All Lesser Devils CD/EP
Down With The Roads Split 7inch
Make America Strong CD
Sweet Merciful Crap...It's The Thumbs 7"
Sprague Dawley Rats 7"
The Thumbs LP
Live Reviews
"All Lesser Devils CD/EP" Reviews
Hit List VOL 2/#3 "All Lesser Devils" CD/EP (Adeline)
Seven sweet, and all too short, blasts of adrenaline-soaked punk rock. Flawlessly-played sore throat angry melodies, with just the right sloppy/shambolic edge. DILINGER FOUR spring to mind, or a more raucous PINHEAD GUNPOWDER. The only downer is the SMITHS cover. Who needs it? (RK)
Buddyhead Website "All Lesser Devils" CD/EP (Adeline)
Maybe I'm just out of the loop, or maybe I lived in ohio for four years, but I had never heard of THE THUMBS prior to receiving All Lesser Devils in the mail. THE THUMBS are officially my new favorite band and will remain that way for at least two more weeks. They sound kind of like a fast version of Hot Water Music. On the last track of All Lesser Devils THE THUMBS give proof of the fact that they can rock by covering one of the biggest wussies of all time, Morrissey. Trust me, Nate and I saw him once, he is one of the biggest wussies of all time. Anyway, THE THUMBS version of Let Me Get What I Want shows how capable and strong THE THUMBS really are. Also, I'll bet that they wouldn't hesitate to kill you with their bare hands. --Tyler Kord
RATS IN THE HALLWAY "All Lesser Devils" CD/EP (Adeline)
THE THUMBS - All Lesser Devils CDWhen I was in England and someone asked me 'hey who are the Thumbs?' -- I casually responded 'Gods'. When I threw in this newest CD by them I wasn't holding my breath because I knew that they wouldn't let me down. And they sure as hell haven't. It was Big Andy in England who asked me what made them 'gods' I responded that it was their unusual vocals that twist and writhe around until the vocals become back-up vocals and the back-up vocals come to the forefront--then everything would switch again. This still holds true on this CD. This album, however, is a little bit more mixed up then their previous ones, as it showcases some slower songs, some faster songs, and some fast fucking FAST songs. The second time I listened to it, I fell deeper in love. Once again, the Thumbs ice their excellent cake with some great artwork. Only two complaints, and the first one is a rather large one: 1) This release is only an itsy-bitzy (but heavenly) 7 songs which weigh in at just over 10 mins of pure bliss--not nearly enough to satisfy my Thumbs addiction. I woulda loved some more tracks. 2) You'll go blind trying to read the lyrics. Oh fucking well. All-in-all? Well . . . Heavenly. Beautiful. Buy it. For you. For your friends. CONSUME THIS CD NOW. MiB (Adeline)
Zero Magazine,October 2000- "All Lesser Devils" CD/EP (Adeline)
The Thumbs' disc is the way punk rock should be --short, sweet, aggressive, with strong back up vocals and simple yet poignant guitar chops. When I first heard the CD, I was floored by this bands ability to hit one over the head with their blunt, in your face, style of punk. All Lesser Devils clocks in at about 10 or 15 minutes, which is perfect because it left me thinking, I want to hear more. The bands sound reminded me very much of early Adolescents and RKL. The title track leads off this music assault, while pounding tracks like "Ribbon Men" and "The Citizen" carries the rest of the disc. I am not sure where the Thumbs are from, but if you see them listed at a local club or venue, check them out. -Josh Joesten
MRR #208- "All Lesser Devils" CD/EP (Adeline)
Have I mentioned lately that I hate political bands? Yeah, politics makes me sleepy. While THE THUMBS ponder a way to stick it to the Man and identify whats wrong with the world....I'm trying to figure out if I'll have enough money for food and records next month. Not to belittle their rebellion, it's just I can't get into the problems of a society while struggling to solve my own headaches. Musically...eh, this ain't awlful, but it ain't my thing either. HOT WATER MUSIC and D4 meets the working class. (BM)
MRR #208- "All Lesser Devils" CD/EP (Adeline)
I just started listening to these guys- per their tradition, the ragged melodic sound here doesn't snap to any handy format-it just sincerely rocks. The Baltimore area tio delivers, critical, sharp lyrics in a tuneful package. They're currently on their sixth US tour-check out a show. (AC)
Willamette Weekly- All: Problematic (Epitaph) vs. The Thumbs: All Lesser Devils (Adeline)
Is there a sadder spectacle than aging dudes trying to rock juvenile pop-punk? All's three-chords-and-a-snotrag sound was dated 10 years ago, and Problematic isn't exactly bleeding artistic growth. Baltimore blazers The Thumbs show punk-rock right from wrong with seven sawed-off anthems of disaffection. In contrast to All's period pieces, this is an immediately effective dose of riot rock. Songs about Civil War strife in Baltimore and ye olde personal betrayal drive the Thumbs deep into their eye sockets of choice.
