W.H. Walker

Suds!

Self-released 2010

Portland's doo-wop punkers W.H. Walker dropped this seven song taster in my lap.  Hitting with the title-track immediately, a whimsical pop-punk romp that brings to mind a rockier Ramones, especially in the chorus.  The intentionally noisy garage-rock track As the Night Goes from the upcoming split with Clorox Girls has a pounding immediacy that lends a live feeling to the song.  Watch your Step pulses like a rougher 60s rock song, like a bar-room version of Richie Valens.  The impulse to shred the dance floor, swinging your girlfriend around pulses through your body like the song's bassline pulses through your ears.  On the other hand, The Untold death of Grady Jones is a mournful, yet poppy song that sways like it drifted in, straight out of the 50s, zero updating needed.  In stark contrast is the 70s stomping punk anthem that levels a slim dose of Rolling Stones in its arsenal of raucous notes.  My favorite track though is the album's closer, Second Hand Store.  Catchy and earnest, the song has echoes of the harmonious past of bubblegum teenage love songs from the 50s.  The vocals are infectious and the track exudes just enough danger to warrant the pop-punk leanings that so effortlessly blend with these musically historic roots.  Though this comparison might not be obvious, to me it's like Buddy Holly meets Gameface.  If you like rearward looking but nostalgically modern pop-punk, then W.H. Walker will set your toes a-tappin'.