New York-based band SKATERS released another single from the upcoming album Manhattan earlier this week. Although now New Yorkers at heart, two of the band members – singer, Michael Ian Cummings, and drummer, Noah Rubin (both formerly of local band The Dead Trees) – grew up in Newton, MA. While the nod to their home state in the title of this beautifully punked-up unrequited love song, “Miss Teen Massachusetts,” warms the hearts of local fans, they don’t need any help impressing listeners. “Miss Teen Massachusetts” highlights the band’s characteristic angular guitar and catchy lyrics reminiscent of The Strokes and The Walkmen. Cummings’ vocals, which are by no means typically punk, but rather effortlessly natural, provide an almost admirable longing – a sort of harsh wistfulness. The song combines the best qualities of 60’s pop and early punk to create a simultaneously dreamy and hard sound, reaching a golden mean of high energy and mild calm. Manhattan, the band’s first full-length album, which was recorded in Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios in New York, is scheduled for release this February. In the meantime, check out “Miss Teen Massachusetts.” Dig it, Devils.
BHS Devils' Playlist 
Leave a Reply