Cheap Tragedies note that they formed shortly after the members ran into each other at this summer's Gorilla Biscuits reunion tour in Cleveland. Given this fact and their extensive collective resume of previous bands, one may be concerned that their current project might serve as nothing more than a nostalgia piece - worthy in its own right, but without any of the urgency and passion that keeps even the most simplistic forms of hardcore music relevant from generation to generation. Those fears are quickly cast aside as the disc shreds from start to finish. In addition to the great songwriting, vocalist Tony Erba leaves us with some of his most interesting lyrics to date. They are introspective without sacrificing his usual wit and rage. On "Going, Going, Gone (Vanishing Americana)" he eulogizes a disappearing era of life in Cleveland and transitions into denouncing religion on "(My Boss Ain't No) Jewish Carpenter" by way of a reference to a 1980's wrestling legend.
Erba described Cheap Tragedies as "early Revelation stuff meets Gordon Solie Motherfuckers [Erba's previous band]-very Gorilla Biscuits-esque" when talking to local newsweekly the Cleveland Scene. His description is dead on. This demo is loaded with fast riffs combined with the melodic hardcore sound found on the oft-worshipped early Revelation classics. What descriptions of the band's sound fail to capture is how fresh these songs sound. Erba delivers his vocals as aggressively as ever, punctuating the riffs and breakdowns perfectly, and the rest of the band has crafted catchy songs that standout by having strong hooks and memorable changes. The songs have the urgency and hunger of kids just getting into hardcore, but are played with the precision of veterans.
As someone who loves Cleveland punk and hardcore along with many of the members' previous bands, I had high expectations when I first heard about Cheap Tragedies. This demo does not disappoint. With a show schedule that included appearances at both Horrible and For Real Fest, I suggest you get in touch with the band and pick the demo up before it's gone. Cleveland bands often get ignored early on only to develop a cult following later down the road. Don't miss out.
