-NFT RECORD REVIEWS 2008-
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The fourth full-length from these ever-growing UK melodic punk rockers who blend the classic American Fat Wreck / Lookout! melodic sounds with the uniquely English take on this sound that bands like LEATHERFACE and SNUFF forged. Very solid indeed, this is their most focused and substantial record to date with that trademark melancholic edge. I’m very fussy about which melodic punk bands I listen to because so many of them just don’t do anything for me, they’re just too by-the-numbers, but 4FT FINGERS don’t fall into that category, they come across as honest and obsessed (in a good way) and I really gravitate towards this English style. It’s positive yet gloomy (again, in a good way) and it’s almost a blend of late ‘80’s / early ‘90s UK indie with some punk balls and aggression and it works really well.
Not On Your Radio Records
www.notonyourradio.com
86 MENTALITY – ‘FINAL EXIT’ CD
The DC powerhouse is back with a mighty hardcore, tough as nails record and I mean hardcore in every sense of the word, this is old-fashioned - heavily ‘80’s influenced (duh) and confrontational as hell with all the exciting impulsiveness of the early hardcore style. This is THE hardcore sound for me, the sound that started in the early ‘80’s in a very raw form that certainly took a lot of influence from punk rock simplicity and then developed by the mid-‘80’s into this heavier, more robust beast – that the real hardcore sound for me and that’s what 86 MENTALITY represent for me and it’s a hugely welcome sound I can tell you. This is the sound of my youth that somehow mutated into over the years and got so disfigured that it’s pretty much indistinguishable today so when a band and record like this come along you have to grab it. GRAB IT. There’s no bullshit about 86 MENTALITY- it’s just real hardcore, not much else has to be said- you should be sold on that alone so if you’ve been craving that old sound this is for you. I know there are a handful of killer hardcore bands out there but I welcome as many more as possible that come form this angle and mentality- these guys’ name is so apt it’s unbelievable. It truly is a state of mind and I guess that’s what a lot of the kids lost when hardcore became unrecognisable. Excellent shit right here.
Deranged Records
www.derangedrecords.com
THE ADDITATORS – ‘CARTILAGE VOMITING’ CD
Excellent raw ’77 style punk rock from Japan... this is fat-paced and wild and tons of fuckin fun too. This rules. They keep thing really stripped down with tons of balls whilst being melodic too and they remind me of the SEX PISTOLS blended with the SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN and that’s a killer mix!! 12 tracks in total and they all rule and I’ve spun this so many times in the past month without getting even slightly bored of it…excellent!! They just have the right sound and the right mix- it’s not too heavy and produced like so many so-called ’77 revivalist bands- the ’77 sound is not supposed to be too thick and THE ADDITATORS nail it. I definitely recommend this one!
Antique Records
A.F.S. / BULLET KINGS – SPLIT 7”
AFS deliver 3 tracks of old school punk rock that’s melodic and raw with gruff vocals and mixes the classic early English sound with an American more melodic edge, it’s straightforward and solid and that’s all it needs to be for me! THE BULLET KINGS (who feature Carl from A.F.S.) also deliver 3 cuts but in a more melodic style, still classic punk rock influenced but with a more power-pop feel to it but still with the gravely vocals which makes it pretty interesting because it’s usually very sung melodic vocals that would accompany this style but this works. Cool split with both bands delivering some good old fashioned punk rock.
Voltage Records
www.voltagerecords.com
AGROTOXICO – ‘LIBERTACAO’ CD
Fast and raging political hardcore from Brazil. It’s straight-forward, stripped and hostile in the right way- this is passionate and incensed and in the great old fashioned way, there’s no modern bullshit about AGROTOXICO…there’s even guest appearances from Fabio from OLHO SECO, Markon from LOBOTOMIA and Gepeto from ACAO DIRETA so how can you possibly argue with that??? That’s a seal of absolute approval right there!! Nice and heavy but never verging on metallic, AGROTOXICO have the chainsaw guitars that I crave so much and if it didn’t state that this was recorded last year I’d believe it could have come out in the mid-80’s and that’s another thing I crave. This is the definition of real hardcore to me, this is what I hear in my head when someone mentions hardcore to me so this gets a double-thumbs up from everybody at NFT. Excellent.
