Feature: We Are The Union

Artist: We Are The Union
Title: You Can’t B-side The Sun
Format Reviewed: MP3
Format Release: 6th January 2014
Reviewed By: James Reeve

When you think of an album b-side, you instantly assume that the songs in front of you aren't going to be anywhere near as decent as the actual album. Well, I do at least anyway. So I wasn’t expecting much when I decided to give the now-defunct We Are The Union’s two track b-side, You Can’t B-side the Sun, a listen. Oh, how I was wrong.

With less than five minutes of material, this two track digital album is actually really good. Both tracks show that this band took an entirely different approach to the ska-punk genre creating a heavier sound which feels like a mix between Less Than Jake and The Flatliners, that’ll definitely have you jumping around on the dance floor. This is definitely worth checking out.

The two-tracks are available for purchase from their bandcamp site for $2. Definitely worth the buy.



After hearing the b-sides, we caught up with lead vocalist Reed Wolcott to discuss future plans, upcoming solo shows, and his recently released Christmas song...

The Punk Archive: Introduce yourself to our readers.
Reed: Hello! My name is Reed Wolcott. I sing songs and play guitars.

The Punk Archive: So, you're going to be releasing a new EP this year. Any hints about what to expect from your solo project?
Reed: This is going to get complicated, so bear with me. The EP I'm working on now is actually for a second, as-of-yet-unnamed solo project. That project is influenced by bands like Jimmy Eat World, Punchline, Relient K, and Motion City Soundtrack. Sort of a softer blend of pop-punk and emo. What I'll be doing as Reed Wolcott will be less serious, and will generally be less focused on maintaining a specific sound. I'm also doing a Modest Mouse and deadmau5 ukelele mashup project called Mau5trap.

The Punk Archive: Your show with Transit and Hit The Lights is taking place on February 8th in Detroit. You looking forward to it?
Reed: Absolutely. We Are The Union has played with Transit a few times, so it'll be good to see them again.

The Punk Archive: How would you compare playing a solo show as to a band show?
Reed: Solo shows are a little more intimidating. Mistakes are more noticeable, but I like the idea of being able to play anything I want. I usually play some of my own songs, some We Are The Union songs, and some covers. Since it's just me, it's easier to be flexible and more adventurous.

The Punk Archive: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Reed: Panic.

The Punk Archive: You've also recently released a new Christmas Song, I'm Working Retail for Christmas. When and how did the idea for that come about?
Reed: My parents always used to listen to the original song I'm Gettin' Nuttin for Christmas, so it must have been sitting somewhere in the back of my subconscious. I was at work one day in mid November and the words "I'm working retail for Christmas" just sort of popped into my head. Just like that. Entirely out of nowhere. I kept turning the phrase over in my head and eventually I realized it fit the song perfectly. From there, the parody sort of wrote itself.

The Punk Archive: So, aside from a show and EP, what has 2014 got set up for you?
Reed: We Are The Union just released the You Can't B-Side The Sun EP, which is 2 b-sides from the You Can't Hide The Sun sessions. We're currently trying to contest IRS late filing fees, so the release is a fundraiser to help us pay for professional help and/or the fines, depending on how it all plays out. It's $2 for 2 songs, and I think that's a pretty good deal! Other than that, I'll be working on music for both solo projects and finishing my associate's degree. There are a couple other things in the works that I can't quite talk about yet, too. Should be an exciting year!