SINGLE REVIEW: The Ded Kats - Hey Joe(s)
A riotous tribute to punk’s most revered frontmen, 'Hey Joe(s)' channels the raw energy of Joey Ramone and Joe Strummer into a crashing, swaggering anthem. Inspired by lyrics penned by Shawn Finn, the track finally found its sonic match after years of searching—its riffs now roaring through cranked-up Marshall amps and Les Paul grit, delivering a sound as unapologetic as its influences.
The reverb-fueled intro sets the stage before crunchy guitars and thunderous drums take over, driving the track forward with relentless force. The vocals are attitude-pumped, confident, and brimming with punk rebellion, striking that perfect balance between chaos and precision. It has an untamed energy, but the musicianship remains sharp—chaotic but never careless, paying homage in a way that feels both wild and calculated. The song thrives on its immediacy, the kind of full-throttle, sweat-soaked punk that demands to be played loud.
A sweeping, DIY-style interlude adds another dimension, momentarily pulling back before the track plunges into a low-tempo section that builds intrigue. That brief pause doesn’t last long—soon, the song erupts again, hurtling toward an electrifying guitar solo that packs the technicality of thrash, fusing power with flair. There’s something fitting about how it all unfolds—how the messiness never undermines the craftsmanship, how the rawness amplifies the tribute rather than distorting it.
At its core, 'Hey Joe(s)' encapsulates the unfiltered, DIY energy that punk thrives on. It’s a noisy love letter to two of punk’s most beloved icons, a track that doesn’t just name-check its influences but embodies them in every snarling riff and crashing drumbeat. The Ded Kats channel their reverence into riotous celebration, making sure the spirit of punk’s greatest frontmen is felt, not just remembered.
