BLOCKAGE

SKRATCH MAGAZINE 

Viva Block Vegas/Aim To Please EP
Self Released

Blockage sound like what Green Day would sound like today had they not endured the Torquemada-like torture the punk community put them through and driven them completely away from punk. *cough* ...people in glass houses... *cough* ...Anti-Flag... Sorry about that, damned cough.

The Lead singer sounds uncannily like Billie Joe and that might be what is drawing the comparison, although the band sounds a little like Kerplunk-era up to Insomniac-era Green Day. Just as many people will scoff about this, I personally found this endearing. The Green Day feel doesn’t carry on as strongly onto the Viva Block Vegas LP, and it is there that they carve out a pop-punk identity of their own.

I have a lot of respect for pop-punk groups, most of them came up in the punk scene and it takes balls to perform a style universally loathed by your cohorts. So here’s to Blockage for playing the last kind of punk that actually takes balls to play. And fuck everyone else. - Green Death NyQuil (a.k.a Nitz)

PUNKROCKREVIEWS.com 

Viva Block Vegas

Blockage are best described as pop-punk n’ roll. Think Electric Frankenstein meets the Ramones and screws Billy Idol’s old band, Generation X. It’s a raw combination but works very well. Lesser musicians might have had a problem blending the slightly distorted, surging rock n’ roll guitar sound with the upbeat pop-punk tempo, but Blockage pull it off without a hitch. There are some nice guitar solos here and there that give Blockage that old school feel. However, what really sets Blockage apart from other young bands are the vocals. Sean Rowley possesses a powerful voice and knows just what to do with it. Slightly throaty, the vocals are clear, loud and contain that slight rock n’ roll influence to keep things off-balance. “Viva Block Vegas” is a nice introduction to a band that I’ll be expecting good things from in the future. Definitely a cut above the rest when it comes to unsigned talent and well worth your time. - Review By Alex

GLITTERGRRRLS.com

Viva Block Vegas

Viva Block Vegas! Need I say more? Blockage is back with the follow up to their ’01 release “Aim To Please.” When I got Blockage’s first demo release, I immediately ate up their raw, old-school driven sound. This time, the band has broadened their instrumental scope and the result? Another catchy-as-hell release from the Blockage boys! The 4th track, 200 Pages, features an awesome guitar solo from Frankie and catchier-than-ever melodies augmented by the growling voice of lead singer, Sean Rowley.

The new CD also includes two re-recorded, old, but good, Blockage tunes, “Sham” and “Plastichica”, from their demo CD, as well as a clever tribute to the late Joey Ramone, which can also be heard on the “Life Is A Gas” tribute album (Amp Records). Amidst all of the corporate pop clones, Blockage is keeping the old-school spirit alive and rockin’. - Review By Emily

MUSICTAP.net 

Viva Block Vegas

Every once in a while, you hear a band, an unsigned band, and wonder how it is that some label has not snapped them up. That’s the case with Blockage. This is an Orange County, CA band and we already know that OC breeds some pretty great bands; No Doubt and Korn to name a few. I’ve watched this band live and it exhausts me to hear the frenetic pace that they maintain. Blockage, named after a pet feline’s illness, hits the punk business directly on the nose, paying dues, and respect, to Ramones, X, and other old school punk greats.
Six songs, longer than the average punk song, especially where the Ramones were concerned but that’s OK. Because we want them to be different, to stand out and be noticed for their originality and not their perfected ability to sound like an existing or old band. A tribute band they ain’t. A perfected and original band they are.

The drum works of Juan Gutierrez is paced perfectly, spewing machine gun staccato and is complemented by the exclusive and excellent bass work of Dave Guzman. Sean Rowley’s vocals are expertly delivered with equally well executed guitar style. Frank Guzman’s guitar work is classic. And this is the CD. You should hear these guys live. Even better.

As a matter of fact, the CD is too short. But what is there is exemplary. The standout tracks, Plastichica and I Owe You Everything, a heartfelt tribute to Joey Ramone, are excellent. I Owe You Everything is reminescent entirely of Ramones material. 200 Pages appears to be the radio-ready track on this CD, with great hooks, chainsaw guitars/bass with a blissful lead. Everything is in tandem to make this a single. The other tracks rock as does the band. Go see them if you can, order a CD and hear what great post modern punk can be that has great radio potential.

