The Choke is a punk band from New York City's dirtiest gutter. You may remember a time when Wendy O. Williams or hell...even Courtney Love, was about rebelion and embracing the punk spirit. If you do, you will probably hear something you like in The Choke.

The Choke apparently sent us a Press Kit and a song to check out, but embracing my inner punk spirit, I deleted it. Lucky for me, they did the very punk thing...they broke into my house, tied up my girlfriend, and kicked my cat. MY CAT! Then they pushed my 145 pound frame down in my desk chair and told me to listen to their song Heartbreak.

I did and it has all the elements of a dangerous, fiery garage punk band. The track has a great punk bass line laid down by Knuckles, no relation to the Sonic the Hedgehog character. Knuckles partner in crime is Johnny Napalm on the drums. Between them they lay down a thick rhythm section that I tried to pump my hips to, but I was forcibly held down AGAINST MY WILL SEND HELP!

Cameron Eve (vocals) and Hot Deth (guitars) use their collective powers to create hooks and harmonies that are so catchy they should be called influenza. The band has a great sound that is reminiscent of the band Vagiant.

Now in order to get them to leave, I must direct you to their MySpace site where you can find their latest tour dates. I have embedded their song Heartbeat below. You can pick up Heartbeat on The Choke's debut LP on vinyl.

Heartbreak by The Choke