Descendents
Milo Goes To College

THE REVIEW

For some, the arrival of the Descendents in the world of California hardcore was a true revolution. Well, maybe not to that extent, but certainly, it can be said that they brought a refreshing change to an environment previously dominated by the aggression of various bands like Black Flag and Circle Jerks.

The element that our guys, led by the then seventeen-year-olds Milo Aukerman (vocals) and Bill Stevenson (drums, later with the Flag), added to the typical HC sounds is almost their antithesis: melody. A melody that timidly outlines itself in the EP "Fat" from 1980 and openly manifests itself in this first full-length album of the following year, released by New Alliance, a label owned by Minutemen, and as inferred by the title, marking the start of a sabbatical period due to Milo’s (now a biochemist) academic commitments. From the beginning of "Myage" (one of many tracks in their repertoire ending with the suffix -age, who knows why?) it becomes clear that this is a unique band: a consistent bass line that is not cacophonic, Aukerman’s voice that prefers singing over screaming. Even the duration of the pieces extends a little, and the lyrics range from total disengagement to a proto idea of punk rock love songs. However, the jewel of the album arrives mid-way: it’s the wonderful "Catalina", punk emphasis tied inextricably to an exuberance that could still be defined as "beyond," beyond the boundaries of the genre, while "Bikeage" could easily be called a precursor of pop-tinged punk.

An enjoyable and captivating album, despite some lapses in tone ("I Wanna Be A Bear", "Marriage"). Recommended.