A&A #202- "All Lesser Devils" CD/EP (Adeline)
The ThumbsAll Lesser Devils EP (Adeline) Seven songs, 11 minutes. Talk about crammin' as much punk as possible into a small space. The Thumbs have that tuneful snotnose sound down, with a somewhat reckless delivery. And that's okay. In fact, it's desired. These Annapolis boys don't have many refinements on their side. The playing is ragged and the writing is fairly basic. So give it your all and see what happens. Here? Well, the disc is more than listenable. There's a great electric vibe. A lot of energy. I don't know how this would sustain over a whole album. The writing would have to get more consistent. But as a snack? Boy, this sure satisfies.
"Down With The Roads Split 7inch" Reviews
MRR issue 209-Oct 2000- "Thumbs/Jack Pallance Band split 45" (A.D.D.)
Two bands that play fun punk rock a la' Dillinger Four. Both have slightly off-time song structures and solid lyrics. Especially THE THUMBS, whose releases seem to be getting better and better. THe vocals on THE JACK PALLANCE BAND seemed a little weird, but it could be due to the fact that the vinyl is really warped. (JF)
Hitlist #1- "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk)
Fuck, Yeah Maryland! First off I have to say that I have a personal prejudice against any band that makes lyrical references to the internet, but I was able to overcome my bigotry because this release is pretty darn good. The CD delivers 12 cuts that remind me of Dag Nasty, later Husker Du, and Samiam. Interestingly diverse lyrics delivered with layered vocals and inventive melodies by dual singers.(JP)
Subversion #6- "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk)
Fuck, this shit rules! They bust out of the gates playing incredible punk that had me hooked right away. Their sound is a culmination of fast and furious punk with a slight emo edge to the vocals, and quite a knack for catchy lead guitar work. The reason I dug this band so much is that their emoish dual vocals are in no way whiny and their guitars are hard but mix in great pop hooks. They also incorporate powerful sing along choruses into their already incredibly catchy songs. I was pretty amazed by this record. Their sound is such a great combination of all the best things in pop punk, emo, and fast melodic punk that I can't see anyone not digging this album. I think this is one of the stronger records out this year and have nothing but praise for this exceptional band.MRR #182- "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk)
A great full length from this punk/pop band with emo overtones. I dug their 12" and 7", so this is no surprise. Fans of FRACTURE and maybe even PROPAHANDHI will like this hyper release. Not a weak release yet from these guys. Recommended. Top 10 in this issue as well!Midget Breakdancing Digest #8- "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk) This record marks one of the only times I've been truly excited for a record to come out. And this record completely delivered. Great, intense punk with some emo and pop influences. Layered vocals, catchy guitar work, and songs with a tendency to stick with you all day. If you like punk, chances are you'll like The Thumbs. The highlights were "Bombsight Gabriel", and "Looking For The Cure", but there's not a hint of a dud in the bunch.
Rats In The Hallway #8- "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk) Every time he screams out I hold back a tear of happiness and am thankful that the song ends and goes to another so that I can start it all over again. It's weird, I guess a combination of chords will do that to you, you know throw a lump in your throat. You could pretend that you've never heard of The Thumbs, no, pretend that you despise their music and then listen to this and forget any preconceived notion of happiness that you ever held.
