Chubby and the Gang are no longer a band, but that doesn’t mean Chubby has stopped creating worthwhile art. And yet, EZ8’s first EP seemingly came out of nowhere, released right before the first show of the band. Ten months later, there is a proper debut from the band, now called The Easy Eight. Comprised of musicians from the London punk scene, including members of The Chisel, Arms Race, Stingray and Last Affront, they sound like the Misfits rocking hard, as melodic as they are melancholic, with Chubby’s vocals full of fire and feeling.

The Easy Way Out, which is available for pre-order and will be out on LP at Static Shock Records in a couple of weeks, has the four songs from last year’s EP and four brand-new ones. Those new songs kick off with 19.15.19, which may be the most straightforward catchy punk rock can get and even comes with a kickass solo. It is an anthem that should be taught in rock-‘n’-roll high school. But most songs here have the potential to become the next earworm.

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