Review ROCKY AND THE SWEDEN “Punks Pot Head”

Rocky and the Sweden do not hail from Sweden. The band is based in Tokyo, Japan, and is at the forefront of Japanese hardcore. Given their foundation in 1996 and debut album in 1998, the group’s output was relatively limited.

After three decades in business, Rocky and the Swedes are launching their next studio effort, “Punks Pot Head,” an eleven-song album featuring a musical blast from the East. The band’s music is untamed and raw hardcore punk, starting with “Up in Smoke.” This first track shows where we are heading after pressing the “Start” button. Covered in wads of smoke, tracks like “Killer Weed” and “THC” know no speed limit, nor do these musical vehicles have any brakes. A raw, anarchic mindset infuses these songs, of which “Chain Smoke” was chosen as the lead single.

“Punks Pot Head” is a 35-minute spectacle. It’s a musical tornado reflecting the band’s hardcore roots and passion for rock ‘n’ roll, which echoes through “R&R Highway.” Overall, we can conclude that these eleven songs burst with energy and echo a smoky, rebellious spirit.