This past June, Atlanta, Georgia’s own ’68 released “Two Parts Viper” via Cooking Vinyl/Good Fight Management. Josh Scogin(formerly of Norma Jean and The Chariot) and drummer Michael McLellan have released quite arguably one of the most raw records I have heard in awhile!
The mission for ’68 is to get back to the roots of rock and roll, while combining elements of Jack White meets elements of Every Time I Die and The Chariot, to create a combination of chaos and melody, brutality and simplicity, and just pure dirty, gritty rock and roll.
“Two Parts Viper” starts off with “Eventually We All Win”. It sounds triumphant and gritty as Scogin takes the distorted guitar, turns it up to 11, while McLellan provides some of the most raw drumming I have heard in awhile. From a lyrical standpoint, Scogin combines allegory with vivid imagery in order to discuss issues of the day along with spiritual undertones. “Whether Terrified Or Unafraid” is absolutely bombastic in the chorus as the chorus sounds absolutely anthemic and just soars like a vulture in anticipation of snagging its prey. The music from the first two tracks is more raw than a slaughterhouse. I legit wonder how there are only two dudes in this band because it’s loud, gritty, and it’s multi-layered, which I find quite impressive for a two-piece band.
“Without Any Words(Only Crying And Laughter)” showcases a more sensitive side, that beyond the rough edges of an individual and through the scars, one can find a bit of tenderness but the tenderness is quite subtle. The guitars are very 1990’s-esque, as they are distorted yet provide that hook. From a production standpoint, it sounds absolutely raw and organic.
’68 will blow your mind with its hooks and Scogin absolutely sounding liberated in the music. ’68 showcases what total creative freedom in the music sounds like with the riffs, the experimentation in the arrangements, and the absolute raw sound that they possess. Madness To Creation gives this album a tremendous 9 out of 10 stars! Check out the track listing below!
- Eventually We All Win
- Whether Terrified Or Unafraid
- Without Any Words (Only Crying And Laughter)
- The Life Is Old, New, Borrowed, And Blue
- No Montage
- No Apologies
- The Workers Are Few
- Life Has Its Design
- Death Is A Lottery
- What More Can I Say
Check out the music video to “Eventually We All Win” below!
Check out ’68 on tour!
Wednesday, November 22nd- The Syndicate Lounge in Birmingham, Alabama (with special guests meadows and adlet)
Thursday, November 30th- Crowbar in Tampa, Florida (with Whores and Alistair Hennessey)
Friday, December 1st- High Dive in Gainesville, Florida (with Whores, Alistair Hennessey, Thunderclap, Orbiter, and Damage Done)
Saturday, December 2nd- O’Malley’s in Margate, Florida(with Whores, Alistair Hennessey, and Letters To Part)
Sunday, December 3rd- Backbooth in Orlando, Florida(with Whores and Alistair Hennessey)
Tuesday, December 5th- Nighthawks in Jacksonville, Florida
Wednesday, December 6th- New Brookland Tavern in Columbia, South Carolina
Thursday, December 7th- Local 506 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Friday, December 8th- Voltage Lounge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Saturday, December 9th- Amityville Music Hall in Amityville, New York
Sunday, December 10th- Sonia’s in Boston, Massachusetts
Tuesday, December 12th- Buzzbin Art & Music Shop in Canton, Ohio
Wednesday, December 13th- Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana
Thursday, December 14th- Outland Ballroom in Springfield, Missouri
Friday, December 15th- Growlers in Memphis, Tennessee
Saturday, December 16th- Gasa Gasa in New Orleans, Louisiana
Sunday, December 17th- The Masquerade in Atlanta, Georgia
’68 also has a one-off date providing support for 36 Crazyfists on Thursday, January 18th at Cathouse in Glasgow, Scotland.
’68 is also officially on the bill for Welcome To Rockville on Friday, April 27th at Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville, Florida. Also appearing on the bill includes Halestorm, Underoath, The Used, Atreyu, Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, Avatar, Avenged Sevenfold, Breaking Benjamin, Bullet For My Valentine, Killswitch Engage, Thrice, Hollywood Undead, Butcher Babies, Turnstile, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, The Fever, Palisades, Spirit Animal, Joyous Wolf, Palaye Royale, The Wild, Them Evils, Trivium, and Red Sun Rising. For tickets and further information, click here!
For tickets and further information to any of the shows listed above, click here!
Find ’68 at the following locations:
