DEBT NEGLECTOR’S NEW LP ‘KINDA RIPS’ REALLY RIPS

Biting and gritty, Floriday’s Debt Neglector packs a sonic punch. Their combination of contemporary commentary with actual punk tactics is a breath of fresh air. Each note serves as a reminder of punk’s intentions. Always rooted in politics, punk rock has served multiple generations during tumultuous times. Debt Neglector doesn’t hold back; they pack each song full of sociopolitical commentary, invigorating the senses with to-the-point lyricism. ‘Kinda Rips’ reads as a sweaty mosh pit, pure grit guiding the way. The band’s gusto is admirable, especially when hiding behind anonymity or not speaking up may feel more effortless. The record solidifies listeners’ internal voices, occasionally squandered by external forces keeping them at bay.

‘Kinda Rips’ takes the road less traveled in every way possible. Its recording style piques interest instantly, captivating listeners with a live feeling to the performance. Florida’s punk scene is placed at a geographical advantage. Political ideology aside, the tropics offer a wavering climate that impacts creative flow. One minute, you’re basking in a deep sun glow. A hurricane erupts next, and your only shelter is under Mickey Mouse’s umbrella at Disney World. These fluctuating emotions are expressed articulately in “Adios Amigos! Or How To Self-Sabotage Without Even Trying.” Debt Neglector’s unique voice in vocal delivery and lyricism evokes a deep-seated drive to catalyze change. Clever wordplay laced in a typically blunt styling stands out. Lines like “an inhuman race” are polished subtleties, signs of well-rounded writers.

Dynamic political commentary veers away from repetitive motifs. Instead, “Clear Sight” sets the stage, reminding audiences of the current landscape. People are hungry, pissed off, and craving apparent change. However, many look away when they need some “clear sight” to guide the way. A down-picked guitar riff and punching live drums motivate the driven, high-stakes song. The tight instrumental gives the lyrics room to breathe, as the narrator helps us “find our way through the gaslight.” Double entendre seems to be Debt Neglector’s strong suit, poetically engaging listeners with challenging topics. Politics may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Debt Neglector gives these ideas a new life. They open up conversations rather than shutting anyone down or out. It’s a unique take for punk rockers.

The meat of the record dives more deeply into these ideals. Debt Neglector reinforces the concept of working too much for very little pay while a select few get to sit on mountainous gold. However, there are more humanizing moments throughout. Sociopolitical commentary requires balance, which ‘Kinda Riips’ has found. The band jumps in with their sentimental side just before things become too repetitive. “Tough Luck, Kid” is a moving take on fatherhood, especially from the punk rock perspective. It would be disingenuous to suggest this kid will have a “normal” upbringing, by any scope of the word. However, the insinuation that their dad will try his best is sweet and deeply humanizing. Politics is punk, but so is vulnerability.

Similarly, growing up can be troubling, especially from the perspective of someone who curated a rough-around-the-edges lifestyle. Being so politically aware also comes at a hefty price. Eventually, the fleeting reality of how short life can be sticks out at the forefront. Mortality is one of the record’s core themes, adding texture to the LP by rounding out commentary with real-world effects. Of course, everyone lives and dies, but those who are consciously aware of the world around them often find themselves more anxious than their peers. It seems that Debt Neglector remains focused on positively impacting the world, with politics simply being their motivator. There are things we can control and can’t, but ‘Kinda Rips’ asserts that trying your best is what matters, despite how horrifyingly short life is.

The heaviness of life can make a person extremely insecure. “Evening News” feels layered in this way; on the surface, it’s repeating grotesque headlines. Once you dig deeper, though, it captivates the mind by reinforcing the sentiment that we’re all human. It’s scary in an overwhelming world where everyone else has the final say in where your life heads. “Don’t you know it’s just all part of the show?” is the icing on the cake, a reminder that distractions are everywhere. Still, it’s an addiction, as the song mentions; the fanfare is intentional, and they want you to be scared. The song is full of conviction, but there appear to be layers throughout that suggest deeper themes explored throughout the record. The overlapping chorus of voices talking over each other at the song's end is an impeccable touch, especially as it transitions into “Hearing Voices.”

I don’t typically bring politics into my reviews, but sometimes, it’s inevitable. Plus, it would similarly be disingenuous of me to state the responsibility of politics in punk while evading the topic myself. Truth be told—I’m horrified. The state of the United States has me fixated on the musical ‘Cabaret’ again for the first time since the 2000s. That absolutely cannot be a good sign; to jog memories, ‘Cabaret’ is set in pre-Nazi Germany, right before Hitler’s takeover. The musical suggests that distractions are all around, and those who are complicit are just as responsible as the perpetrators. It is chillingly relevant today, arguably among the most punk-rock musicals ever. In tandem with Debt Neglector’s record, this forces me to face my fears instead of running from them.

Sure, the world is scary, and there is very little that we can control. Still, art like ‘Kinda Rips’ keeps me at ground level. This record is poignant at times, cutting deeply into the heart. Then, it softens little by little, reminding everyone of our shared humanity. Debt Neglector may be a little scrappy, rough around the edges, but they are motivated by pure hearts. Their love for humanity is what fuels their spiteful political commentary. It’s not just about hating anybody, but rather, hoping for a more balanced world that benefits all instead of keeping a few individuals on top.

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