Serious or not, one of the most striking contributions to the extensive Green Day Tribute compilations came from Alex Kasznel & the Board of Directors; BoDSM is a nod to the band name abbreviation, but above all a medley of BDSM-themed titles like Blood, Sex, & Booze and Dominated Love Slave (I hear “All dressed up and bound and gagged up to a chair” and suddenly the frontman’s tie makes more sense). Although more explicit than expected, we shouldn’t be surprised (in our review of last December’s Kitchencore 7″, we compared their pop punk for grownups—euphemism for adult content?—to Green Day), but we’re glad that there is also a new release with five original songs.

Opening track Unnatural Selection is on familiar ground, but after that, the Cincinnati musicians broaden their sound. This applies most of all to Minor League (possibly the heaviest thing yet, thanks in part to Kris Thiele’s screams), and to closer Fake Banter for the Intro (possibly the most subdued music to date, Americana with Keith Humphrey on pedal steel). Behind the wit lies a band with the chops to back it up. It’s time to take the BoD seriously.

The Burden of Proof is out digitally and on CD through Air Quotes Records. Featuring Alex Kasznel (guitar, vocals), Heather Alene (bass, vocals), DM (guitar, vocals), and Ohio Pete (drums, percussion), with Victor Brame (narration), Kris Thiele (screaming), and Keith Humphrey (pedal steel) on one track.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp