Review / 200 Words Or Less
Damages
Scars

Clue #2 (2009) Michael

Damages – Scars cover artwork
Damages – Scars — Clue #2, 2009

About this time last year I received a 7" from a band named All Through a Life. That 7" contained a welcome surprise of D.C. inspired hardcore. Well apparently they are no longer a band, but a couple of the members have reconvened in Damages.

Scars essentially picks up where the members left off with their previous band. Damages still draw heavy inspiration from the likes of Fugazi and Embrace, but there are also hints of noise punk bands like Shellac and Unwound found here. The two songs of this 7" are rooted in the angular riff and methodical rhythms of the early 90's and the vocals are almost a dead ringer for Ian MacKaye; it's uncanny.

Damages have started off on the right foot. I definitely hope they last longer than one 7" though. It would be a shame to waste the talent.

8.0 / 10Michael • December 10, 2009

Damages – Scars cover artwork
Damages – Scars — Clue #2, 2009

Related news

Prepare for Punitive Damages

Posted in Records on September 25, 2022

Recently-posted album reviews

Miller Lowlifes

Pinch Hitters
ADD Records (2025)

The debut album from Florida punk band Miller Lowlifes features a vintage baseball theme, best enjoyed with a can of cheap domestic beer in hand. The metaphor fits, as Pinch Hitters focuses on the American dream -- and where it stands in 2025. The vintage educational TV audio clips add to this past-meets-present theme. It's an album that's equally about … Read more

Art Brut

Sorry, That It Doesn't Sound Like It's Planned! Battling Satan, 2009 - 2020
Edsel Records (2025)

I’ve never reviewed a box set before but Art Brut released my favourite sprechgesang anti-art-punk album of the early aughts so I figured I’d give it a go. 2005’s Bang Bang Rock & Roll placed Art Brut among the “Art Wave” scene but was more post-punk revival than “Indie Sleaze”. Argos has cited Jonathan Richman and Axl Rose as his … Read more

The Slow Death

No Light To See
Don’t Sing Records (2025)

Few bands have as fitting a name as The Slow Death. They play forlorn, self-deprecating punk that’s heavily influenced by lonesome country. The music itself is more driving and punchy, but many of the lyrics would fit just well in a somber old-timey country ballad. It’s forceful music that punches inward instead of at The Man. The first song is … Read more