Dirty Faces Records
www.dirtyfaces.de
AMEBIX – ‘NO SANCTUARY: THE SPIDERLEG RECORDINGS’ CD
AMEBIX certainly shouldn’t require an introduction but for those who don’t know – they are a seminal UK anarchopunk band born in the late ‘70’s whose very interesting sound that blended early metal, black metal and early UK punk was highly influential and seriously imitated and still is to this day. They are also credited as the pioneers of crust. ‘No Sanctuary: The Spiderleg Recordings’ presents AMEBIX’s early material from 1982 - 1984 (‘No Sanctuary’, ‘Who’s The Enemy’ and ‘Winter’) that were originally released (very limitedly) on Spiderleg Records a quarter of a century ago and have since been relentlessly bootlegged but are now available officially together for the first time. These are dark, powerful and intense recordings that truly deserve this official re-issue and the sound on here is great too – it’s all been remastered by Jello Biafra and George Horn which is something that the bootlegs will lack. This is a piece of history here that every punk should be aware of, I myself haven’t been lucky enough to own the 7”s included on this collection so this is a real treat for me and I truly urge you to get acquainted with AMEBIX if you aren’t already and even if you have the bootleg get this because of the remastered sound and original artwork and also the 12” version comes with a bonus 7” too. Hats off AT for dusting the original tapes off.
Alternative Tentacles Records
www.alternativetentacles.com
ANTIDOTE – ‘NO COMMUNICATION’ CD
The Dutch pogo punks are back with 14 cuts of fast old school punk rock heavily influenced by the early UK sound in the vein of ONE WAY SYSTEM, PARTISANS etc and after 5 full-lengths and 12 years of being together, ‘No Communication’ is their toughest and best work to date. Passionate and focussed ‘No Communication’ barks politics and personal issues with serious energy and passion. ANTIDOTE have always been genuine and it’s great to hear them in 2008 sounding so significant and absorbed because there’s so much empty bullshit out there that doesn’t mean shit so this is a real slap to the side of the head... this truly is an antidote to the phoney shit that has diseased punk rock. Wake up!!
Dirty Faces Records
www.dirtyfaces.de
ANTiSEEN – ‘THE BEST OF’ DOUBLE CD
It was bound to happen…a compilation of 40 ANTiSEEN cuts spanning their two and a half decades of destruction and don’t think for a second that this is their swan song, this is just another typical ANTiSEEN assault and what a fucking assault it is. The two discs take us chronologically through snippets of ANTiSEEN’s releases. Disc One starts with three cuts from 1985’s ‘Drastic’ EP through to ‘Honour Among Thieves’, ‘EP Royalty, ‘Blood Of Freaks’, Australian release ‘Noise For The Sake Of Noise’ and ends with five single cuts from 1991. So those are the early years!! Disc 2 begins with 1991’s infamous ‘Southern Hostility’, through to the ‘Fornication’ single, ‘Eat More Possum’, the track ‘Cactus Jack’ from the ‘Hell’ covers record, ‘Here To Ruin Your Groove’ , the ‘Jailhouse’ single, ‘The Boys From Brutalsville’ right up to their last full-length from 2004, ‘Badwill Ambassadors’…what a ride this is. Killer packaging too and excellent loner notes from Russell Ward. This is great introduction to this band for the new generation of punks or for the sleepers who have missed out and of course for ANTiSEEN fans too. It’s a hard task to select just 40 tracks form the hundreds this unstoppable band recorded but this is a great job here. This is fucking killer.
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com
ATOMS – S/T 7”
This is killer... young and spastic, fast and convulsive new wave pop that blends the classic eccentricity of DEVO and THE MUMPS with the high energy of THE EPOXIES. Three cuts, all great with all the idiosyncrasy employed fantastically. I’m a sucker for this sound but it’s got to be done well, with style and ATOMS nail it. This is gonna be pretty hard to get a hold of now but do your best to track it down!!!
