I was already prepared to say “too much hardcore, not enough post-hardcore” after listening to What Makes a Man Start Fires?, which is significant because I’m a big fan of one and care little for the other. No points for guessing which. I don’t hate The Punch Line. I just don’t care about (almost) any of it.

The songwriting here is as forgettable as the band intended. Although hardcore punk thrives on direct punches and raw, proletariat and utilitarian simplicity, there’s no shortage of bands who have more attitude and better riffs than the ones you’ll hear on this album. Songs driven so much by bass only get particular recognition for their time, since post-punk was just beginning, but there was hardly a shortage of options. Considering the irreverent bratty attitude and tunes that are both sold everywhere in punk on the cheap, why not shell out Double Nickels on the Dime?

There’s one track here I find worth keeping and that’s the opener, “Search.” It’s a genuinely strong pop guitar riff with a bright, colorful tone to it, but the structure doesn’t give it the support it deserves and the song dims across its minute-long run. I find most of The Punch Line completely disposable even for hardcore punk, but again, I’m not a particular fan of the genre. Perhaps spend the 15 minutes needed to get your own opinion on this legendary band’s debut. Personally, I’d rather listen to NoMeansNo.