Die Electric did not have an easy start.

Maybe not any more traumatic than most band beginnings, but nonetheless, it seemed the odds were against them.

The band began as The Voltz, which they had to change because of another group with the same name. They then called themselves Voltz Unlimited for a while before switching again to another shocking name, Die Electric. Though inconvenient, at least the name changes happened before an official release.

What really made the local band doomed to fail was the trio’s past. Each member came from well-loved bands which had debunked: Drummer Misha Dashevsky came from American Monsters, guitarist Brian Shuey from International Robot and bassist Dave Gardner from the Selby Tigers.

It seemed none could live up to the greatness of their former bands and the group would become another disappointing super group. It didn’t help that two other ex-Selby Tigers members started new projects around the same time. The big gossip in the local scene became: What Selby Tiger had the better band?

But all that is in the past. Their name is set and the gossipers have moved on to other subjects. Finally everyone can pay attention to the music.

Die Electric’s first release “Push Pull” is floor-shaking, hip-shaking good ol’ punk rock.

Songs like “You Tear Me Up” remain relatively simple – a heart-shattered love cry compensated with ear-shattering amp levels. Die Electric scream and yowl like lovesick werewolves on the prowl. They know exactly how to make their music brutally fun.

This is especially heard on their cover of “Oh No” by the classic punk rockers, the Only Ones. Shuey’s high-shrill shriek is complemented by Gardner’s low growl.

The very different vocals bounce back and forth in “Push Pull” like a ping pong ball. It makes Die Electric sound even more playful.

Die Electric’s start has not slowed them down. They’re too busy having fun and rocking out to let them be caught up in the past.