D-Tension is the stage name for Steve Perez, a multi-instrumentalist from Lowell, Massachusetts. A former rapper, both as a solo artist and as part of groups like Los Wunder Twins del Rap, Tension switched from rap to rock on his 2021 album D-Tension’s Secret Rock & Roll Project.
Tension recently returned with his second rock album, Tales from the Pub, on Red on Red Records. It’s currently streaming on his Bandcamp page, where you can also order the album on CD. It’s a true solo album on which Tension plays every instrument. Tension features an eclectic mix of different rock styles on this record that are all held together by his wry humor.
Kicking things off is “The No Name Song,” on which it becomes clear that Tension is a former rapper. The cadence of his voice falls somewhere halfway between singing and rapping. Musically, the song carries a touch of ACDC influence as Tension tries to remember the name of a woman he fell for. “Charlie” is surprisingly dark, which contrasts ironically with the song’s upbeat tune.
“MAGAHAT” is a truly hilarious folk-punk ditty about making a date with a woman who shows up on the date with a MAGA hat. “I Love You Anyway” is a tale of a dysfunctional relationship that harkens back to when piano was a rock instrument. “(They Were) in Love” fuses doo-wop vocals with a rock drumbeat and some fiercely distorted punk guitar. Finally, “The Airport Song” is a truly hilarious novelty tune about picking up women at the airport. While not every song on this album is played for laughs, Tension’s wit really shines through on every track.
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Photo by Jon Mace
