Description
Tijuana Panthers – Halfway To Eighty – Vinyl Record
Tijuana Panthers are an American garage rock band known for their surf-influenced sound.
Released on June 24, 2022, Halfway to Eighty is the sixth studio album by the Tijuana Panthers, a trio hailing from Long Beach, California. The band, consisting of Daniel Michicoff (bass/vocals), Chad Wachtel (guitar/vocals), and Phil Shaheen (drums/vocals), has been a staple in the garage rock scene since their formation in 2005. This album marks a significant point in their career, reflecting on themes of aging and perseverance in the music industry.
Halfway to Eighty showcases the Panthers’ signature blend of garage rock, surf, and punk influences, delivering a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. The title itself is a tongue-in-cheek nod to reaching middle age, encapsulating the band’s characteristic humor and self-awareness. The cover art, featuring the trio around a DeLorean—a symbol of midlife crisis indulgence—further emphasizes this theme.
The album comprises 11 tracks with a total runtime of approximately 29 minutes. Each member contributes distinctively to the songwriting process, resulting in a diverse yet cohesive collection. Wachtel’s “Helping Hand” stands out as a riff-heavy anthem, while Shaheen’s “Slacker” introduces an art-rock thrash element. Michicoff’s “False Equivalent” offers a smirking punk perspective, with lyrics like “What good can it bring now? / We’re barely evolved,” highlighting a critical view of societal stagnation.
The production, handled by longtime collaborator Jonny Bell at Jazzcats Studio in Long Beach, captures the raw energy reminiscent of local punk legends such as Black Flag and Circle Jerks. This approach aligns with the band’s intent to channel the production sound and attitude of these South Bay icons. As Shaheen noted during the mixing of “Slacker,” the goal was to “keep it South Bay,” a directive Bell instinctively understood.
The album not only reflects the band’s journey but also serves as a testament to their dedication to their craft, embracing the passage of time with a blend of humor and authenticity.
For those interested in exploring more of Tijuana Panthers’ work, their previous albums, including Semi-Sweet (2013), Wayne Interest (2014), and Carpet Denim (2019), offer a comprehensive look into their evolution as a band. Halfway to Eighty stands as a significant milestone, encapsulating their growth and steadfast presence in the garage rock scene.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Helping Hand
Slacker
Not Your Business
Take Back Time
False Equivalent
Man of Dust
April New Yorker
Quantum Entemann’s
Cricket Meditation
Reflections
Beware of Dog