Where are the labels when great bands like Blockage remain unsigned? Go figure. - Review By Matt Rowe

GIRLPUNK.net 

Viva Block Vegas

This pop-punk band from SoCal provides listeners with smooth, catchy, sing-a-long tunes that will keep you humming along for days after. Blockage is a bit edgier than your average pop-punk band. What clearly sets this band aside from the rest of their peers is the unique vocals provided by Sean Rowley. The band cites the Ramones as one their major influences but their distinct sound will prevent anyone from labeling them as a Ramones rip-off. Speaking of the Ramones, the bonus track on this release was the one the band contributed to the “Life’s A Gas: A Tribute to Joey Ramone” album. Even though Blockage has the musical stylings (catchy melodies, lots of hooks, and 3-chord guitars) that any fan of pop-punk music looks forward to, the lyrics are a bit more on the serious side than what you would expect. This is definitely worth checking out, especially if you want a change of pace without veering too far off into the experimental punk path! - Review By Jessica

SKA, PUNK and OTHER JUNK 

Viva Block Vegas

A new demo EP from Blockage, and I have one question to Blockage? Where’s the full length? These guys are really good and I can’t imagine why they aren’t signed to a label yet. The first track on the CD is really catchy and rocks! It’s called “Overtime” and you’ll be singing the lyrics to it in no time. The previous demos are good, but “Viva Block Vegas” is just as good, or even better. The vocals have a distinguished sound that makes a band sucessful, plus some catchy sing alongs, and nice guitar riffs. I liked the whole album, and wish there was more. The one song I thought stood out was “Plastichica,” which is also an intro on their website as well. There’s a bonus song at the end, “I Owe You Everything,” which is on “Life’s A Gas: A Tribute to Joey Ramone” from AMP Records. You can definitely tell that The Ramones are one of their influences. This band is going places and any punk rock fan will enjoy this. - Bryan

Blockage S/T & Aim To Please

I was quite surprised by this band. I never heard of them and when I popped this CD into the player, my head was nodding to the music. They had a similar sound to Social D and the lead singer sounds like Billy Joe of Green Day. The first track on their Demo CD is pretty rockin’ and it’s called “Less Of Me.” The third track off the Demo CD “Song You Never Knew” is really good as well. This band is very catchy and has some nice hooks in their songs. “Aim To Please” seems to have a more punkier sound than the Demo CD. “Dump That Chump” is a good example of that. Both the Demo CD and Aim to Please are great punk rock albums and definitely watch out for these guys in the future. - Bryan

PUNKERS UNITED

Viva Block Vegas

The cool thing about doing reviews for a website such as this is that every now and then a band will send you a free copy of their CD for reviewing purposes. A lot of times the CD is an abomination to the word music and makes me feel that I’ve been cheated out of a portion of my life. None of this applies to this CD though. This is the 3rd CD the kind folks at Blockage have sent me (Sidenote: this band has their shit fully together. An 8/10, some of their press and a sticker was included with the CD. Kudos to them.) and I’ve been playing it ever since. Like I said in the previous review, imagine The Ramones and Social Distortion crossed with Kiss and Cheap Trick and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what Blockage’s sound is. Catchy lyrics, thundering hooks, and a song about the late Joey Ramone to boot. I could go on for a really long time about this CD but i’ll leave it at this: there’s not a bad song on this disc (but I’d have to say “200 Pages” and “I Owe You Everything” are my favorites on it) and this band is going to be big one day. So pick up a CD now so you can say you liked them before they were cool.  - Review By Nate

Rating: ★★★★★ 

Aim To Please

Anyone who knows me also knows that I can always find something to complain about, and this CD is no exception. The damn thing only has 6 songs on it and I wanna hear more, because this punk rock outfit from California pleases and then some. These guys obviously dig The Ramones and Social Distortion, but they also throw in some Cheap Trick and KISS, putting them heads and shoulders above many clone bands. People who know me can also tell you I say “this rules” quite a bit, but I mean it more than usual this time. This album is very highly recommended. - Review By Nate

