Tempe's own pop/punk trio Rumspringer are currently touring the US, from Arizona to New York and everywhere in between. Bandmates Matt, Mikey and Wes convey a sound one part Get up Kids, one part 90's Emo music movement (The Promise Ring, Braid, etc.), and all parts greatness. This is one of the better 'punk' bands that I have had the privilege of listening to.
The music itself makes you want to jump up and dance. It feels like the band's name, Rumspringer: a liberation of the young, suppressed, Amish teen into the world of the heathens. Free from their trials, it's a twenty-four hour party. Their discography is a bit shallow, but being one of the newer bands coming out it's inevitable. It's little, but powerful. So let's get down on the six song EP.
In the fall of 2008 they recorded their debut EP titled Rumspringer. The six song disc does well in demonstrating the group's potential. The intensity of each song is felt in its own right, providing a feeling of joy and teen freedom. Sort of the feeling of "You're young, the whole world is in front of you, go fuck it up and have fun". The band's energy is something that can't be tampered with, fulfilling and exhilarating. My favorite track from this EP has to be “Gently With a Chainsaw.” It has a very nice calm beat to it, yet it still maintains that Rumspringer energy. This same energy is what makes both the song and band standout.
The band holds to a sound that has been forgotten for years, and somehow they have managed to reinvent it their own Rumspringer way. All in all, the band is one of Arizona's finest punk establishments. Good guys with a great sound. Despite a hectic tour schedule, Rumspringer will be performing at Mesa's own Underground on June 19th. I suggest you go and support this great local band.
