of acoustic and punk stylings, but they keep themselves grounded in the singer/songwriter world. Consisting of Devin O'Rourke and Noah Trevino, the two-piece has some heartfelt lyrics spread over a decent acoustic set on their newest EP, Big Nothing. The multi-instrumentalists stick to two acoustic guitars, a harmonica and their vocals, and they don't need much else to be good. I'd be curious to hear a song like "Like A Train", with its twangy elements be played with a full-on studio band.

The aforementioned track has the most depth to it, but other songs like "Howl" are much more catchy and could benefit from some radio and TV placement. "Nightingale" has some great melodies between the two vocalists, and leads into a perfect whistling bridge, working for getting the crowd involved during shows. The track might end a little early, but it leads into a well-written acoustic picking opening for "No Dice". It's probably the best song on this short five song smattering, with "The Devil's Inside" pulling up the rear. The group brings a sound that reminds one of Woodie Guthrie and a little bit of Johnny Cash at times, but more Guthrie than anything.

You can get the Big Nothing EP right now for $5 at the group's BandCamp page, and check out the other links for more info on this duo. - Discovery Sessions

Punch-Drunks are an acoustic duo that fuses folk and classic southern blues, consisting of two guitars and two microphones. Devin O’Rourke and Noah Trevino work together splitting music and lyric writing; maintaining pure musical equality. Their third and latest EP, “Big Nothing”, has an early 20’s Mississippi blues nostalgia, utilizing the twang of a guitar slide and deeply moving lyrics containing five acoustic tracks. This past year has been busy for the Punch-Drunks; releasing two other EP’s and playing a variety of shows.
Big Nothing opens with “Like a train” a sad tale of love, which is told not only with words, but with soul from the accompanying guitar and harmonica. “Howl”, “Nightingale”, and “No dice” take a more folksy melody, featuring upbeat vocal harmonies and dancing guitar string duets. Lyrically, Devin and Noah keep strong blues overtones for these tracks, incorporating mood enlightening chord progressions. “The devil’s inside” takes on the characteristics of a country western; sad yet soothing.
This album is a tribute to the atavism of the great southern heritage. Light and inspirational, Punch-Drunks bring life to a musical influence that was once thought to be obsolete, a true blue’s revival. - Festival Photo

Punch-Drunks are an acoustic duo that fuses folk and classic southern blues, consisting of two guitars and two microphones. Devin O’Rourke and Noah Trevino work together splitting music and lyric writing; maintaining pure musical equality. Their third and latest EP, “Big Nothing”, has an early 20’s Mississippi blues nostalgia, utilizing the twang of a guitar slide and deeply moving lyrics containing five acoustic tracks. This past year has been busy for the Punch-Drunks; releasing two other EP’s and playing a variety of shows.
Big Nothing opens with “Like a train” a sad tale of love, which is told not only with words, but with soul from the accompanying guitar and harmonica. “Howl”, “Nightingale”, and “No dice” take a more folksy melody, featuring upbeat vocal harmonies and dancing guitar string duets. Lyrically, Devin and Noah keep strong blues overtones for these tracks, incorporating mood enlightening chord progressions. “The devil’s inside” takes on the characteristics of a country western; sad yet soothing.
This album is a tribute to the atavism of the great southern heritage. Light and inspirational, Punch-Drunks bring life to a musical influence that was once thought to be obsolete, a true blue’s revival. - Festival Photo

Formed in 2013, Punch Drunks is a folk rock band based out of Los Angeles. They just released their album Big Nothing, and the record is promising. An acoustic duo, the two members are Devin O’Rourke and Noah Trevino. The album showcases a knack for catchy choruses and twangy melodies. In listening to their album you can tell that they take their craft very seriously and are only beginning to tap the surface of their musical talents. The song “Nightingale” is the standout on the album, the type of song perfect for a long road trip across the country, and is layered with touching vocals and lyrics. - Punk Rock Planet

Formed in 2013, Punch Drunks is a folk rock band based out of Los Angeles. They just released their album Big Nothing, and the record is promising. An acoustic duo, the two members are Devin O’Rourke and Noah Trevino. The album showcases a knack for catchy choruses and twangy melodies. In listening to their album you can tell that they take their craft very seriously and are only beginning to tap the surface of their musical talents. The song “Nightingale” is the standout on the album, the type of song perfect for a long road trip across the country, and is layered with touching vocals and lyrics. - Punk Rock Planet

Punch-Drunks – Big Nothing

Punch-Drunks are an acoustic duo from the noisy streets of Los Angeles. They had managed to paint the twangy colors of folk with the brush strokes of punk and heartbreak. These songs are fit for any summer bonfires that last until dawn. You can hear it straight from the album opener “Like A Train” which has a Beck influence in the melody. Devin O’Rourke and Noah Trevino share the vocals and create a catchy harmonic vibration. This is best heard in the dark track “Howl”.

Their voices are placed on top of bright and natural sounds of guitars. Just listen to the tracks “Nightingale” and “No Dice” to hear the lovely riffs in full effect. The music is stripped down and you can only hear the nectar of their emotions. This is why they could share the label of punk. Its musical freedom in its barest definition and it’s really great. These are the last breaths of summer, so click play and enjoy.

Best track: Like A Train - The Musical Junkie