STATCH AND THE RAPES 'Jailbait Love' (Punk Records, May 2026) This is 16 snotty Portland punk tracks from the same city that spat out Poison Idea and Sado‑Nation — but this is the belligerent, uncensored, no‑filter branch of the PDX punk family tree. No political correctness within a hundred miles of the Satyricon. No moralizing. Just filth, fun, and snide put‑downs — exactly what today’s woke‑induced punk world desperately needs. Recorded in ten hours! Which begs the question: how did they do it?... with only Pabst Blue Ribbon and Jack Daniels as refreshment...hmm! “Hey, Let’s Go” introduces the band via “We Are the Rapes?”, kicking you straight into the gutter with Portland’s finest degenerates.“Where You Goin’ Now” is bass‑driven and sneering, As Statch declares “this is America and to hell with you” which is exactly the kind of middle-fingered anthem this band was born to spit out.Then Statch gobs on the studio floor as it grinds to a halt .“Don’t Wanna Be Your Dog” sure ain’t Iggy, but it blitzes in with enough attitude to get away with it. “Naughty Girl” has a whiff of 'New Rose' intro to it. While “Problem Child” bares little resemblance and motors forward with a heads‑down mantra.“Work Sucks” powers by like coke on a toilet shelf.“Cheap Sluts” keeps the sleaze rolling — still no solos and definitely no apologies. “Repulsive” was a little more adventurous, with its sinister mess of feedback, drums, and bass before snapping back into their usual trashy script. But the gang chorus absolutely drags you in. “Midget Girl” closes side one — probably their poppiest moment, though the lyrics won’t be welcome in any circus tent anytime soon. “Jailbait”, the title track, kicks off side two. Followed by “Abuse Me”, which is dispatched in 47 seconds - Blink and you miss it. “Kill Yourself” returns for another swing. Then “Where Do We Go From Here?” answers its own question: straight to hell! “No Head” keeps the sleaze dripping. “Watchtower” is a weird one — not really about anything, but the gang‑chant chorus owns it. “Everybody Get Your Gun” is their twisted take on gun control, I don't think. “Don’t Care” is the penultimate track and one of the standouts, shows a bit of range from the usual Statch formula. They finish off with The Rezillos — 'Someone’s going to get their head kicked in tonight' — and that’s it.. Twenty‑six years waiting in the shadows, and now it’s finally out, leaving one question hanging: will they reform for a one‑off so the Wilamette Weekly can hang them from the city hall parapets one more time? Only Time will tell. Either way: absolutely WORTH A LISTEN! I believe there's only 500 made so get your copy now from PUNK ROCK RECORDS or via the bands bandcamp STATCH AND THE RAPES