Going Nowhere #5- "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk)
By far the best release from this amazing D.C. area band. They rock through 12 on their 2nd full length. The Thumbs contain members of Pee Tanks and Rubber Sole. This release is definitely not to be missed with their blend of melody and catchiness with speed and fury.Double Decker #2- "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk)
This is the long awaited debut CD by these DC influenced boys. It encompasses all of that DC influence stuff, kinda like DC heroes, Dag Nasty and Fugazi crossed with The Descendants. Good stuff.Skyscraper #2- "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk)
Melodic hardcore, with pop punk tendencies, that hovers somewhere around Dag Nasty and 7 Seconds. Upbeat music and scratchy sung vocals combine into snappy songs. The Thumbs provide room for a sing along or two, and keep the lyrics between the personal and social commentary. Their lyrics are actually rather well written and interesting. The songs on Make America Strong stick to a pretty steady formula of fast melodic hardcore, which isn't a bad thing at all. The Thumbs are quite enjoyable.Hot Cherry #3- "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk)
After a great seven inch The Thumbs return to serve up a full length. This is great not so common melodic pop punk. At times reminds me of Jawbreaker and at other times J Church. Meanwhile it still remains so original and creative. This just goes from beginning to end and it doesn't get tiresome.X-tra #20- "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk)
4 piece pop punk out of Washington D.C. The songs are very catchy. Very clear lyrics. Hey I can actually understand what they are saying and they're punk. One other full length release. This CD rips through 12 songs that are just full of energy. "Blacklisted" is an awesome song. Great CD.MRR issue #182- The Thumbs "Make America Strong!" cd (Soda Jerk)
A great full length from this punk/pop band with emo overtones. I dug their 12" and 7", so this is no surprise. Fans of FRACTURE and maybe even PROPAGANDI will like this hyper release. Not a weak release yet from these guys. Recommended. (RL)
note: the cd made his top ten also.Lumberjack Distribution- The Thumbs "Make America Strong!" cd (Soda Jerk)
The brand new album from the Thumbs!! Imagine crossing early Jawbreaker, Dillenger 4, and Dag Nasty. Ultra-catchy, fast pop-punk but more mature sounding than many of the bands in this genre. Catch them on their summer tour!D.C. Scene website- The Thumbs "Make America Strong" LP (Soda Jerk)
The Thumbs "Make America Strong" LP (Soda Jerk Records) Personally, I would consider the Thumbs the most important band in the DC/Baltimore scene and with "Make America Strong" and a recent nine week U.S. tour, they can definitely make a case for becoming one of the nation's strongest punk bands. All types of punk rock can be heard when listening to any one Thumbs song, making them virtually unclassifiable. They'll bust into a tempo change midway through a song in a quick and unpredictable manner and songs like "Looking For the Cure" and "Fall at Your Feet" are just two examples of that. What's always amazed me about this band is the way they can trade off lead vocals between three guys in any one song (It's done in most of their songs). They don't slack in the lyric department either. You definitely get the feeling a lot of thought and emotion are put into them and best of all, they're intelligent lyrics. If you don't know who the Thumbs are or don't own any of their music, take notice now. *10* (Eric of the Beat-Me-Ups)Megatunes Website- The Thumbs "Make America Strong" CD (Soda Jerk)
Once again, eagerly anticipated and not disappointing. After hearing their "Sweet Merciful Crap" seven incher on this label, I realized that this band was one of the best kept secret around. It sounds like old Dag Nasty mixed with everything but the kitchen sink. The Thumbs also use three way split vocals which always scores big brownie points with me. A full-blown favorite destined to be one of the heavyweight champs on the year-end list. (Brock)
"Sweet Merciful Crap..." Reviews
from Music Journalism Archives-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
