by Scott Roos
live photos by Tracy Creighton (Copperblue Photography and Design)
Our Grade: A
Dirty Sanchez Orchestra’s debut, self-titled album is an exhilarating, heavy-hitting, throwback style collection of punk rock tracks that channels the best of 90s skate punk and hardcore. Hailing from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, the trio—Will Yannacoulias on bass and backing vocals, Barrett Prokopie on guitar and lead vocals, and Barrett's son Charlie Prokopie on drums—delivers a raw, energetic sound that will strike a chord with fans of fast, aggressive music.
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Justin Bender at Divergent Sounds, the album has decent production. The predominantly clean mix ensures that each instrument shines, and the standout feature is Charlie Prokopie’s exceptional drumming. His fills and rapid-fire rhythms, especially on tracks like “Iris,” propel the songs forward with incredible force. The pummeling beats add intensity, creating a dynamic foundation for the rest of the band.
Barrett Prokopie’s vocals bring an edge to the album. His delivery is snarky, raw, and full of energy, evoking a “Fat Mike” (NOFX) style—snarling and rebellious with a punk rock grimace. While his approach works for most of the album, there’s a sense that a bit more variation in delivery across the songs could add a new layer to the overall vibe. In tracks like “First Blood III,” Barrett’s snarling vocals, combined with the arpeggiated guitar lines, help craft a unique energy, and the chorus hooks are catchy. The track’s slower breakdown towards the end adds an exciting shift, highlighting the band’s skill for bringing a variety of dynamic contrast to their songs.
The album’s strength lies in its powerful riffs and fast-paced rhythms. “Iris” hits hard with a heavy overdriven bass solo that stands out in the mix and a brutal ending that leaves a lasting impression. Meanwhile, “Part of Your World” starts with a balladic guitar intro before transitioning into fast punk, complete with the band’s intense drumming. The title and chorus may seem like an unexpected nod to Disney (I don't think it is mind you haha), but it’s a fun track that’s right at home in the punk scene, bringing to mind the energy of classic Phat Records/Epitaph era punk. It’s a standout example of the band’s ability to bring a shit ton of intensity to the table.
As the album progresses, some of the songs, like “Stranglehold” and “The Turned Around,” follow a similar structure of fast, pummeling riffs. While this aggressive sound remains consistent, the repetition of vocal style and the song structure can make parts of the album feel like they’re treading familiar ground. The backing vocals, while present, could have been given a more prominent role to further enhance the overall depth that each song brings to the table.
Tracks like “Anytime, Anywhen” and “Just Dead” are highlights where the band’s musical prowess really shines. In “Anytime, Anywhen,” the bass guitar cuts through the mix with a noticeable presence, offering a nice contrast to the heavy guitars and drums. “Just Dead” kicks off with an acapella intro from Barrett, which is a refreshing change of pace before the song transitions into a full-on punk assault.
Clocking in at just 30 minutes, the album delivers a solid, energetic punch, and though some tracks start to feel a bit familiar toward the middle, this self titled record still manages to stand out as one of the strongest punk releases in Saskatchewan in recent years. With fierce musicianship, a relentless pace, and infectious energy, this debut is a must-listen for anyone who loves high-octane punk rock.
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