What’s more punk rock than being a punk in the Middle East? Nothing. Which is why Israeli miscreants USELESS ID are not only the longstanding ambassadors of Middle East punk rock, but they’re also way punker than you. Armed with eighteen years of experience and a tour history that includes such out of the way spots as China, Belarus and even Siberia, these boys from Haifa City have finally found a home with long time friends Fat Wreck Chords for the release of Symptoms. USELESS ID first started in Haifa in 1994, but they quickly recorded a demo and took off to California where they met and befriended all their punk rock heroes. They’ve been emulating and touring with bands like NOFX, The Vandals, and No Use For a Name ever since. When it came time to record Symptoms, USELESS ID trekked back to the States from Haifa to record at The Blasting Room (Rise Against, NOFX, Alkaline Trio) with the renowned Bill Stevenson (Descendents, Black Flag). The result is a monumental combustion of in your face, razor sharp production, and undeniably skilled punk rock songwriting. The 12 tracks on Symptoms ooze with all the irresistible appeal of songs popularized by genre heavyweights Rise Against, No Use For a Name, and Alkaline Trio, yet clearly maintain a cohesive and unique perspective from start to finish. Individually each song is a hit, and collectively Symptoms is USELESS ID’s piece de resistance. Of course, these road tested vets (did we mention their show in Siberia?) have a globetrotting tour lined up in support of the album that would even impress Jules Verne.