Rating: ★★★★★ 

BARFLIES.net 

Blockage S/T

Live, this band flat-out rocks - no weak links between the song writing, the band, or their stage presence. Blockage is not so well-represented on this 4-song EP, but you can hear the same elements that come across so well in a live setting - the raw energy that is missing from so many other punk bands with an affection for pop melodies. The third track on the CD, “Song You Never Knew,” is definitely the strongest and catchiest of the offerings. The 4:18 playing time could be considered long for this kind of music, but a testament to the quality of the work is that it does NOT get tired before the end. A much faster, less melodic number closes the EP, “Plastichica,” which hints at the power behind this band. Bottom line: See this band live, and hope for a label release with a bit more production value behind the deserving foursome. - Review By Yvonne Cooprider

PUNKROCKS.net 

Blockage S/T

These guys remind me of someone, but I can’t really place it.  They have a very clean pop punk sound.  They remind me a little bit of the Ataris I think.  You decide whether that’s good or bad...  I like these guys though.  Their songs are easy to sing along to and the lyrics are quite catchy.  In general, the guitar licks aren’t anything fancy for the most part, but the driving rhythms got me hooked.  One exception however, right smack dab in the middle of Song You Never Knew, there’s a pretty slick guitar solo which sounds just terrific. The vocals of this band are great.  They’d make a great sing-a-long band on stage.  Hell, the chorus of Sham was stuck in my head for days after listening to this CD. That’s gotta be worth something!

Actually, the more I listen to this CD, the more it sounds a little bit like the Ramones.  And lo and behold, according to Blockage’s bio, the Ramones are cited as a major influence.  It doesn’t have the same irreverence, but what it does have is a good solid sound which is a lot of fun to listen to.  This 4 song demo CD serves as a good introduction to what Blockage is capable of, but I don’t think it really showcases their abilities as a band as well as the other CD they sent me (Aim To Please).  

One thing that does come across on this record however is their impressive songwriting ability.  Their songs feel very well put together.  There are no gaps in the songs where it feels like something is missing.  Each song is crafted seamlessly for a pleasant music listening experience.- Reviews By Adam

Aim To Please

Right off the bat, this CD sounds more like Blockage’s big influence, The Ramones.  Dump That Chump is a little grungier than Blockage’s Demo CD with much more of an old school flavor. Then Blockage mix it up by starting off the next track with a bagpipe tune (Scotland the brave - I think...) played on guitar.  As I mentioned on the other CD, there’s wasn’t much of anything in the way of intricate guitar work.  By sharp contrast, this CD has a lot more solos and short fills which meld with the tone of the songs perfectly.

Much like the Demo CD, the songwriting on Aim To Please is terrific.  The lyrics are insightful and meaningful while the music changes moods to follow the changing theme of the vocals. Every track is well put together and generally follows the tried and true pop punk song structure.  However, Blockage aren’t just another pop punk band.  They often have a much harder edge on the music and much more melodic vocals than your average band.  Not to mention the fact that they shy away from the joking attitude of bands like Blink 182 or The Ataris or A New Found Glory.

Basically, here’s the low down on Blockage:  These guys rock.  Their music is catchy.  Their lyrics are full of hooks which you can’t escape.  Their attitude is straight up rock with a heavy dose of punk.  Definitely give these guys a listen if you happen to live in the LA area where Blockage performs regularly.  Word is that they’re even better live than on CD. -  Reviews By Adam

PUNKNET.com 

Aim To Please

I wish these guys were from St. Louis instead of LA because this CD fucking smokes and I want to see them live. Imagine The Ramones with a very strong rockabilly influence and you’ll have a pretty good idea of how Blockage sounds. The singer Sean has one of the most unique voices I’ve heard which makes this 6 song blast even better. While I’m ranting about how great this band is, the music itself is pretty good too. A lot of great hooks and leads are scattered throughout the CD. These guys are either a band you love or you hate and I’ve decided that anyone who hates it is a moron. There’s not a weak song on this CD. - Review By Nathan Maynard

Grade: A+

Blockage S/T

I listened to this after “Aim To Please” and wasn’t quite as impressed. This CD only has 4 songs on it and it’s missing a lot of the great hooks and leads that “Aim To Please” had. Not that this is a bad CD by any means though. It’s still got the strong song writing and vocals that makes me listen to “Aim To Please” so much. This CD will find it’s way into my CD player, just not as often. - Review By Nathan Maynard

