What kind of unlikely spawn results from combining the social and political consciousness of Propagandhi with the metal riffage of Strung Out and the melodic West Coast punk of NOFX? The answer to that question became instantly clear the day I received Fat Wreck Chords' new release by Compton five-piece Pour Habit.

For the most part, Pour Habit’s Got Your Back reminds me of the type of punk that drew me into the scene at some point between the early and mid ‘90s. Of all the bands I listened to at that time – some of whom I still listen to today, in fact – Pour Habit’s sound reminds me mostly of Strung Out. Back then, when I got my hands on Fat Wreck’s Survival of the Fattest comp, it wasn’t surprising to learn that Pantera is one of Strung Out’s influences, with their metal riffs, and with their slightly thrashy and yet melodic punk chord progressions and pummeling drumbeats. Similarly, it wouldn’t surprise me if Slayer turned out to be one of Pour Habit’s influences…or even more modern artists like Between the Buried and Me and Fear Before the March of Flames. But it’s not quite that simple, as I wouldn’t be surprised if Bob Marley was also an influence, considering a couple songs on Got Your Back, like “Party” and “Conscience Mind of Revelation,” which clearly go in dub and reggae directions. And there is even something about a song or two which brings to mind Bad Religion’s No Control period, specifically and especially “Head in the Clouds (Danny’s Song).”

Pour Habit’s members are Chuck Green (vocals), Matt Hawkes (guitar), Colin Walsh (drums), Eric Walsh (guitar, vocals), and Steve Williams (bass, vocals). A very talented bunch with loads of chemistry, whose songs are both tight and original.

Pour Habit’s Got Your Back was officially released on April 12, 2011, on CD and vinyl and digital download formats. There were only a limited 330 on blue-colored vinyl, which sold out quickly and are no longer available. There are still some on black vinyl, however...while supplies last, anyway. CDs aren’t likely to run out any time soon, I imagine. And for you ultra-modern iPod-using kids out there, you can download all thirteen tracks or select individual songs to listen to through your little ear buds or whatever. Just go to the store section of Fat Wreck's website. By now I bet you can even pirate the album from a handful of sources on the worldwide web, since that’s sadly how things seem to go these days. But if you think you're more punk for pirating a copy, alas, you are mistaken; it's far more punk to support your favorite independent and underground bands and singer/songwriters by purchasing their albums. After all, that's how they keep doing what they do.