Sweet Tooth Records
www.myspace.com/sweettoothrecs
AVENUE ROSE – ‘ELECTRIC’ 7”
I was really looking forward to this 7” cause I’m a sucker for AVENUE ROSE’s blend of power pop and gritty rock ‘n’ roll, they remind me a lot of a Full Breach Kicks style band and it’s no secret that I’m a fan of that sound!! The whole thing is raw but with a polished edge- trademark Steve E. Nix production that really defines this sound because rock ‘n’ roll’s gotta be raw and urgent but when it’s mixed with that power pop clean-ness, shit, it’s something else. There’s balls and melody in this very addictive sound…think a mix of the EXPLODING HEARTS, THE GO, THE JONESES, THE SCRUFFS and THE NICE BOYS. Three killer cuts on clear blue wax...get it before they’re all gone.
Slab-O-Wax Records
www.slab-o-wax.com
THE AX – ‘BLACK SEA’ 7”
THE AX is a turbulent two-man garage rock attack. Heavy and untamed this is an unbelievable output for just two guys. Two guys who know exactly what they’re doing. I’m impressed when a three-piece can pull it off…but a two-piece? This well? Well, that’s something else entirely. Dark, obsessed and feral, THE AX create quite an atmosphere and they’re ambiguous in the perfect way. There’s a full-length on the way (also through Whoa! Boat Records) and I’m agitated already!!! Super-impressive 7” with amazing cover-art and just enough to get you drooling for the debut full-length.
Whoa! Boat Records
www.whoaboat.com
THE BABOONS – ‘BOOGIE CURSE’ CD
Debut full-length from these young Belgian rockers. THE BABOONS have a very interesting rock ‘n’ roll sound, a super-stripped down mix of bluesy roots, early country and 1950’s rockabilly... yes, it’s a impressive sound for sure and even more so when you see how young these cats are... their sound is authentic as hell and they approach it from all the right angles, these guys have been listening very carefully to their records and their passion is indisputable. I’m impressed as hell with this and that’s all I can say... you gotta check this out for yourself.
Drunkabilly Records
www.drunkabilly.com
THE BABYLON WHACKERS – ‘HAPPY DAYS WITH…’ CD
THE BABYLON WHACKERS is made up of UK punks THE FILAMENTS joined by MAJAH TUNDER and BABAR LUCK and members of THE KING BLUES and SUICIDE BID too. The result is a blend of traditional ska, reggae, dub and two-tone with folk and punk elements. This is like a cocktail of SYMARIP, MADNESS, THE UPSETTERS, THE SPECIALS, TENOR SAW, THE BEAT and even when it gets heavy it never verges on ‘skapunk’ which is a good thing! There’s times where it’s clearly influenced by THE CLASH but it never gets too heavy in that vulgar American style. There’s elements of more contemporary bands like THE SLACKERS, AGGROLITES and WESTBOUND TRAIN too. The record is all over the place in a great way, the pace changes, the vocal deliveries change and these guys can sure as hell play! It’s great to see more bands going back to a more traditional style and experimenting with it in this way because it’s a real challenge rather than just playing sake fast and heavy like so many do. THE BABYLON WHACKERS have risen to that challenge with a very exciting result indeed.
Dirty Faces Records
www.dirtyfaces.de
THE BAD LUCK CHARMS – S/T CD
This is the super-long awaited full-length from Kerry Martinez’s New York based sleazy rock ‘n’ roll outfit THE BAD LUCK CHARMS following the killer ‘Rich Girl’ 7” a few years ago- so you see, this was along-time coming!!! But Kerry’s a busy guy and the wait was so fuckin’ worth it!! THE BAD LUCK CHARMS take their cues from the first wave of seedy punk rock ‘n’ roll ala NEW YORK DOLLS, DEAD BOYS, WAYNE COUNTY etc but also from a much more traditional ROLLING STONES rock ‘n’ roll angle. It’s a killer, killer ecord with so mnay hooks and an absolutely addictive melody- there’s no secret that Kerry can write a rock ‘n’ roll song! It’s always a pleasure to hear Kerry’s guitar work and his voice, I love the guy and I love this record.
I Scream Records
www.iscreamrecords.com
BAMBIX – ‘BLEEDING IN A BOX’ CD
Holland’s BAMBIX present their fifth full-length that’s full of the female-fronted melodic punk rock that’s they are well-known for. Willia’s vocals are as characteristic as ever with her husky yet melodic style. The most interesting thing about BAMBIX’s sound is that beneath the melody there’s a strong underlying dark melancholy which really congeals the sound and gives it layers. This album is mainly fast-paced with some more mid-paced numbers and also a hardcore track ‘Leave Luke Be’ that’s and interesting divergence for the band and works pretty well, but I much prefer the melodic punk approach. This is pure BAMBIX who should know by now! A tight blend of classic and more-modern melodic punk rock that merges European and American style.
