SPOT – Misfits-EP

Let me preface this review with a straightforward disclaimer: I’ve never been particularly drawn to Misfits or the horror-punk genre. However, regardless of personal tastes, it’s hard to ignore the significant influence Misfits have had on the hardcore punk scene, resonating through the decades.

The Misfits’ legacy spans generations, influencing a wide range of bands from My Chemical Romance, AFI, Senses Fail, and Saves The Day to hardcore and metal acts like Sick of It All, Earth Crisis, Snapcase, 108, and Refused. Its influence has led to a wealth of passionate covers by these diverse bands. So, in the spirit of Halloween, I’m going to let you in on an obscure Misfits cover EP from Bulgaria that is probably unknown to many, including a fair number of Bulgarians.

Rewinding to October 1982, Misfits recorded their now-infamous Spot Session demos at Unicorn Studio in Santa Monica, CA, under a tight post-gig schedule from midnight to 6 am. Leaping to 2005, Bulgarian skate punk band Spot (styled as SPOT), inspired by Misfits, recorded their own session of Misfits covers in a single take.

Initially established in the mid-’90s as Counterfit by a group of skaters in Ruse, a town on the northern border along the Danube river, the band evolved into SPOT. They adopted a sound deeply influenced by groups like Good Riddance, Propagandhi, and Millencolin. SPOT was one of the first local bands I came across in my early teenage years. By the time they performed their Misfits cover session, SPOT had two albums under their belt: The Ultimate Guide Of Modern Dancing (2003) and Waiting For The Inevitable (2004), along with a notable 4-Way Split with Maniacal Pictures, Plastic Bo., and Crowfish.

Now, about this EP. It’s a whirlwind of energy, lasting sharply eleven and a half minutes. The tracks are quick, anthem-like, and maintain the raw energy of their live performances. In a sense, if you hate cover bands, but you want to listen to a punk cover album—it begs to be a raw rehearsal room recording, preferably recorded in a single studio take. And this is a good one. It’s the perfect example. While I’m not a huge Misfits fan myself, what really stands out in SPOT’s covers is their undeniable skate punk energy and intensity. They show how skate punk, even in tribute, should be performed. Refreshing, vibrant and captivating.

Take a listen and let all hell break loose… Happy Halloween! 🎃 🧟 👻 🧡 🕷