With a name like Gaggle of Cocks, aside from being a PR’s nightmare, you would think this band would deliver skull crushing throw-back, metal flavored hard rock sounding like a combination of Black Sabbath meets The Melvins with a hint of Corrosion Of Conformity, and you would have guessed right! Gaggle of Cocks have been around for quite sometime and have been pushing their exclusive blend of heavy punk for well over a decade. Their 2008 debut album American Trash, was probably one of the better albums of that era in terms of harder edge rock.
A few albums later, Gaggle of Cocks are back with a new digital single Seconds From Disaster on Indie Pulse Music featuring two previously unreleased tracks. All of the gruff, heavy guitars, no-nonsense vocal performance, and the thunderous rhythm section that made previous releases complete, are here in all their gritty glory, delivering the kind of you music that begs to played at a volume that grants you a visit from the authorities compliments of your prudish neighbors. “Blind Roger” combines the attitude of Hatebreed and the intensity of Green Jelly, all into one song that is just catchy as it is dangerous. The B-side, “Smoke” channels that same intensity with a sort of sluggish dirge reminiscent of Alice In Chains, making it a dirty jam that’s makes me wish there were more tracks on this digital release.
The best part of part of this digital EP is the fact that 100% of proceeds of the sales of the release will be donated to Children’s Disease Research and Treatment. This charitable cause proves that hard rock and punk music isn’t always about anti-establishment, violence, and/or being offensive. It can also be about helping others in need. It’s a great feeling to support a band and indie label who are willing to donate profits to a cause that will help the future generation of music lovers.
Without sounding preachy or like I’m in search of a make-shift sponsor or anything, the charity aspect of this release makes this EP worth checking out, even if gritty hard rock isn’t your ‘thing’. In a business that relies so much on financial stability, it’s sort of a breath of fresh air to see something like this without the self-righteous flowery, emotional productions that some fundraisers end up being at times. As if the gift of music isn’t an incentive enough, your dollar goes further than supporting a band’s art, it goes towards saving someone’s life. Rock n Roll and saving lives on the same bill? What more can you really ask for?
To purchase Seconds From Disaster and make a donation, visit Indie Pulse Music bandcamp page.
For more information on Gaggle of Cocks, visit their official Facebook page.