Vol. #184: Violet Ray – “This is Skate Rock”
Rustbelt Rock Review
By: Z.M. Delgado
Rustbeltrockreview.com
Volume #184: Violet Ray – “This is Skate Rock”
March 7th, 2025
Greeting my esteemed homies. I hope all is going well in your universe and this article finds you in the mood to move. You’d better be, because this week I have an album packed with the makings of motion. It is “This is Skate Rock” from Cleveland’s own Violet Ray. This Punk Rock outfit has crafted a concept album built around the institution of Skateboarding. I recently dug into this twelve song collection and took a close listen to all it entailed. What I decided is that it is 35 minutes of blazing Punk Rock energy. As usual, before I say too much more, I want to tell you about the tracks that most stood out to me as I listened to “This is Skate Rock.”
Kicking off the album is “Blender Knows.” This title is most likely referencing Pro Skater and artist Neil Blender. With a “1,2,3,4” the song jumps off with a hacksaw riff and real Rockin’ beat. The verse is driven by a slick Bass line and vocals which are even tone, subdued and smooth. The chorus reminds us that “Gnarly is a way of life,” and keeps the energy coming. The song finishes strong with a more intense vocal presence and then ends with a ringing chord. If this album is meant to be the soundtrack to a skate session, then “Blender Knows” launches the affair in just the right way.
The next song I want to talk about is “Master of Disaster.” This is a tribute to Skateboarding and Punk Rock legend Duane Peters. The opening riff is fully bitchin’ and the tempo is pure energy. This song is pure wheels to the street, pumping for speed, balls to the wall power. Another great Bass line is the backbone of the track, tying the whole thing together. This is a song that makes you want to increase the velocity of whatever your doing, Whether it be cleaning the house or riding your board, “Master of Disaster” will make you do it with the utmost haste.
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My favorite track in the collection is “Skate or Die.” This song has yet another utterly contagious riff and another grooving Bass line. The lyrics really lay it out there. On an album that is dedicated to skateboarding, this is THE song about skating. It seems to perfectly explain the passion the band has for the sport. “You’ll never understand, my soul is underneath my feet” is the sentiment and it is a powerful one. This is further emphasized on the chorus; packing in a strong vocal performance and shouting: “My board! My streets! My Rules!” With intensity and heart this song takes the top spot for me, and secures itself as the centerpiece of this concept album.
I also want to highlight, “Dogtown.” This song is more chill and smoother than the other tracks I’ve talked about here. Obviously it references the place, the people and the scene that existed around “Dogtown,” CA. Again I have to give props to the Bass player, as I am enamored with the style here. This song has a very classic Punk sounding riff and some great hand claps that add a nice effect. In the end, “Dogtown” is a lot of fun, is a good listen and definitely a stand out track.
“Poor Devils” is the last song I want to discuss. As far as I can tell this is the only song on the record that doesn’t directly reference Skating, though I could be wrong. This appears to be a rerecording of a song from their 2018 EP. Even with all that being said, I still have to bring it up. It’s just that good. Honestly, I feel like this might be the best song in the collection. It is ripping fast, hard edged, and lyrically pretty damn poignant. “Poor Devils” is a song about being broke and struggling under the rule of western capitalism. It is a song about blue collar woes, financial injustices and class warfare. It’s a song that reminds us that at the end of the all, all the bullshit “isms” are fiction and the only real division that exists is between the have and the have nots. They sum it up pretty well with the line, “Cause they’re the enemy and you are all poor devils just like me.” Without a doubt this is some powerful Punk Rock and a track that stands out loud and proud.
So at the end of the day, what do I think about “This is Skate Rock?” Well, I have to say I dig it! From the top to the bottom it’s a great album. Packed with strong riffs, quick tempos, bouncing Bass lines and of course, Skateboarding references, this album is pure Punk Rock fire. It’s got that undeniable force behind it that makes you want to move, to push on, to simply go! Violet Ray has constructed an album that is great for work, exercise, or really any other activity that requires a boost in vitality. Yes, it is excellent for all occasions when motion is a must. And of course this high energy collection is the perfect soundtrack for riding your board. I think this album will go over huge with fans of Pennywise, Guttermouth and NOFX for it’s relentless tempos and action packed vibes. So with all that being said, I highly recommend you check out “This is Skate Rock,” its a Rockin’ good time of a record that will light a fire under your ass. On that note I’ll adjourn this edition of the RbRR. As always, bang you heads, raise your horns and wear your earplugs. Thanks for reading.
Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt,
-Z.M. Delgado
Rustbelt Rock Review
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