Go-Kart Records Europe
www.GoKartRecords.de
BANNER PILOT – ‘RESIGNATION DAY’ CD
The debut full-length from Minneapolis’s BANNER PILOT who have a powerful melodic punk sound that draws great influence from JAWBREAKER as well as the early/mid era Lookout! sound of SCREECHING WEASEL, CRIMPSHRINE, PINHEAD GUNPOWEDER, CLEVELAND BOUND DEATH SENTENCE and could easily be on the No Idea roster right now. It’s so tight and well-played and all the power is there but with a strong and slightly melancholic melody weaving through it – and that’s the great dejected melody that some of the aforementioned bands employed so well and that I’m a huge fan of. I love the raw, unpolished edge that it has because I think that that hammers the melody through even more successfully whilst still keeping an abrasive punk rock presence, if it gets too polished it just loses all it’s bite and that happens all to often with melodic / pop punk bands – where it become so produced and watered down that it loses any solu it might have initially had... so thumbs up for the production on here! This is definitive melodic punk for me…I grew up with the Lookout! sound and that’s pretty much completely disappeared now so I’ll welcome this with open arms for sure. A great album with a lot of spirit.
Go-Kart Records
www.gokartrecords.com
BARSE – ‘IF YOU CAN’T FUCK ‘EM, CUT ‘EM UP’ CD
The scumfucs are back!! If you are unfamiliar with BARSE (what’s the matter with you???) they are obnoxious fuckers who mix the depravity of GG ALLIN and THE MENTORS with the crudeness, vulgarity and humour of THE MACC LADS and the addictive melody of SLOPPY SECONDS and COCKSPARRER. They’ve taken it all up a notch from the debut full-length ‘Negative Reaction’ and the addictiveness has doubled on this. The blend of obnoxious sleaze with alluring melody is something that I just love- that’s why early GG is so fucking great and when he lost that melody and got more aggressive later on, he lost everything. The key is to make singalongs that penetrate the brain and almost subliminally plant the sordidness in the brain like vulgar pop songs. Don’t get me wrong this has got balls, big balls. It’s a real pity that this is the end of the BARSE saga due to vocalist Gash’s death because this is a huge blow to real punk rock. There aren’t many bands like BARSE around and I don’t think we’ll see many more, sadly.
Hell’s Tone Records
www.lprhardcore.net/htr
THE BLACK HALOS – ‘WE ARE NOT ALONE’ CD
Ahhh, always a pleasure to hear Billy and the Halos! I yearn for his sleazy, throaty vocals draped over gritty punk rock ‘n’ roll riffs…who the fuck doesn’t dig THE BLACK HALOS??? I fuckin love them and I really feel that they fly the flag for all that mischievous, self-destructive rock ‘n’ roll ala Stiv Bators / DEAD BOYS, Johnny Thunders / HEARTBREAKERS, PLASMATICS etc and it’s not like they’re trying to mimic that sound because they make their own very distinctive noise and they do it in a way that only Canadians can! I’ve always been an absolute sucker for Canadian punk rock from the first time I ever heard the FORGOTTEN REBELS and it opened a new world for me as a teenager…this was the sound I was after! And in my opinion, THE BLACK HALOS are contemporaries in a very long line of amazing Canadian punk rockers that include THE DIODES, VILETONES, TEENAGE HEAD, DISHRAGS, MODERNETTES, K-TELS etc…I definitely lump them in with that because they are a direct product of that…back to ‘We Are Not Alone’…well, this is just textbook, solid as fuck BLACK HALOS and what more do you want? Excellent production by Jack Endino too…an absolute winner.
