The COMMONWEALTH - NEPENTHE 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Transparent Vinyl Record

The year is 1991. Grunge is starting to take hold, but the spirit of punk is far from dead. Enter The Commonwealth's "Nepenthe," a 12-inch vinyl LP that throws itself headfirst into the genre's rawness and energy. Released on the independent label Free Thought Conceptions, "Nepenthe" stands as a testament to a band unafraid to push boundaries and explore the depths of punk's potential.

Fronted by the enigmatic Dave Ort, The Commonwealth doesn't shy away from social commentary. Tracks like "Red" and "System" hint at frustrations with societal structures, while "Pain" delves into a more personal exploration of emotional turmoil. This willingness to tackle weighty subjects alongside the genre's signature aggression is what makes "Nepenthe" such a compelling listen.

Musically, the album is a masterclass in punk efficiency. Glen Guard's guitar work is sharp and unrelenting, weaving intricate melodies around John Shea's powerful bass lines. Drummer Mark Yoho propels the songs forward with a relentless energy, creating a sonic tapestry that's both catchy and confrontational.

The production, helmed by Eric Smith at Inner Ear Studios, keeps things raw and unpolished, perfectly capturing the essence of the live experience. This approach aligns with the DIY ethos that was prevalent in the punk scene at the time, a scene that often challenged the slick production values of mainstream music.

"Nepenthe" wasn't without its share of controversy. Ort's lyrics, often laced with dark humor and biting sarcasm, could be polarizing. However, this very quality is what made the album stand out from the more cookie-cutter punk offerings of the era.