In an era of searching for nostalgia, Boston natives Rebuilder have managed to remind us that living in the present isn’t so bad after all —and if it is, there’s always support. With their sophomore album Local Support, Rebuilder has captured what it means to persist as a local, gnarly punk band in the ever-changing world both in and outside of the music industry. The band has really stepped it up in terms of experimenting and expanding the dynamic of their sound. There’s a subtle tenderness on this record that remains present throughout, adding complexity and depth to the foundation holding up the record. A genuine record from a genuine band; Local Support shouldn’t be slept on, it’s albums like this that also continue to hold up the local scene and support like yours that keep things going.
The album opener “Hanging On A Telephone Pt 2”, is one of the catchiest songs on the whole record. The standout vocals at the start of the track, and the way the music builds around these vocals, start off the album in a really soft, beautiful way. It’s unexpected and the chorus is catchy as hell, you couldn’t ask for more from an album opener. “Hold on” is a solid follow-up track, it really sets the stage for pessimistic honesty about the state of the world with one overarching message—Hold on. Rebuilder sings “I feel more alone than I’ve ever been, it’s now or never and the future is grim,” a blatant struggle revealed throughout the song, but Rebuilder is damn sure holding on throughout Local Support. I get The Menzingers' “After The Party” vibes from the song “Another Round” and I’m not mad about that at all. I’m really into the band exploring different sounds and feelings a little more than halfway through the song—similar to how the record started, things slow down and vocals become softer really allowing the song to breathe and flourish in a new light.
One of my favorite tracks off the whole album is “Wedding Day”, reminiscent of the softer vocals, the spoken-word acoustic start of the song adds a level of intimacy within a punk song I didn’t know I needed. Plus, it’s full of 80s movie references from the likes of Say Anything and Wayne’s World to beautifully paired backing vocals from Kailynn West of the band Tiny Stills. The lyrics themselves are brutally honest and the chorus that follows might be the rawest part of the song making its repetition oddly calming. “Stayin’ Alive” lyrically gives off a strong Off With Their Heads' “Clear The Air” vibe—but in true fashion to this record, it takes a turn halfway through. Some bluesy chords are blasted while “stayin’ alive” is repeated, and ultimately the song ends with an echoed line that stuck with me throughout the entire track:
“I’m so much better than I’ve been in years / I’m so much better than I’ve been in years / I’m so much better.”
If you’re looking for a classic pop-punk feel, “Look Down Club” satisfies that need with fast chords and catchy choruses reminiscent of Blink 182 (with Tom, duh). “One Hundred Days” and “Malcom Go!” border more on classic melodic punk and are akin the most to previous Rebuilder songs making them band staples on this record. The track that’s likely to be the best song performed live goes to “Brokedowns”, a song you can really lose yourself in, “to let it out and let it in.” It feels like a little love letter to their fans, to punk music, and to themselves.
“God bless the kids that still believe in this / That still want romance / That still want to dance.”
I think finding the perfect closing track can often be a miss by bands, but Rebuilder wasn’t fucking around. “Disco Loadout” is my favorite song off of Local Support and here’s why: It starts off giving old-school country like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, but halfway through magically morphs into Less Than Jake and Streetlight Manifesto—and yet somehow still authentically sounds like the best version of Rebuilder that’s ever existed. The soft, subtle start mixed with the raw, belting vocals make this song such a force—a musically cathartic release. I want every record to end this way, with a celebration of all the feelings I just experienced.