Acetate Records
www.acetate.com
BLATANT FINGER – ‘EIGHT FOR THE ROAD’ MINI CD
It’s been a few years since BLATANT FINGER’s Last CD ‘Moving Forward’ on Pelado and it’s great to hear that ‘Eight For The Road’ continues in their interesting blend of early ‘80’s Southern Californian punk rock of SOCIAL DISTORTION and BAD RELIGION and mid ‘90’s Californian TKO-style punk rock in the vein of SWINGIN’ UTTERS, ONE MAN ARMY, WORKIN’ STIFFS, THOSE UNKNOWN etc. It’s got a lot of melody running through it but it’s still tough with a heavy edge too. There’s no real label for BLATANT FINGER which is a cool thing, fans of streetpunk would certainly dig their sound but it’s certainly couldn’t be labelled as that…this is way more sophisticated and melodic and honest, there’s no posing around with this band and no exaggeration. This mimi-CD is a taster if what we can expect form their upcoming full-length next year and this has 6 cool originals as well as a ROLLING STONES and POISON cover.
89 Records
www.blatantfinger.com
THE BLOODREDS – ‘MISTER MESS’ 7”
If like me, you’ve been asking yourself whatever happened to that classic US ’77 / streetpunk sound? The sound of the SWINGIN’ UTTERS, THOSE UNKNOWN and THE BELTONES etc... well THE BLOODREDS seem to have asked themselves the same thing and churn out four killer cuts on ‘Mister Mess’ that hark back to the early TKO sound where there was truly some magic... there’s clearly a big UTTERS influence here and that’s always gonna grab me. This is a great debut 7” and I hope these guys are planning a full-length and after hearing this 7” and the accompanying 8 track demo CD I’m excited about it.
Loud Blaring Punkrock Records
www.myspace.com/loudpunks
BON VIVANTS – ‘BLACK HONEY’ CD
Great low-fi soul-soaked rock ‘n’ roll that reminds me a hell of a lot of SYD BARRET – especially his solo stuff…it’s got that calm wildness about it with fantastic roving song writing and raw production – there’s even a slight touch of PAUL WESTERBERG laid-back unruliness about it and the whole thing is delivered in a in post-punk mind-set…yep, this is a Gulcher release alright!! My wife’s Portuguese and some years ago I was introduced to Madeiran black honey and the black honey cake…and it’s no joke…the dark, suffocating depths are awesome and breath-taking (literally) and I really feel that that’s been reflected in this record…what a title…yes, in typical Gulcher style, the BON VIVANTS push limits with exciting experimentation and with massive success.
Gulcher Records
www.gulcher.gemm.com
BOOZED / DECEMBER PEALS – ‘BACK IN THE BACK OF A CADILLAC’ SPLIT CD
Six songs each from these two German rock ‘n’ roll bands. BOOZED play gritty, big-riff rock ‘n’ roll but with a sleazy garage edge with tons of energy and some serious guitar presence with elements of AC/DC, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones and the Stooges with tons of organ thrown in. Very good indeed. DECEMBER PEALS are a heavier rock ‘n’ roll beats! Faster and more frenzied that BOOZED but still very much in that gritty rock ‘n’ roll mindset maybe with elements of early GUNS N’ ROSES but way more rock ‘n’ roll. This is a great split for sure, with BOOZED taking the edge for me.
Chorus Of One Records
www.chorusofonerecords.it
BRAT PACK – ‘HATE THE NEIGHBOURS’ CD
Excellent hardcore punk from the Netherlands that mixes the classic early ‘80’s US sound with a modern style too. At times this reminds me a lot of REAGAN YOUTH which is fine with me!!! There’s elements of RANCID here too as well as RKL, BATTALION OF SAINTS and early NOFX. The vocal delivery is fantastic and the whole thing sounds so powerful with great production that doesn’t take the raw edge away. This is the first time I’d heard BRAT ATTACK and I wasn’t expecting to be this blown away. The songs are fast and short with most of them staying well below the two minute mark and that’s just the way I like it. This is a killer record and it’s their debut full-length…very impressive. Definitely keep and eye on BRAT PACK because I’m certain they will explode…I’d love to catch these guys live.
Dirty Faces Records
www.dirtyfaces.de
BREAD & ROSES – ‘DEEP RIVER DAY’ CD
We spin last year’s BREAD AND ROSES split 7” with MISCHIEF BREW so much here so when the full-length arrived needless to say we were all excited. BREAD & ROSES play raw folk with an absolute punk rock mind-set, they don’t blend styles- they keep it strictly traditional and authentic folk but with a huge DIY and unrefined punk rock presence and attitude, The energy is irresistible, it’s so live and alive and inescapably wholehearted. BREAD & ROSES come across and so organic and natural and the production on this record is great, it’s crude in all the right ways and to me, that is THE key ingredient in conveying that wild energy. Although they are obviously heavily influenced by traditional Irish folk - BREAD & ROSES’s sound is quite unique, it’s not at all like the more-contemporary take on the POGUES sound that a lot of bands have clung to, this is a much more rudimentary style and I say that as an absolutely flattering remark – they have just got it and their sound is timeless. They really do things their own way and what a record they have achieved from that. The liner notes in this CD are really cool too, with song explanations and commentaries. Definitely grab this.
