The Lurkers

The Lurkers combined the stripped-down, pulsing simplicity of the Ramones with the snarling stylishness of the Damned. They pounded, pushed, punched and kicked their way through brash, howling two-minute songs. Bass and drums lead the storming attack with rhythms that take over your heartbeat -- you'll feel it pounding in your skull. Flashy guitars lean in and press against you like a cold steel blade. Then the vocals make their invasion, monotone yet devious, snide and cynical, drawing blood and loving it. The Lurkers were killer, an underrated band from the so-called golden era of punk (1977). How is it that older Punk bands could use three easy chords and still come up with killer, catchy songs?