ALBUM REVIEW: THE CREASE RULE'S ACCEPTABLE ROT
Our own Simon Marshall Reviews The Crease Rule's New EP 'Acceptable Rot'
Posted By Ben Rispin
Feb 25 2025
Review By Simon Marshall
The Crease Rule, a five-piece punk band from the Toronto suburbs has released their new E.P., "Acceptable Rot". Catch The Crease Rule live in Hamilton on March 6th, Aylmer March 7th, and Toronto March 8th all shows with Burning Out. Tickets available through fannatickets.com
LISTEN: THE CREASE RULE - ACCEPTABLE ROT
According to the band's bio, "session playing and side-guy-ing" had paid the bills for years.
However, these hockey loving musicians decided sometime shortly before the global pandemic that it was time to throw back some beers and write punk songs instead of invoices.
"Acceptable Rot" consists of eight tracks that were self-produced by the band themselves at their North Bay Studio, Landline Studios.
The band's approach to song writing is refreshingly simple, with tracks like "Chris was on the piss", built around just four chords and a catchy chorus that repeats a couple of times throughout the song. The track tells the story of a guy named Chris getting dragged out of the dance by his pants, and it's a fan favourite.
"Town league" follows suit, with lyrics like "Town league celebratories, small time fame and glory" over simple yet effective guitar riffs. It could be their most "Canadian" sounding track yet.
The band doesn't shy away from their heavier side either. "Breakfast Beers" and "Lifetime Chondriac", are both packed with skatepunk riffs, drum fills, double kick, and breakdowns, reminiscent of Four Year Strong or A Day to Remember.
Bonus points to the band for "Charlie's America song", a hilarious parody of Charlie Day's character from "It's always sunny in Philadelphia".
The album's closing track, "Stardaddy", perfectly encapsulates their style, as vocalist Kyle Hohmann sings, "Make me a star please daddy, down in music city. I got an outfit that fits the old, an ice cold beer in the console", merging small-town dreams with punk swagger.
Overall, "Acceptable Rot" is a solid release. I wouldn't have been upset however, if the band had written an extra part or two for "Chris was on the piss" and "Charlie's America song" as each clock out at less than two minutes. The intro track also feels a bit unnecessary. Nevertheless, members of The Crease Rule have already imprinted themselves on the fabric of the Country music community and there is no reason why "Acceptable Rot" can't have the same impact in the punk scene.
To put things in perspective, Kyle Hohmann has a background in country music, having toured for years as the tour manager for Nashville's award-winning artist Josh Ross. Meanwhile, bassist Brent Fortin and drummer Brian Chiarcos are current members of the Washboard Union, a Juno Award-winning Canadian Roots Country band. Their country music background helped shape their sound, which now blends that influence with their punk sensibilities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Simon Marshall is a Project Manager who resides in Hamilton, Ontario with his wife and two daughters. He plays drums in the punk band Adelleda and is actively involved in the Southern Ontario music scene.
SHARING IS CARING