Fistolo Records
www.fistolo.com
BULLET TREATMENT – ‘THE MISTAKE’ CD
This is BULLET TREATMENT’S official debut full-length ("What More Do You Want?" is considered a mini-album due to it’s shortness). ‘The Mistake’ delivers 16 cuts in 20 minutes- so they’re not slowing things down too much!!! Which is good news!! Their sound is straightforward, old school hardcore punk. No bullshit, no useless embellishment- just throat ripping, fast and stylish. Never metallic which wins massive points from me! The closest comparison I can make is a blend of early BLACK FLAG, MONOR THREAT, ANGY SAMOANS, BAD BRAINS and ADOLESCENTS. This incarnation of BULLET TREATMENT (for those of you who don’t know, the band members are ever-changing) marks the return of founder DC (Chuck from Basement Records) on guitar as well as the return of Matt Caughthran (The BRONX) on vocals with Vince and Dave from SUICIDAL TENDENICES, MOTHER NATURE’S REVENGE, THE DRIPS etc. This is a wild, wild record that represents everything great about the early hardcore sound- nobody else comes close to this and it always sounds so natural with BULLET TREATEMNT and maybe that’s all down to their trademark member-rotation that keeps things so fresh. This band is unstoppable and this full-length is fucking sick. Out of control and just what we need as we approach 2008 as I’m certain a whole strew of meaningless so-called punk rock shit will be released next year so I’ll just get absorbed in this thank you very much and lose myself;f yet again in the wonder that is BULLET TREATMENT. The vinyl version of ‘the Mistake’ is on Basement Records and the CD version is on Think Fast Records. Get them both – I have.
Basement Records
www.basementrecords.net
Think Fast! Records
www.thinkfastrecords.com
BULLET TREATMENT / IT’S CASUAL- SPLIT 7”
Two brand new cuts from the ever mutating and awesome BULLET TREATMENT in their fantastic old fashioned Californian hardcore style. This time around the line-up consists of members of INSTED, VULTIRES UINITED and the ICARUS LINE and yes, they rip like fucking mad…both tracks are in pure BT style and just leave you begging for more…it’s insane how much very incarnation of this band just nails it. IT’S CASUAL are more in the hardcore punk vein with slower-paced songs than BULLET TREATMENNT but still powerful as hell. This is the first time I’ve heard them and I like what I hear. It’s always going to be quite a task t be backed with BULLET TREATMENT but their blend of hardcore and punk ala early BLACK FLAG certainly rips too. Definitely a split to pick up for the BT tracks alone that are definitely the show-stealers.
Basement Records
www.basementrecords
CAN KICKERS – ‘LIVE AT LAVAZONE’ CD
Recorded live in Philadelphia at the LAVAZone (The Lancaster Avenue Autonomous Zone) in January 2007and what a ferocious performance Fistolo have captured here. This is fantastic stuff… CAN KICKERS deliver a feral set that is so well executed that it’s sickening. Boisterous, wonderfully disorderly, rough-edged folk and for a three-piece these guys are really frantic and truly rip it up. Totally DIY and 100% original the CAN KICKERS are folk punks in the old fashioned sense- Lo-fi and fanatical and bursting with vigour and that turbulent fire burns right through the speakers which proves that all you need is enthusiasm, honesty and energy. This is so far from the fashionable, meaningless folkpunk shit that’s gotten so popular in reent years. These guys are real. Real musicians with real instruments who don’t need thousands of dollars worth of rack equipment to make them sound good. These guys do it all themselves through their incredible delivery. I wish I could have been there and I sure hope to catch these guys live one day because I know they will blow me away.
