Seattle’s punk scene has a new force to reckon with: TASTE TESTORS. In just three months, the band went from forming to recording an album and signing with Moodkiller Records (home to Hutchie, Trash Sound Conglomerate, and The Snubs). Their debut, self-titled album is set for release on February 22, 2025, and it promises fast, loud, and no-nonsense punk rock.

Guitarist and songwriter Nils Larson (Rabid Dogs, The Greatest Hits) describes the band’s sound as “dumb genius.” It’s simple and direct, but not just anyone can pull it off. Alongside Larson, the lineup includes bassist Leif Larson (Piniellas, Appaloosa), drummer Vic Sanchez (Midnight Thunder Express, Raz Rez), and vocalist Steve E (The Briefs, Clean Lines). Together, they deliver stripped-down, high-energy songs that stick to the basics: all downstrokes, no guitar solos, and no filler.

TASTE TESTORS’ upcoming album features ten rapid-fire tracks, including “I Don't Want You to Fall in Love With Me,” “We Don't Wanna Have Nothing to Do With You,” “She Didn't Tell Me She Was a Dopehead,” and “She Looks Cool in Every Direction.” At just 18 minutes long, the record is a full-speed blast of punk, garage rock, and power-pop that channels the raw energy of 1976-era Ramones, with touches of early SoCal punk and bubblegum hooks.

The band members are no newcomers. They’ve spent years in the underground, playing in respected punk and garage outfits. Since forming in 2024, they’ve already opened for bands like Okmoniks, Emi Pop, and Paint Fumes, quickly making their presence known. Seattle’s reputation for grunge may loom large, but TASTE TESTORS have no interest in slow and moody. This is pure, high-speed punk made for short attention spans and long nights.

TASTE TESTORS aren’t reinventing the wheel, but they aren’t trying to. They’re playing punk rock the way it’s meant to be played—loud, fast, and without hesitation. Their debut is shaping up to be a sharp, fun, and instantly memorable record. If you like your punk raw and your hooks undeniable, TASTE TESTORS are a band to watch.