REVIEW — Doc Rotten — Sick And Suffering

Full of spitfire energy, punk band Doc Rotten’s sophomore EP, Sick and Suffering is a one that zips right through listeners. All of the tracks come in and pack their punch at a rapid fire rate. Combined with nostalgia and homage to classic and modern punk influences, Sick and Suffering brings it all with their five tracks.

Hardly taking a breath, Doc Rotten takes off at full speed with the opening track “Gates.” Fast and frantic, the track is the shortest on the EP. Yet despite its brief time, its punchy and punk lovers will immediately catch the sound combination of The Clash, Green Day and an element entirely unique to Doc Rotten. “Federation” comes in the middle of the EP and feels a bit like a stumble for the band. There’s less of a stimulating feeling, an energy in the first couple tracks is missing. Yet there is still an interesting dynamic to the track, where it shifts between sounds and tones midway through.

The title track, “Sick and Suffering” has the most mellow intro of all the tracks. Overall it sounds the similar to their classic punk influences, and the track also has the most melodic structure on the EP. The hook is memorable and the track’s structure doesn’t take away from the emotional depth under the surface of the track.

In general I really enjoyed Doc Rotten’s EP. It was a fresh take on the punk genre today, while still borrowing so much from its classic and more modern influences. The punchy tracks and speedy energy keeps things moving for listeners, as they breathlessly rage to Sick and Suffering.

Rating: 4/5

Top Tracks: “Last Chance,” “Sick and Suffering”

Published on White Noise Zine, a former webzine covering rising artists in alternative & pop punk music.