The Thumbs--Sweet Merciful Crap!--review written by and copyright Aaron J. Poehler The Thumbs Sweet Merciful Crap! It's... 7" (Soda Jerk Records) The Thumbs cram five quality tunes onto this 7-inch without even having to run the thing at 33 rpm. It helps the songs that they don't seem to be trying to do anybody else's 'thing'; instead, what they come up with is a more natural blend that doesn't immediately call to mind any other band. If pressed for a comparison I'd have to say that Sweet Merciful Crap! (a title swiped from The Simpsons) most closely resembles early Soul Asylum--really early Soul Asylum, before they were on any label besides Twin/Tone. It also helps that the Thumbs have put some thought, feeling, and insight into the lyrics without compromising the brutal drive of the music. An example, from "Homecoming": "Last night I went to the punk rock show. Can you guess what I saw?/Nothing new. Another elitist proving ground, where fashion's still the law...Just another hero quarterback with a silly prefab name/What's the difference? It might as well be homecoming." Another example, from "Fur": "The guy in the back seat dropped the dog out the door/A disposable toy they didn't want anymore...That's just the one I saw, I thank god I can't see what happens to them all/But when they say god watches everybody, it seems to me they lied". Hey, not too shabby for a punk-rock group that seems to be growing out of the cliquish punk rock scene. "Thumbs" up on this one. --Aaron J. Poehler
MRR #172-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
I was into these guys' recent 12" and this smokes too. Rough pop punk with emo tendencies. Along the ways of early JAWBREAKER and DAG NASTY. Is this a post-FRACTURE group? Anyways, five tunes well worth your money. Melodic stuff with power and emotion. Cool.(RL)Slug +Lettuce #51-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
Pop punk with catchy energy and multiple vocal layers. I don't like it.IMPACT PRESS-Oct/Nov 97-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
This is great, energetic poppy punk. It's up-tempo to mid-tempo with excellent vocals and some cool changes. I am really impressed by the creativity and playing ability of this band. This is well worth checking out. Oh, they're from Maryland, in case you care.ROCKTOBER #20-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
Thumb kind of wonderful!PUNK PLANET #22-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
The Thumbs mix a little bit of emo, little bit of pop, and a little bit of punk, and create an ok sound with it. It's simply another one of those records that you can't really say anything bad about, other than it just doesn't strike a chord in my punk rock soul. As with most of the records in this lot, it seems that the folks spent more time polishing their playing skills than coming up with interesting music.(TOM)F.O.E. #38-"Sweet Merciful Crap..." 7" (Soda Jerk)
Excellent melodic punk with an early Lookout Records vocal style.(FOE)RECALCITRANT #1-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" Soda Jerk
Can I marry you guys? At least live with you forever? The Thumbs picked up Mike the singer from the Pee Tanks. Good move. Love his voice and damn, do they entertain for hours. I really wouldn't mind listening to this over and over. Wait... I already do. I think this is one of the best Soda Jerk releases yet.(SA)SUBPULSE #4-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
Well, in the bio they say that this band is emo/punk, but it sounds just like pop-punk to me, with a little more of an East Coast edge to it. Sounds something like if Dillinger Four were from D.C., but not quite as good. It's not bad though and sounds some what original, but it doesn't really catch my ear too much. I guess I was hoping to get blown away an, but just got tilted backwards instead. Not bad, but it doesn't really stand out from the crowd.(Daniel)BRUSHBACK #6-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
This is one of those cool punk rock singles that you play two or three times in a row the first time you put it on, because it's so good--all the songs on here are catchy as hell, like a mix of H2O and Everready, with some speedy almost-thrash songs and slower sing-along ones,too. If you've ever loved punk rock at all in your life, then there is not much you could find wrong with this one.BAD STAIN #4-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
Unique punk rock, like a mixture od melodic hardcore and pop punk with a little bit of emo thrown in. Cool looking cover and wow, it even comes with a lyric sheet! this is too good to be true. (MB) Grade AA PUNK KID WALKS INTO A BAR #9- "Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
Yeah! This is like early Dag Nasty, the bio says, and you know what? They're not too far off. Gruff punk with lots of different singing going on at once and all kinds of tempo changes and different parts to the songs. There is not a boring moment on this 7"- I want to see if they can keep it up for a whole album.INTOX #2- "Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
Sweet blend of pop punk with a touch of emo in a Descendents kind of way, if that makes any sense at all. "Homecoming" was my favorite song, but everything else was close behind. Definitely a solid release worth your 3$. And Sweet Merciful Crap!--what a great title!A.D.D. #3- "Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
