Rating: B+

East Bay Ray is best known as the guitar player for punk icons the Dead Kennedys. While he will still perform shows as the DK’s, with vocalist Skip McSkipster filling in for the departed, and disgruntled vocalist, Jello Biafra, his heart and soul, currently is with McSkipster and Ray’s new band, The Killer Smiles.

This is a band that mixes old school punk with rockabilly and throws in a dash of modern Foo Fighters flair. The music is pure East Bay Ray. While not the most technically advanced guitar player in the world, EBR has a very recognizable style and sound and it’s all throughout this release. “Raising the Stakes” is a rocker that gets you moving from the opening guitar chord and proves this guy can still come up with a great hook.

One song, from the 1940’s, “16 Tons” is a great choice as East Bay Ray shows that we have been fighting the boss man for almost as long as America has been in existence. “You’re Such a Fake” and “Area 51” have both been played live by the Dead Kennedys while other tunes such as “Lipstick Cherry Red,” “It’s Broken,” I’m a User” and “The Last Time You Failed” are all begging to get played in front of a live crowd.

If East Bay Ray and the Killer Smiles have any success then there will be more albums to follow and a tour to support the album. This is good music so be sure to go to Ray’s FB page link above and let him know how you like it.