Some bands never lose their appetite for loud guitars, and Guerrilla Teens are a good example of why rock ’n’ roll never gets old. The Portland, Oregon, five-piece returns with “Sympathy for the Decibel”, a new EP released on October 16 through Sonic Jett Records. Packed with garage punk, ’70s punk influences, and catchy rock ’n’ roll, the release shows a band with plenty of experience and no shortage of energy. Frontman Scott “Deluxe” Drake and guitarist Jeff Fieldhouse have a long history together, dating back to their time in the Long Beach garage-punk band The Humpers. Their experience is an important part of the story, but Guerrilla Teens have developed a sound of their own. Alongside guitarist Saul Koll, bassist Anna Andersen and drummer Tim Connolly, the pair bring together years of punk-rock experience with a fresh reason to keep writing and playing.
The EP’s title track sets the tone with its guitar-driven sound and punk attitude. The guitars bring plenty of grit, while the songwriting leaves room for memorable melodies. That mix of raw energy and strong hooks gives the music an appeal beyond the usual garage-punk crowd. You can hear the band’s affection for the rougher side of rock ’n’ roll, along with an appreciation for songs that stick with you after the music stops. “Ghosts of New Orleans” and “Spider Bouquet” are two more tracks worth adding to your listening list. The EP draws on the spirit of bands like The Stooges and the New York Dolls while maintaining its own character. Andersen’s backing vocals add another dimension to the arrangements, working well alongside the guitars and adding depth to the band’s sound.
Personally, I enjoy the balance between the scrappy guitar work and the catchy songwriting. The music has enough attitude to keep things exciting, but the melodies give me a reason to return for another listen. I also like that Guerrilla Teens sound comfortable in their own skin, drawing on their history while continuing to make music on their own terms. Following “Under the Dagger” in 2023 and “The Monkey’s Paw” in 2025, “Sympathy for the Decibel” adds another chapter to the band’s story. Drake and Fieldhouse’s songwriting partnership remains central to the group’s identity, with the rest of the lineup bringing their own experience from Portland’s rock and punk scene. This is a band that understands the pleasure of plugging in, turning up the volume, and letting the songs do their job.
If garage punk, classic punk and rough-edged rock ’n’ roll are your kind of music, give Guerrilla Teens a spot on your playlist. Start with “Sympathy for the Decibel”, then check out “Ghosts of New Orleans” and “Spider Bouquet”. Follow the band to keep up with its music and upcoming shows, and take some time to explore its earlier releases, too. Adding your favorite tracks to a playlist or sharing them with friends is a simple way to support independent artists who continue to put their energy into making records. Guerrilla Teens are still doing what they do best, and “Sympathy for the Decibel” gives rock fans another reason to turn up the volume.