Fistolo Records
www.fistolo.com
CENOBITES – ‘BLUE FANDANGO’ CD EP
CENOBITES are back after some line-up changes with this new 6 track EP plus a video clip and their self-described ‘cenodemonicsound’ is solid as ever with their unique blend of 1950’s rockabilly with a psychobilly twist and a raw punk rock edge too. It’s melodic and tough and really quite addictive! This is a killer follow up to ‘Snakepit Vibrations’ and hoefully a taster of a new album in the works! This also comes with a bonus Drunkabilly sampler Volume 2 CD that includes 16 cuts from CENOBITES, THE CARAVANS, THE GECKO BROTHERS, HETTEN DES, HOT BOOGIE CHILLUN, MOONSHINE REUNION, NIGEL LEWIS AND THE ZORCHMEN and more. A killer Drunkabilly package here.
Drunkabilly Records
www.drunkabilly.com
CHESTERFIELD – ‘DEATH GRIP’ CD
CHESTERFIELD’s power punk sound is very interesting because they keep things very melodic but with a very raw edge and the production on here is very interesting too because they could have so easily gone over the top and lost that crude edge but they kept things nice and rough which is a huge plus. This is what defines their sound really because they mix the melodic punk of the DESCENDENTS, mid-late era BAD RELIGION, NOFX etc but then on top of it they also have some heavy and chugging guitars that add a metallic edge, but again, nothing over-the-top, just another interesting facet to their sound. There’s hints of METALLICA and PANTERA but, again, I stress, this is far from metal! It’s really interesting to hear melodic punk from a different angle but it’s been done so many times by the book that I think too many bands just fell to easily into a mould – and that’s where CHESTERFIELD differ, this is the first time I’d heard them and I have to say that I was really pleasantly surprised. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with melodic punk rock but it has to be done right!
Mental Records
www.mentalrecords.net
CITIZEN KEYNE – ‘UNGREAT BRITAIN’ CD
English punk rock that tough yet melodic blending the early UK punk sound of PETER AND THE TEST TUBE BABIES, SEX PISTOLS, BUSINESS and SHAM 69 with the more contemporary sounds of American bands like LOWER CLASS BRATS and THE BODIES. Nice and straightforward punk rock, nothing too fancy which is just how I like it and played at a good pace too, not too fast as to venture into the UK ’82 style- this is totally late-seventies influenced punk rock. Political and attacking yet fun too and you can tell that these guys are passionate as hell about what they’re doing. Solid full-length.
www.myspace.com/citizenkeyne
COCK SPARRER – ‘TRUE TO YOURSELF’ 7”
A cut from COCK SPARRER’s newest full-length ‘Here We Stand’ that’s getting it’s US release on TKO later this year. Do you really need to read a review to see if you should get this? I think you already know…right? This is classic COCK SPARRER with all the melody and balls they always had, I mean, this is just pure and simple COCK SPARRER…there’s a live version of ‘Chip On My Shoulder’ here too recorded in San Francisco in 2000 (from the live TKO release ‘Runnin’ Riot Across The USA’).
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com
THE CRAWLERS – ‘I HATE MICHAEL VICK’ 7”
Another killer slice of wax from Portland early ‘80’s style hardcore punks THE CRAWLERS. Fast and tough but still melodic- this fuckin rules like all their other shit…all three cuts on here rip. The title track about NFL suspended quarterback Michael Vick who was arrested for dog-fighting is the show-stealer and ‘Movies About Vietnam’ is the fastest and toughest of the three but take my word for it, they are all killer. It’s just real, old school, no frills hardcore punk the way it used to be and I’m a sucker for them (and pretty much everything Blind Spot put out a whole). Definitely recommended, this rules.
Blind Spot Records
www.myspace.com/blindspotrecordspdx
THE CUTE LEPERS - ‘CAN’T STAND MODERN MUSIC’ CD
You wanna know just how good this record is? Well, let’s put it this way- as you may know we released the ‘So Screwed Up’ 7” through NFT Records so we’ve had this full-length for several months already from when we were choosing tracks for the 7” and the excitement here at NFT about this thing coming out is so high it’s off the fuckin scale…we already know this record inside out and we’re still creaming our jeans about it’s release... I think that’s about the best review a record could receive... this is a fantastic record showcasing some superb, original power pop that’s oozing with genuineness. The songs flow so well and it’s a massively exciting and fun ride…these lepers know the score, we need to push the envelope backwards by a couple decades because modern music is empty and as I’ve always said, lets go backwards not forwards! Who cares about evolution???!! This is definitely the NFT record if 2008 (and 2007 actually!) so yes, you HAVE to get this. In fact, get this Damaged Goods release and also the 1-2-3-4 Go! version.
