Love/Hate being the first band I ever saw live, and their debut album being one of my all-time favourites, means Jizzy Pearl doesn’t struggle for bonus points around here. But nearly 34 years after that Skid Row show, he’s still got the fire.
“You’re Gonna Burn” is a more-than-passable hard rocker with a killer hook and a sleazy solo. “Here we are at the end of the days,” sings Pearl, and the message is clear—2025 is shit, so let’s party to the apocalypse. That sentiment is hammered home by the brilliant “Eye for an Eye.”
Punk Rock Fiesta is pure rock ‘n’ roll—an album that lives and dies by its raw energy and guitar work. Even “Over the Edge,” one of the slower tracks, carries that same spirit. Pearl seems to have honed in on the rawer elements here, with “Didya Think You Could Fall in Love?” being a prime example.
What this short, sharp collection proves is that Pearl has lost none of his ability to craft slightly offbeat rock ‘n’ roll that doesn’t sound like anyone else. “Can’t Be Wrong” is anything but, and “I’ll Be Your Shadow” has that quirky, off-kilter feel that defined him at his best.
“Time to Take Your Pill” ensures the album closes just as it began—racing around like a three-year-old on a Skittles bender.
Sure, maybe you’re too old to blackout in red rooms these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t throw on Punk Rock Fiesta and relive the chaos.
Rating: 8/10
REVIEW: JIZZY PEARL – PUNK ROCK FIESTA (2025)
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