No need to introduce Roger Miret. But perhaps the Disasters need a short introduction. Miret gathered a few talented punk buddies to record and perform this self titled album with Johnny Rioux on bass (formerly The Bruisers), Johnny Kray (formerly The Krays, Rel-X) on drums and Rhys Kill on guitar. Roger Miret really must have enjoyed the time he played with his wife in the band Lady Luck. The first time he strayed off the hardcore path he took in 1982 with Agnostic Front. He now releases ‘Roger Miret and the Disasters’. A little rock and roll and a lot of old fashioned street punk.

14 Down to earth anthems on this disc. Street punk with an old fashioned raunchy vibe, most of it thanks to Roger Miret’s vocals. Not as aggressive as his vocals for Agnostic Front but still very recognizable. Influences go way back in time, obviously, but current bands like Rancid and Dropkick Murphys (drummer Matt Kelly played drums in Roger Miret and the Disasters) are also an influence on the band’s sound.

Lack of originality is no issue here. All the songs fit perfectly in the street punk mold. But it’s not about that. The vibe is real and the attitude is there. Plus the album guarantees a good time, especially in a live situation and that’s what it’s all about. Sing along with ‘Run Johnny Run’ and ‘Kiss Kiss Kill Kill’. Join the choir on ‘It’s Alright’ and climb on the stage for some back up vocals during ‘New York Belongs To Me’. Listen to how the lyrics deal with everyday bullshit and the problems life sometimes throws around.

All in all Roger Miret proved once again to be valuable, not only for the hardcore scene, but for music in general. As long as he keeps making music the way he does with Roger Miret and the Disasters and of course Agnostic Front, you won’t hear me complain.