Review: White Reaper storms through debut LP (Grade: A)

From the crashing drums that open the record to the squealing feedback of guitars that closes it, White Reaper keeps the gas pedal floored throughout its debut LP, "White Reaper Does It Again."

On the record cover is a blurry photo of a hand on the steering wheel of an old car doing 80 mph. It's a perfect depiction of what it feels like to listen to the record itself.

The four-piece indie band from Louisville, Kentucky, has a sound reminiscent of ’70s punk rock – think The Sex Pistols with a dash of Ramones. There are some early ’60s sounding choruses sprinkled throughout the record, and a weird ’80s-like keyboard to spice things up occasionally. Like the car on the album cover, there's definitely a retro sound to White Reaper.

Each of the 12 tracks moves at a high rate of speed, as well. Just as on its debut EP in 2014, White Reaper storms through each song with loud guitars, booming drums, and the singing/hollering of vocalist/guitarist Tony Esposito. Clocking in at just over 33 minutes, the record moves at a breakneck pace.

Amid all the noise are catchy choruses, especially on the leadoff singles "Make Me Wanna Die," "I Don't Think She Cares" and the record's best track, "Sheila."

Making the band's sound even more interesting is the production, which piles on the fuzz for the guitars and shrouds the vocals and drums in a cavernous haze that makes the record sound like it was recorded in a small club.

"White Reaper Does It Again" is one of the most raucous, confident debuts an indie rock band has released in a while. Buckle in, turn up the volume, and give it a listen.