70%
Birthed during lockdown in an LA apartment, these songs are the first real flowering of Ronnie Simmons as an artist in his own right. After years as a skilled sideman, Bite! Part One shows off the full range of his talents as a musician and songwriter with some – ahem – tasty punk-laced pub rock scorchers.
Little Misunderstood hits the ground with some big-hearted drumming from Simmons’ mentor and sometime boss Richie Ramone, a hooky, angsty punk tune with an All/Descendents feel and a lavish guitar solo to tie it all up. Alone With You is bright and punchy rock but highlights that Ronnie’s one weakness is probably his singing voice. I’ve seen him do all these songs a few times now and he’s definitely getting better on the vocal side of things, but he struggles to carry the tune a little here although the energy and catchiness of the song gets it through. The next tracks throw a slight curveball in a ska direction, especially in the choruses and a grittier vocal pumps up the attitude, plus the honking brass in Don’t Follow Me should get some serious skanking going.
The mixture of styles and influences across the EP is effective and captivating, the energy, attitude and overall catchiness guarantees repeated listens – take a bite or stay for a meal, Ronnie Simmons is delivering the goods.
