Real Sickies are back with Under a Plastic Bag, their latest album on Stomp Records. The Edmonton-based band has built a reputation for fast, catchy punk rock with a power-pop shine, and this release continues their streak of energetic, hook-driven anthems. Fans of The Ramones, Teenage Bottlerocket, and The Buzzcocks will find plenty to love here.
The album's lead single, "Wild Imagination," sets the tone with its punchy riffs and sharp melodies. The song, inspired by frontman Ben Disaster’s fascination with fossil hunting, offers a unique lyrical perspective while maintaining the band's signature high-energy delivery. Other standout tracks include "Should Have Seen It Coming" and "Triage," both of which blend tight rhythms with anthemic choruses. The band’s ability to balance grit with melody makes these songs immediate and memorable.
Recorded during one of Edmonton’s harshest winters, Under a Plastic Bag carries the urgency of its creation. Produced by Joshua Wells, known for his work with Autogramm and Lightning Dust, the album was shaped in a DIY setting filled with late-night sessions and relentless creativity. The band embraced the cold, even building a makeshift fort in the studio to stay warm, which added to the album’s raw and determined feel.
Real Sickies' relentless touring schedule has sharpened their sound, and that live energy is all over this album. Having played with punk veterans like Stiff Little Fingers and Marky Ramone, they’ve honed their ability to craft songs that hit hard while staying irresistibly catchy. The band even debuted Under a Plastic Bag live in Jasper before finalizing the recordings, reinforcing their commitment to making music that thrives both on record and on stage.
With Under a Plastic Bag, Real Sickies prove they are more than just a nostalgic nod to classic punk like the Ramones—they are pushing the genre forward while staying true to its roots as they mix tinges of new wave and other influences of punks early days. The album is a statement on their dedication, capturing both chaos and resilience in a way that feels fresh yet familiar. For fans of melodic punk with a rock edge, this is a record worth spinning.
