Woohoo — The Vains are back with a classic blast of old-school punk. Now going by N.E. Vains (that’s New England or North Eastern, depending on whether you ask the four Americans or the lone Canadian), the band’s new album Running Down Pylons is out now on LP at Big Neck Records. It packs eleven songs, including five from their 2022 EP.

N.E. Vains excel at cranking out 100-second rippers with that “should I be worried for my safety?” live punk energy — but they’ve got a sense of humor, too. T.J. Boots’ opening line on Kicked Off the VPN had me spitting out my coffee. It’s just one of many highlights on an album full of them.

There’s a Do You Love Me-era Heartbreakers swagger to Time For You, and those older EP cuts (My Ammunition, Worn Out in You) still sound ridiculously catchy. Running Down Pylons is punk stripped to its essentials — speed, snarl, and a grin that knows better.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp