Shot Baker

Shot Baker definitely sound like they’re from Chicago. The influence of Naked Raygun is all over this record, and that’s a great thing. Besides aping some of West coasters American Steel’s melodic zeal, this is the kind of aggressive punk rock that the Windy City was producing in spades all through the ’80s and ’90s. It’s no surprise that everyone from Gainesville punks to Sun-Times critic Jim DeRegotis is all over this band, as Shot Baker’s sound is a compelling mixture of old, new and borrowed sounds, and an original approach that elevates songs like "Death of Illusion” above the current crop of melodic hardcore. With enough hooks to satisfy fans of early Alkaline Trio and enough piss’n’vinegar to keep the interest of Pegboy lovers, Take Control is one solid record.