PULLEY - MATTERS

Three years ago, when they released their last album, I had Pulley pegged as something I’d toss in the "okay" bin of my collection. Now? I’d buy ‘em all a beer or two for taking me down one of the happier alleys of memory lane.
Not to sound like a total homo, but Matters is the kind of record that reminds me of the bulk of my better Summer memories. Most of which involve drinking and/or punk rock, and some friends I really don’t see all that often.
Maybe it’s the new producer (Matt Hyde). Maybe it’s just the natural progression of the band. I don’t know. Matters just sounds a bit harder, faster, and louder than I remember their other records sounding. They didn’t sacrifice any of their usual well-done melodies, or those kick-ass vocal harmonies.
I’m telling you: from the ain’t-fuckin’-around sentiment of the opening track ("A Bad Reputation") to its polar opposite album-closing brother ("Thanks"), I’m sold. Matters is exactly the punk rock record I want to hear right now, and it’s a beefed-up sounding Pulley at their best.
Catch ‘em at Warped Tour. I’ll be there, rocking along, remembering all that happy shit from summers before.