It’s been a while since a real intelligent art punk band has emerged from the sewers of the dying underground. With the up-and-coming return of pop punk hitting the mainstream (knocking cry baby bullshit emo bands out of the tear-filled water), it’s almost hard to understand why any artist in their right mind would want to try and handle such a quickly burning torch. Enter Castevet and their debut album Summer Fences. Now we’re talking. Break out the acoustic guitars, PBR, and lack of self respect. It’s time for a good scream.

With an undeniably refreshing and original blend of every genre you can think of, Castevet rips through non-descriptive typecasts and impulsive hatred many listeners have for art punk rockers. With their lo-fi brand of chaos, Summer Fences plays out like a raging lion roaring over a batch of Soul Asylum instrumentals. It’s unlike anything you would even look for in a band if you are too afraid of the unfamiliar. They take you just outside of your limits, but not far enough to scare you back onto the subway of normalcy. Not right away, at least.

There are a good number of calm and folky instrumental sections within Summer Fences. There are also a shit load of screaming bloody murder before your step dad busts your door down with his bare hands if you don’t turn down that god damn music moments. Castevet is one of those groups that your friend from the coffee shop can tell you about in full detail and, before you know it, you’ll find yourself at one of their shows (very likely to be in a basement or apartment complex parking lot). Their originality is their most obvious appeal. But their subtle ways of destroying everything that is conventional in the world of punk rock is what sets them apart, and ablaze, from their competition.

Castevet: Plays One On TV [mp3]

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Count Your Lucky Stars Records [CD, 2009]

1. Between Berwyn And Bryn Mawr
2. Beating High Schoolers At Arcade Games
3. Plays One On TV
4. I Know What A Lion Is
5. Stranger You Know
6. Space Jam (The Return)
7. Evil Robot With Swords For Hands
8. When A Movie Is Made In France It’s Called Cinemas