Going from one of the biggest names yet contributing to their Drunk Dial Single Series for issue 12 (Gentleman Jesse!) to the least known for #13 (Keddies Resort?) is a bold move by Drunk Dial Records. However, Keddies Resort (Portland) repay the confidence of label head Jordan Stamm in full. Not just because the band decided to record two originals and two covers instead of the series’ standard one of each, but also due to the quality of each track. I was unaware of Keddies Resort before, but this single made me check out their 2023 KYST album (now streaming everywhere) and this band is definitely one to watch.

Let’s start with the two originals. Left Side Of My Radio is no drunk take on the Replacements’ Left Of The Dial, nor does Death From Above sound like the band that goes by that name (D.F.A. 1979). Instead, both tracks deliver garage pop punk that evoke comparisons to Outtacontroller, as well as bands like Wavves and Bass Drum Of Death. The B-side consists of two covers. First up, there’s a surprisingly faithful rendition of Captain Beefheart’s I’m Glad. The second cover is of a song that’s been tackled by several punk bands before: The Vapors’ Turning Japanese. My personal favorite is still No Use For A Name’s version, but Keddies Resort surpass any cynicism (“not this one again!”) with their refreshing update of the song.

For a bold label decision, this experiment sure worked out well. Cool new band, great continuation of the series, everyone’s a winner!

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp