Tracksuit We need more punk music in this world, especially today, and Red Scare Records are supplying the goods to our demand with the recently released compilation of Red Scare Across Canada: 2025. The comp features a new single from four great artists in Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds, Guerilla Poubelle, Sam Russo, and In The Meantime. Red Scare Records is basically just showing off the depth of their dynamic punk rock roster on this compilation that plays out speedily, but is ultra-rewarding to the listener on repeat spins.
Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds kick things off with “Tracksuit”, a blistering punk rock song that’s somewhere in the same vein as Social Distortion paired with Suicidal Tendencies, with equally-pleasing results. The bass-heavy track features some gravel-laced vocals from Brendan Kelly as he rallies his bandmates over the lyrics related to drinking and finding ways to cope in today’s political climate. Guerilla Poubelle keep things at a quick pace with the French title of “L’incendie, le canadair et le colibri.” The band effortlessly switches from English to French with ease in a slick punk rocker that is filled with great moments.
And because all great compilations have a ballad, Sam Russo lends his heart on his sleeve effort of “Leaving”. Russo’s gentle, yet anthemic delivery over an acoustic guitar reminded me a bit of I Am The Avalanche paired with Dashboard Confessional. Sam Russo steals the show on the back half of the 7″ here. In the Meantime closes out the record with “Old Gum” a bass guitar driven punk rock track reminiscent of early-The Ataris paired with Green Day. With so many great moments packed into a four-track 7″ compilation, one can only hope Red Scare Records continues to showcase these artists beyond the current tour in Canada.