Grade: B-

COOLGRRRLS.com 

Aim To Please

- and please, they do! Six songs of great melodic Punk in that SoCal style without being a sound-alike pop-punk band. Hooks, humor, it’s all here! “Dump that Chump” starts off with a wall of sound assault. “Haggis She Said” is silly punk rock in the Dickies tradition. “Don’t Be So Down on Me” is an anthem for regular guys all over, and my personal favorite “California Baby”, is great commentary on the California lifestyle done up in the appropriate surf-influenced style. I am the world’s worst record reviewer, so I don’t write them often, but when a band inspires me this much, I break my silence! Usually, I have to say “These guys are really nice” when the music stinks, but these are great guys making GREAT Music! Check ‘em out. - Review By Kitty Kowalski

IN MUSIC WE TRUST 

Blockage S/T & Aim To Please

Together just over two years this LA-based four-piece is a surprisingly tight unit blasting out tunes driven by a heavy drum beat and chunky guitars that manage to be catchy, yet aggressive and in-your face as well. Part of the band’s charm is the rawness of their sound, an element they hopefully won’t lose on their next release, which will include re-recorded versions of the ten cuts on these two discs and more.

If you like your rock with a full, meaty sound, a punk edge (think early LA punk) and a catchy, high energy groove, then give Blockage a listen. - Review By Geoff Melton

COSMIC DEBRIS MAGAZINE 

Life’s a Gas: A Tribute To Joey Ramone

Unlike many “tribute CDs,” this one doesn’t contain any actual Ramones tunes - although many bands borrow liberally from Ramones tunes - rather all 31 of these songs are about Joey Ramone. There are bands from all over the world on this, most in a Ramnonesy flavor as is to be expected, and a lot of heartfelt emotionalism about the late Ramones singer. There are songs about his legacy, like “We’ll Remember You” by The Shy Guys and “Bye Bye Joey” by Airbag, songs about the Ramones’ music like “Rock ‘n Roll Therapy” by The Mighty Gordinis and “I Owe You Everything” by Blockage, and lots more. I was really impressed by how good all these bands are, too. They really capture the spirit of the Ramones well! © 2003 - Review by Alan Wright

BE NICE TO MOMMY.com 

Life’s a Gas: A Tribute To Joey Ramone

This is a special tribute to Joey Ramone put together by the canadian Amp Records Company. There are 31 songs dedicated to the figure and the cult of the Ramones, coming from your everyday bands, many of whom are not well known. The general quality is however very good. Representing Italy there is Manges with guest vocals by Kitty of the Kowalskis, Anna & the Psychomen and the Duffers, all three of which make a great grouping. Of the most notable groups presented on the CD there are the Canadian McRackins and the American Strap-Ons and Blockage. - Review By Guru

PASTEPUNK.com 

Aim To Please
 

This California four piece handles the “rock” half of punk rock with a ton of skill and exuberance. I’m not the biggest fan of this style (see HUMPERS, ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN, NEW BOMB TURKS...) but these guys don’t cross the line into cheesy territory and focus more on creating tight songs with catchy melodies than acting out rock n roll fantasies. The lyrics are straight-forward and to the point, encompassing relationships, and the usual life situations. The six songs don’t vary too much in style or speed, but fit in nicely as mid-to-fast paced - you don’t have to worry about any crazy timing signatures or off beats here. From the press info I received on this band, they seem to be doing all the right things for a relatively young band: releasing their own music, playing tons of shows, and simply trying to get the word out. I admire their devotion, and although I’m not doing backflips from their music, it’s better than average and probably goes over real well with the bar punk crowd. I wouldn’t mind hearing more from BLOCKAGE in the future, especially since I just learned that they are recording a full length as we speak.- Review By Jordan

PUNK WILL NEVER DIE (Italian Punk Webzine)

Blockage S/T

Blockage is a band from Southern California and they play a fast pop punk music. When you listen to their songs probably you can very well identify their biggest influences. Ramones above all. Lyrics are very effective, all ready to be sung for days. Sham is one of the best songs on this EP, very well played and performed. This EP has only four songs so it’s quite difficult for me to give them a complete evaluation. - Review By RBx

Aim To Please

The first thing to say about this new Blockage record is that it’s much better than their previous demo. Blockage in a certain way have grown. You can find Ramones classic influences too but the band is moving towards its own style. Songs are a bit changed, in fact, you can find more guitar riffs and solos very well filled with the songs. Also Sean’s voice in a certain way is better than in the first demo, above all in songs like “Haggis, She Said” and “Her World and mine”. Blockage rocks and this first full length record confirms the good impression I had when I listened to them for the first time. - Review By RBx

