The Alternative Star.com

Album: Left Alone – Left Alone

Released: April 7, 2009 on Hellcat

Considering that Left Alone is signed to Tim Armstrong’s label, it probably shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that they have Mohawks and sound like a Rancid clone band. Either way, don’t discount this band all together because Left Alone still have some catchy songs that are worth at least one listen. “Spiked With Pain” is a fun opener that features lyrics about the poverty line, crunchy power chords, rocking bass lines rapid fire drums making it a true punk gem. Front man Elvis Cortez sounds eerily like Armstrong, if he was much more articulate and didn’t mumble as much. Cortez also produced the effort and it turned out great, sounding very crisp and clear. Another big thing about Left Alone is their ska influence. The two best tracks are probably “3 Bottles of Wine” with the cool organ style keyboards and “Something for Nothing” with the reggae style guitar lines. Ultimately, this band is so unoriginal it hurts but they will tide you over until the new Rancid record hits shelves this summer and you will get at least one of their choruses stuck in your head for a week. Not a total waste, is it?

 Final Verdict?

3/5

-Reviewed by Deborah Remus