By Bob Makin
originally published: 03/19/2024
ARTWORK BY CHRISTINA HERNANDEZ
Legendary producer-engineer Ed Stasium (The Ramones, Talking Heads, The Smithereens) was the perfect choice to distill Kanak's raucous three-guitar sound on their latest EP, "On the Outside." Ed had previously worked with David Johansen/Sylvain Sylvain guitarist Johnny Rao who shares six-string duties with Kanak singer-songwriter Tom Kanach (Grimace, Well of Souls, Mischief) and Dramarama guitarist Peter Wood. Rounding out the lineup is the rowdy but tight rhythm section of bassist Joe Rowley and drummer Steve Brown.
Their six-song collaboration on the band’s own Pop Clique Music kicks off with the hard-driving quasi-title track and first single, “Outside,” an anthem for the world’s growing band of misfits. If you’re like me and many others who feel detached, you’re going to love the angry snarl of this song.
The second single, “Not Right Now,” captures the essence of a struggle against a tide of challenges and unfulfilled expectations. The punk-gueled nugget sheds light on the reality of postponed dreams and aspirations, a common theme of the EP.
“Not Right Now” was inspired by Tom’s loss of his father to COVID, another element to which I can relate. Like a cross between the meaningful punk of Bad Religion and the garage pop of The Smithereens, the song builds on a tense feud between resignation and determination as change lingers on the horizon.
With “Disguise,” Ed helps create a screeching guitar symphony propelled by waves of surf-rockin’ rhythms as witty wordplay bobs along the surface. They tell the tale of a brilliant disguise that hides the pain and exhaustion of burnout.
"Without A Clue," a power-poppin’ expletive-ladened singalong, is up next. The shimmery, chiming tune chronicles the betrayal of love as a relationship disintegrates into an uncertain future.
The jangle ‘n’ mash of “Too Late" also examines an ill-fated relationship as it reaches the point of no return. Throughout, Steve’s tasty drumming matches the song’s sugar-pop backing vocals.
The propulsive closer, "Crash," dives deep into the controlling effects of addiction. Inspired by a friend’s discipline in the face of constant workplace temptation to fall off the wagon, the edgy music captures the stagger of someone reeling from indecision within delicate dance of profound choices.
You can rock to “On the the Outside” live when Kanak celebrate the release of the EP on March 23 at Tierney’s in Montclair. Sharing the bill will be their pals in The Grip Weeds and The Anderson Council.
The show will be followed by dates in Baltimore, Boston and L.A. for more, visit https://www.kanakmusic.com.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
About the author:
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
EVENT PREVIEWS
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Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th
(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday
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American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
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MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
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The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
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