WORLDWIDE PUNK

Blockage S/T

Blockage: 4 guys, 4 instruments, 4 songs. Rock’n’roll infused punk rock with influences that range from the Ramones and Social Distortion to Kiss and Neil Diamond. Vocals are rather country-like, guitars are 3-chord specials, yet all instruments are tight, and well performed. All in all, a pleasant CD.  - Review by Conrad

MUSICTAP.net - Review By Matt Rowe

MusicTAP's Matt Rowe visited Blockage Sunday at the Galaxy Theatre in Costa Mesa. That's in the sunny climes of Southern California. The show, headlined by The Angry Samoans, was brittle until the spectacularly pro Blockage took the stage to capture the evening. You should catch one of their shows while you can do it with a little comfort. Eventually, you'll have to battle the crowds to catch a show.

Blockage Live at the Galaxy Theatre

Blockage's show on Sunday, Sept. 22 at the cavernous Galaxy Theatre was a treat for those lucky enough to have gone. With four bands on the slate for the night and the show beginning at 7pm with a wimpy garage band that I cannot even remember, Blockage prepped for an impressive display of tight and professional music. The second band, another forgettable 'wannabe' was a bit easier to watch. Using interesting Beach Boys harmonies to augment some of their songs, that was as close as they got to any showcase of genius.

Which brings us to Blockage. Sandwiched between the first two bands and the supposed show of the evening, The Angry Samoans, Blockage went on to show everybody just what real music can and does sound like. The power amped noticeably from the first chords of the first song, "Overtime", and a happy crowd jumped right into the show. Performing an 8 song set in just half an hour, the band produced the hottest set of the night.

Led by the able leadership of Sean Rowley, a likeable, scruffy haired guitarist and lead vocalist with a strong and controlled voice, the band exhibited tact and sureness in every step of the way. The drumming by Juan Guiterrez was extraordinary and provided the tight timing that controlled the pace. The guitar fire of Frank Guzman is something to be heard. With every song, there were moments that he cloaked a hot, a very hot, guitar lick that threatened to become something otherworldly. I would love to hear him let loose. But, the restrained aspects of his playing with those teasing moments show the absolute diamond that Blockage is. And then there is the energetic bassman, Dave Guzman. His frenetic runs around the stage give the band the visual energy that their nuclear powered music showcases.

From the moment they take the stage to the moment they leave it, Blockage is up for the run. The fans know it, the band knows it, and the unfortunate showmates now know it. Blockage is the best kept secret in Southern California. But someone is going to discover just what a strong unit they are and the secret will be let out.

Just remember folks, you heard it here first... well... maybe not first but... Blockage is the real deal.

LA Music Scene - Review by Aaron Settipane

Blockage: The Anarchy Library

Headlining the Punk Rock Social at the Anarchy Library in Downey, Blockage drove home a hard-driving night of local punk rock music. Infused by poppy hooks, a no-frills delivery and an old-skool 70s-esque feel, Blockage gave justification to the otherwise unusual environment that is the Anarchy Library.

Hailing from OC, but calling themselves "SoCal's Finest Punk Fueled Rock", Sean, Juan, Dave and Frank laid down an unpretentious night of hard rock that even members of the notorious biker gang The Mongols stayed to enjoy, capping an evening of surprisingly good live rock.

COOLGRRRLS.com - Review by Franki

Blockage Live at the Galaxy Theatre

Blockage- I did mention them earlier right? How could anyone not mention them. It was a set filled with "in key" harmonies, and great lyrics. "Will I stand Tall? Will I know it all? Will I turn my head? And see it ALL?" A song called "Set In Stone"... it made me think... and what was it about? This is the cool part- they told me it was about a sculpture who wants to come to life to meet her maker. Sounds familiar to me... the girl who wants to know why my Higher Power made me the way I am... and the questions I would ask myself... ooooh, I'm tearing up here. They are playing at the Whiskey on October 29th if you're wondering. I just may see you there.

By the way, I got to talk to them (obviously) after the show and asked them some questions, they impressed me with their warmness and humbleness. And ya gotta love a group of guys who support female punk rock! Especially when they say they have a "Weakness for it". Not typical Punk Rock- think Punk Rock rooted in Rock n' Roll. JUICY!