\"Baxter, or Shock/Caller as some of you may remember, was an alternative grunge band from Winchester VA that existed from 2014-2018. They recorded one album in 2016 and self-released it a year later on their bandcamp page with little promotion; leading listeners to mainly consist of close friends and family. Baxter may be known best as the band that predated Destructo Disk, as bassist and frontman, Gideon Kupka, formed Destructo Disk as a side project while Baxter was still active.
Destructo Disk’s debut EP “Punk Rock for Kids Who Can’t Skate” was released 5 months before “Street Biscuits,” leading the album to live in the shadow of its spiritual successor; but we think that the record deserves a second chance. “Street Biscuits” is a product of the transition into adulthood. The songs were written when the band was in high school, and recorded before everyone had even graduated. With corny, yet genuine lyrical themes, Baxter wore their influences on their sleeve, with singles like “Chris Song” rivaling your favorite Basement record, and tracks like “Dad Religion” And “Kill Frats” seeing the band dipping their toes into punk rock.
With all of the variety in songs, it was hard to pin down what genre Baxter was trying to go for. In the end, it’s apparent that the album showcases the drive to create, while also laying down the foundation of music that would lead to the formation of Sockhead Records.
