By Cathy Moore of Moore Rock Shots & Reviews
City of the Weak releases fierce and fabulous full-length debut
I have been anxiously waiting for new music from City of the Weak. I became an instant fan when I saw the video online for “White Fire Alarm” from their 2013 EP of the same title. Stef with an F was a badass frontwoman who had strength and sass that I respected immediately.
Then EP number two, Disclosure, came out in 2014 and it was even better than the first EP – which I didn’t think would be possible. We got “Just Another Eulogy”, which is maybe my all-time favorite song from the Minnesota rockers, as well as “The Blame Game” which is arguably their biggest hit to date. I couldn’t wait for more new music from this band, but wait I did…for almost 4 years. And on June 22 of this year the wait was over. City of the Weak’s new album was finally released!
Pulling Teeth is the first full-length release from City of the Weak and it shows how much the band has grown and developed over the past few years. Their chemistry is even more explosive and their creative experimentation has reached new heights. Stef with an F. (vocals), Brent Lindblad (guitar), and Cody Hoffman (bass) has put together a fierce and fabulous record that is unique blend of aggressive rock ‘n roll music with sassy punk attitude and edgy pop melodies.
Pulling Teeth hits hard and heavy from the opening track, “Like I Do” which has a drum intro that rattles your rib cage. “Trust Nobody” showcases Stef’s range and her willingness to take risks with her vocal dynamics. Things slow down just a little bit in terms of tempo for “Not This Time” which was the first single from Pulling Teeth. However, the intensity and passion in this song really grabs your gut.
“Censor This” is definitely one of my favorites on the album. I had seen the video online prior to the song being released on Pulling Teeth and I just loved the unapologetic lyrics and no holds barred attitude the band expressed. “Drop the Anchor” has some intriguing musical elements to it – more of an electronic mix sound in some parts while still being the raw and real vibe City of the Weak does best.
Closing out the record is the title track, which is a two-minute instrumental piece that reminds us that while Stef with an F is an incredible frontwoman she is also backed by some brilliant musicians that complete the sound and style that City of the Weak brings to the world.
City of the Weak has a few more shows scheduled this summer. They are best known for their intensity and passion on stage, as well as their fearless personalities off the stage. I strongly encourage you to catch them live if possible.
JULY 7, 2018 SATURDAY IN THE PARK @SIOUX CITY, IA
JULY 8, 2018 7:30 PM ROCHAUS @DUNDEE, IL
JULY 21, 2018 10:07 PM THE WHAT’S UP LOUNGE @MANKATO, MN
AUGUST 8, 2018 7:00 PM MESA THEATER @GRAND JUNCTION, CO
AUGUST 10, 2018 9:00 PM NORTH STAR BAR @ROCHESTER, MN
Connect with City of the Weak online:
Official website: https://cityoftheweak.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityoftheweak/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CityoftheWeak
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityoftheweak/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChFoSo_gJ3Fv11SQPkzMx7Q
Vevo: https://www.vevo.com/artist/city-of-the-weak