Thumbs huh, well what do they do with their thumbs,shove them up their asses? This 7" is great, but it leaves me with one question: why Thumbs? So this Sodas Jerk guy has some good bands on his label and this band definitely should be listened to. This is some good punk rock for your mom's ass. Put this on right before a dinner party at home with your parents and you'll be the talk of the part. With the intellectually stimulating lyrics and the finely tuned musical talent, this is sure to get you laid. Hopefully not by your mom. @YOUFUCK.RATS IN THE HALLWAY #6-"Sweet Merciful Crap.." 7" (Soda Jerk)
Strangely catchy PUNK ROCK. An enticing blend of fast to mid-tempo songs about fish that fly and non conformists conforming! Ed would go and see em. 4* out of.(EM)MUDDLE- The Thumbs "Sweet Merciful Crap It's.." 7"
Super Agressive melodic punk in the vein aof Dag Nasty but more new school indie pop influences. Excellent production and layout. This band is going places. -Dave
MUDDLE- The Thumbs "Sprague Dawley Rats" 7"
Fast, melodic punk done so right. Marble colored vinyl never sounded so good. I think I'm in love with this band. The changes are insane. Great artwork too.- DTSUBURBAN HOME-The Thumbs "Sprague Dawley Rats" 7"
The Thumbs. Where have you been all my life? I had the experience of seeing these guys in full effect recently and they are one of the most powerful live bands around. The Thumbs are some weird combination between Screaching Weasel, Jawbreaker, and Lifetime. It seems unintentional and innocent enough, but put this record on and you will be knocked on your ass. The Thumbs will be your favorite new band. -VirgilChicken is Good Food Zine- The Thumbs "Sprague Dawley Rats" 7"
This D.C. quartet plays awesome catchy, poppy punk rock with some emo bits, but not too crybaby. It kinda makes me think of JAWBREAKER at their catchiest. It's fucking great, and they kick ass live, so buy this and see them when they grace your pathetic town with their presence.(JC)
MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL -AUG 96-ISSUE #159: The Thumbs LP
Honest, spunky, pop-core. "Sasuatch" is an awesome opener and "Enoz" is a catchy ending that will keep you singing long after the record's over. The overlapping dual vocals are heartfelt and the under-production is refreshing. Silkscreened cover so it must be limited. Buy now! (PC-the guitar player for Crimpshrine)JERSEY BEAT- The Thumbs LP
Being one of the few punk bands in the Baltimore area the thumbs really pack in the kids and good reason why. They're great! Extremely melodic punk with guitars weaving in and out of each other, lots o' fun sing alongs and heartfelt lyrics. Any fan of melodic punk will want to go out of their way to pick this puppy up.- Rick K.
D.C. Scene Website- Friday July 3 @ The Loft The Runz, Lickity Split, The Thumbs
This was the first show that I got to go to up in the loft. I heard many stories about this venue, and they were all true. This was a dirty ass place, but don't get me wrong, it's a good place for shows, regardless. The first band that got to play was the Runz, from Baltimore. Lickity Split was supposed to open, but i'll get to that in a second. The Runz were not as good as i had hoped they would be. I heard many good things about them, but was disappointed this night. they are a 4 piece street punk outfit that just couldn't do a damn thing for me. I liked a couple of their songs, but that was about it. I wouldn't recommend seeing these guys, but go at your own risk. The next band to play was Lickity Split. They were originally supposed to open, but Electric Summer, the band on tour with the Thumbs backed out of the tour and went home about a week before this show. So they got the Runz to open and Lickity got to play second. I had never seen these guys live before, but had heard some of their stuff and i liked it a lot. Their live show did not disappoint. They are full of energy, the singer especially.. Their songs are kinda HC, kinda punk. Really tight energetic and dancable songs. I loved these guys from the get go. I would definetly go see them again. Finally, the last band to play was The Thumbs. This was the last show of their 9 week US tour. These guys are definetly my favorite local band, hands down. They are fast, and melodic punk rock. They are so tight and fun to watch play. They played a good mix of old and new material. Plus they played one of my favorite songs, Pilot Fish, as well as playing some of the new material off of the CD. Also, every member of the Thumbs, past and present, was there to see the show, so they took a big group picture at the end of the show. That was a really neat moment to see. If you ever get the oppurtunity to see these guys live, go to that show. I guarantee it will be a life changing experience. (Patrick from Code Blue)