If it were legally possible to keep volcanoes as pets in Seattle, I’d swear that PUNKTUALS managed to pull it off while recording their new album, BETTER NEVER THAN LATE. Nothing more, nothing less—it’s pure molten lava erupting from the depths, flooding the studio with thunderous drum beats, filthy, badass riffs, and vocals that hit like the worst hangover headache imaginable (in the best possible way).

Let’s be real—PUNKTUALS stopped trying to please anyone a long time ago. They’re way too busy to cut us any slack or spoon-feed sentimental intros. As some wise folks once scribbled on the walls of drinking holes: “Either you catch the noise, or the noise catches you.” Well, the guys in PUNKTUALS know exactly how to send that noise straight into your brain.

The band’s lineup features D. Lee on guitar, Gator on vocals, Mickey Diablo on bass and Criss Crash on drums. Rumor has it (and I love rumors more than bad coffee) that they came together purely out of a desire to rock out in a way that fills the Seattle skies with smoke. How could it be any different? We’re talking about a city where coffee flows like water, and the words “grunge” and “jam” are practically etched into the signs of every neighborhood dive.

They recorded this entire insane avalanche at BIRDHOUSE STUDIO SEATTLE under the sharp yet reckless guidance of Dave West and Chris Martin—two musicians who, judging by their glances, have been standing in line for tickets to hell for quite some time, but for now, they’re having a blast leading us on with their sound.

Mixing and mastering were handled by the legendary Jack Endino! This man hardly needs an introduction—his name is so intertwined with Seattle rock that it feels like his spirit lingers in every cable plugged into a guitar amp. Under his expert eye, the tracks came to life, achieving a raw, streetwise vibe while still maintaining a polished, high-quality edge.

BETTER NEVER THAN LATE is a challenge—both to themselves and to a world long accustomed to ready-made mall playlists and identical hairstyles on TikTok. Across these 11 tracks, you’ll find the heavy stomp of a metal beast, the lingering melancholy of grunge, and even some chaotic, almost punkish twists—the kind that make you want to leap off the couch, even if last night’s bender left you barely able to stomach breakfast.

PUNKTUALS aren’t chasing simple commercial success here—they’re out to make you feel, deep in the darkest corners of your soul, that rock didn’t die yesterday, the day before, or anytime soon. If anything, it’s just waiting for the next group of maniacs ready to set bridges ablaze. PUNKTUALS take on that mission with ease, and BETTER NEVER THAN LATE is their weapon of mass destruction.

I’ll highlight just a few tracks that grabbed me the most. The rest I’ll leave for you to discover—better to dive in and see for yourself what else PUNKTUALS have up their sleeve.

Of course, there’s BETTER NEVER THAN LATE. The takeover starts right from the title track. This is the kind of music that hits your ears so hard your coffee mug shakes in your hand, and that old lamp on your desk flickers like it’s about to lose its mind. Groovy guitars, punk sharpness, and raw energy, as if someone cranked the volume all the way up and then added more for good measure. The bass drains the speakers dry, the rhythm guitars fan the flames, and the vocals hit you straight in the chest. On paper, it’s a classic rock formula, sure. But PUNKTUALS spice it up with sheer power and fiery emotion, turning it into something downright infectious.

Right after the all-out chaos, a door opens to a quieter yet equally haunting world. ALL THE HORSES ARE DEAD is strange and mesmerizing, drawing you into its hypnotic sway.

HA Ha – things then dive into darker, eerier waters. Low, groovy lines rise up from the depths, while the vocals float above—half-mad, half-mournful, as if pulled straight from someone else’s nightmares.

THROW SOMETHING AT ME – here, PUNKTUALS throw a sonic Molotov cocktail at you—sounds that hiss and ignite in your head like burning alcohol.

WHEN THE WEED HELPED – This track showcases PUNKTUALS’ signature style in every riff—a unique blend of chaos and precision that only they could pull off.

In PHARMA, the rock ‘n’ roll avalanche takes a playful turn, with a subtle retro flair. The guitars pick up momentum, but instead of charging full throttle, they dance and wink at you in rhythm, adding a mischievous charm to the track.

Just when you’re fired up and ready to roam the night, the final blow hits—BITCHES ARE KILLIN’ ME. The low riffs rumble like the ground cracking open beneath you, leading straight into the heart of the flames, while the vocals alternate between whispers and howls, mocking convention with every note.

If you’re hunting for music to blast at full volume during a late-night city escapade—or even just to survive a gridlocked traffic jam while embracing the chaos—hit “play” without hesitation. The thunderous guitar walls, snapping drum lines, and roaring vocals will hit you like a shot of the strongest whiskey on an empty stomach—unsteadying but emboldening.

PUNKTUALS know exactly what they’re doing here, and if you trust their reckless lead, the ride promises to be bittersweet, defiant, and utterly unforgettable—like the loudest night of your life.

Yes, rock lives. And as long as albums like this keep coming, it always will.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub