Hot on the heels of their “White Knuckles” 7″ from earlier this year, NYC punk n rollers, Moral Panic, unleash another slab of high octane rock, that will shred faces. In fact, this new album, continues down the path laid down by that incredible 7″, as they continue to put the metal to pedal, delivering another killer batch of punk rock songs, that don’t let up, until it ends.

While, the album, might only have nine (one being an “Intro”), songs that barely reach beyond two-and-a-half minute mark, it works to their advantage. It’s just one exciting, short, sharp shock of a song, after the other. It gets in, shreds your face off, and then gets out, before you know, what hit you. But, like the best punk rock, it will make you want to listen to it again and again.

Group founder, Daniel Kelley is in fine form as his sneering vocals drip attitude, while he is a demon on the six string, unleashing shredtastic solo after solo, on each and every song. Like the rest of the album, these solos are short, to the point, and will melt your face. The rhythm section of  bassist Michael Dimmitt and drummer, Eric Robel, who debuted on the “White Knuckles” 7″, give the bottom end a bit more muscle and heft, allowing these songs to swing and hit hard. Taken together the three of them form, one powerful trio.

After a brief “Intro” to start, the title track kicks in, riding a wave of feedback and breakneck speed, capped off with a ripping solo from Kelley. “The Rail” goes a bit faster and shorter, and sounds like hyperspeed rock n roll. Of course, Kelley puts in another fantastic solo towards its end. “Hatchet’ opens with a grinding, noisy bass line, before the rest of the band joins in, and then, its on. They also throw in a ripping cover of “Anti Anti Anti”, originally done by OG Phoenix punks, The Consumers, that just burns. The album ends, with the fast, and catchy, strains of “Horton Hears The Who”.

Validation is one killer slab of punk rock. It’s got everything you could want from a punk record: attitude, speed and hooks. In fact, I’ll go out out on a limb and say it’s one of the best punk records released this year. I know, some of you, might say, “But, it’s too rock n roll”. Well, get over it. This is one crucial slab of punk, you need to hear. So, get with it, and get this album.

Buy Validation Here.