While punk rock might seem like ancient history to some, Portland’s badass band Help is here to change things with their latest album, “Courage.” Ryan Neighbors is shredding on guitar and screaming out vocals, Boone Howard’s laying down some killer bass, and Bim Ditson’s pounding the drums like there’s no tomorrow. Together, they’re Help, and they’re not here to play nice. These guys are taking the rough, in-your-face energy of old-school punk and giving it a modern twist that’ll hit you right. “Courage” is a middle finger to the system, a voice for the voiceless, and a reminder that punk’s not dead. It’s alive, kicking, and screaming in Portland, thanks to Help.
From the top, “The Consequence” isn’t joking – it’s a punch that sets you up for what’s coming. Neighbors’ voice is real, kinda haunting but in a way that grabs you. The guitars are mean as hell, and the drums? They’re pounding away like they’ve got a grudge against your eardrums. It’s loud, it’s in your face, and it’s exactly what the band is all about – facing the things that make you uncomfortable and screaming right back at it. Neighbors put it best when he said, “Now is the time for a sound saying, ‘f@%# this shit!'” And boy, does this track deliver on that promise.
After that wild ride, “Black Cloud” comes in and digs some big emotional stuff. Just the name tells you it’s gonna be about feeling down and heartbroken, and the music backs that up 100%. It’s like a rollercoaster of sound – one minute it’s all punk aggression, the next it’s got these softer, more melodic parts that remind us of bands like The Pixies. Help really knows how to balance the rough with the smooth, you know? They take all these complicated feelings and turn them into music that’s still punk as hell but also hits you in the right places. It’s a standout track for sure, showing off just how good these guys are at what they do.
As you keep listening, you’re hit with all sorts of different vibes and sounds. Take “Feel So Alive (Do You Have To)“ for example – it’s this crazy track that totally switches things up from the in-your-face punk you’ve been hearing. It starts off all chill, making you think it’s gonna be some mellow tune, but then BAM! It explodes into this chaotic, anarchic mess. And Neighbors’ vocals are like this perfect mix, just demanding you pay attention.
Now, let’s talk about “Courage,” the title track. This one’s a real hit that takes you on a crazy trip through post-hardcore land. It’s got that same frantic energy as bands like Drive Like Jehu. It’s basically a punk rock battle cry that sums up what the whole album’s about: finding strength and unity through all the crap we go through together. The band’s tight as hell on this one. Ditson’s drumming is like a non-stop punch to the gut that keeps the song moving, and Howard’s bass lines give it this awesome depth.
They recorded “Courage” (the album) at Hallowed Halls Studio in Portland with Sonny DiPerri. DiPerri managed to capture the band’s insane energy without losing any of that gritty punk rock feel. And the way the tracks flow into each other? It’s like one big, urgent, necessary punk rock experience. You gotta hear it to believe it.
The second half of the album features the self-titled EP “Help,” originally released in 2019, which serves as a bonus for vinyl collectors and digital listeners alike. Pretty cool ’cause you can really hear how they’ve grown as a band. There’s this track called “Devil Is A Snake” that’ll have you bouncing off the walls at their shows. It’s pure noise-punk madness, and you can bet everyone’s gonna be screaming along. And don’t even get us started on “Class War Now” – it’s got that same rebellious kick that makes the whole album so damn good. But here’s the thing – Help isn’t just making noise for the sake of it. These guys have something to say, and they’re not shy.
“Courage” isn’t only an album – it’s a freaking manifesto. Help is serving up the hard truths about life that most people are too scared to talk about. Their sound is explosive, their lyrics hard, and they’re as real as it gets. This is what punk rock is all about – it’s rough, it’s honest, and it lights a fire under your butt. If you’re tired of the same old watered-down garbage on the radio and want something that’ll make you feel alive, grab a copy of “Courage.” Trust us, it’ll challenge you, inspire you, and remind you of all good things.