Filthy Thieving Bastards

The third release from yet another collection of punk rock "superheroes,” Filthy Thieving Bastards’ I’m A Son Of A Gun is the collaborative effort of Swingin’ Utters members Johnny Bonnel, Darius Koski and Spike Slawson (who’s more infamous as the front-man for punk rock cover band Me First and the Gimme Gimmes) as teamed up with drummer/producer Randy Burk. Creating true pub-oriented songs, these Bastards revel in storytelling over intimate, low-key music that is as endearing as it is catchy. Elements of acoustic Jane’s Addiction unite with the loose approach of Pavement doing their best Bouncing Souls/Celtic-influenced interpretation, with a touch of worldly elements via bongo drums and harmony lines. It all coagulates far better than one would imagine, with the songs being upbeat enough to feel enjoyable yet stopping short of reaching into oi or Dropkick Murphys-ish territory where testosterone tends to overtake the folk elements. Inspired yet intimate, I’m A Son Of A Gun is bona fide artistry in a scene rampant with unoriginality.