Absolute punk icons Descendents have just released their first album in twelve years, Hypercaffium Spazzinate.
Founded in LA’s Hermosa Beach, the band released six albums between 1978 and 2004, before taking a well-earned break from recording for over a decade. Unlike a lot of their contemporaries, Descendents labeled themselves as ‘anti-punks’ and were never afraid to imbue their music with romantic lyrics and catchy melodies – earning them their place as the forefathers of pop-punk.
With longstanding drummer Bill Stevenson in and out of surgery recently, the band recorded the album fearing it might be the last time they’d have the chance to record with him. But, in true punk spirit, he proved invincible, staring major surgery in the eye three times in a row and living to tell the tale.
Not ones to be stingy after a long wait, they’ve packed Hypercaffium Spazzinate with 16 tracks, and a few bonus ones for good measure. With all sorts of events impacting the band over the last 12 years, singer Milo Aukerman has given us a full rundown of what’s influenced them on each track.
Hypercaffium Spazzinate is out now through Epitaph, and is available on iTunes and Spotify, as well as deluxe CD and vinyl.
Feel This
Karl wanting to remain clear-eyed in the face of tragedy. Wallow in the pain, as opposed to self-medication.
Victim of Me
Speaking of wallowing…Bill was doing a little “wallowing in none” with his pulmonary specialist, outlining his various woes, how cruel fate had slighted him yet again, when the doc said, “man, you’re just a victim of you.” Dude shoulda charged him shrink money.
On Paper
A more light-hearted take on the theme of self-flagellation (which is all we’ve done on this record, so far…). People will eventually figure out I’m an imposter.
Shameless Halo
From what I’ve read, Jesus was a cool guy. Would he take up arms, divide people, disseminate hatred and intolerance? I don’t think so.
No Fat Burger
To fail is to be a victim – a victim of my choice of food. Maybe dieting will help.
Testosterone
I’m a Beta-male, or maybe even Gamma. The whole notion of competing, grabbing for the gold ring, territorialism in the workplace, I don’t get. Little did I know men actually do take this hormone for physical and mental improvement… hmmm…
Without Love
A Bill Song. What else do you need to know? An excruciating, honest take on his life.
We Got Defeat
One of Stephen’s punker songs – Karl’s words. Reminds me of something Frank Navetta would write, except the bitter resentment actually fuels something positive… Maybe we can see a way out now…
Smile
Pep talk for a friend… just returning the favor, for an old song. A mantra-like coda, I hope it brings peace and acceptance – I know, not very punk rock.
Limiter
As I was singing this in the studio, I was telling Bill, “I am going to catch hell for this.” Meaning, I took such a hard line, and I’m not sure it reflects my current opinion on ADHD. But that’s what happens when you write songs in the heat of the moment, and you just have to live with the consequences.
Fighting Myself
It’s hard to believe, but Karl had a “brawler” period. Kicked some asses, in fact. I think some of the reasons for his pugilistic behavior are spelled out in this song, and he’s in a much better place now.
Spineless and Scarlet Red
Singing in a lower register? An octave below where I’m comfortable? Thanks, Bill. It turned out cool, anyway. A different kind of song for us, but lyrically it’s classic Stevenson angst (with some extra-syllabic touches thrown in).
Human Being
If Archie Bunker were in a punk band – or a more progressive Archie Bunker, anyway. Hey, we wrote a political song, such as it is! That’s frustration you hear, not resignation.
Full Circle
Celebrating my formative years, musically speaking. We did this before on ‘Thank You’, but I wanted to actually “say their names” this time, and have them somewhat hidden. It’s not too hard to figure them out – and I’m sorry I left out your favorite band.
Comeback Kid
Another celebration, this one got me writing songs again, due to the sheer euphoria of Bill getting well. One night, after watching a depressing documentary about the New York Dolls’ Arthur Kane, I walked up to Bill and shouted in his face, “DON’T DIE!”
Beyond the Music
So the record starts with a bunch of tragedy, but ends with a bunch of celebration. That “arc” is just a happy accident of sequencing; it wasn’t planned. Bill wanted this one to be last, as the final triumphant statement. Even though the song looks back at our ‘History Lesson’, ultimately it’s forward-looking because our brotherhood, our family, is as strong as ever.