Damaged Goods
www.damagedgoods.co.uk
THE CUTE LEPERS - ‘OUT OF ORDER’ 7”
A 7” taster from the mind-blowing full-length that’s just around the corner plus an exclusive cover of ‘Lonely Boy’ given the cute leprosy treatment. This colony nails the wonderful, authentic power pop sound with a huge dose of ‘70’s punk rock viciousness and it’s damn addictive. This is their third 7” release (second European one) and what a build-up to the hugely anticipated full-length. Believe all the hype because this is amazing.
Damaged Goods
www.damagedgoods.co.uk
This sick, sick DVD documents the night that the original DEAD BOYS reformed for one last show at the Ritz, NYC on Halloween Night 1986…yes, this is a slice of punk rock history…a HUGE slice. An introduction from Joey Ramone sets it all off and the show starts and ends with ‘Sonic Reducer’... yeah, pure fuckin style. It’s raw and gritty and that’s exactly how it should be with the Dead Boys…this is as close as you’re ever going to get to having been there so savour it…a dirty, real NYC and the Dead Boys reunion... what else could you ask for??? It’s a true pleasure to watch, I’ve always had a soft spot for Stiv because he always seemed so out of control yet simultaneously vulnerable and he’s got some serious presence on here. Fantastic 17 track set including (as well as the double Sonic Reducer) ‘Caught With The Meat In Your Mouth, ‘3rd Generation Nation’, ‘High Tension Wire’ , ‘Ain’t Nothing To Do’, ‘Son Of Sam’ , ‘I Need Lunch’ and also great covers of Iggy’s ‘Search and Destroy’ and the Rolling Stones ‘Tell Me’. There’s some seriously cool bonus footage on this DVD too...- an absolutely killer interview with tiv Bators and Frank Secich (with interviewer Gary Cubberly) from the ‘Good Morning Youngstown’ TV show from 1980 where Stiv is cool as fuck and doesn’t even know what decade it is!!! They talk about the Dead Boys break-up and the violent beginnings of the band developing into more musical focus, his girlfriend (1974 Playboy model), the death of disco, John Belushi, the music industry, how punk rock had changed since 1977... it’s a great interview but the icing on the cake is the super rare Robert Luttrell ‘Sonic Reducer’ video in its entirety... excellent stuff. A fantastic package documenting a fantastic and highly important punk rock band, for me, this is what it’s all about.
MVD Visual
www.MVDvisual.com
DEAD BY GUN – ‘PULSE’ CD
This is the second full-length from Finland’s DEAD BY GUN and it’s much heavier than I have ever heard them before. Their earlier material, especially the ‘Six Shooter’ EP was far more reminiscent of straight-up streetpunk with a strong RANCID influence and they used to remind me a lot of WASTED who are also from Finland, but ‘Pulse’ verges more on the heavy-rock side with some very heavy chords and almost metallic parts. The vocals are more powerful on this with more adventurous vocal lines…it kind of reminds me of the progression that the BOMBSHELL ROCKS made, who also went from being a streetpunk band to a more rock-based band – you can still tell that this is DEAD BY GUN but they’ve just added a new dimension to their sound, I’m a sucker for the more straightforward punk rock sound but this is still a solid release and really quite a stirring piece of work…you can hear that they have poured a lot of passion into this and it’s cool that they are evolving their sound and style whilst still keeping their roots.
Hype Records
www.hypeproductions.fi
DEAD RINGERS – ‘IT SOUNDS LOUD AND FAST TO ME, IT MUST BE…’ 7”
Absolutely killer garage punk that’s fast and out of control with a really great raw edge. This blew all of our balls at NFT…this is sick, it’s catchy and unpredictable and very exciting. This is how good we think it is at NFT, we decided of the strength of this 7” that we wanted to co-release their next 7” even though we can barely afford it…so I guess it’s a few more time to the blood-bank for the NFT crew. Yeah, it’s that good…usually it takes us a while to decide which band’s material we’ll release next but these guys just blew us all away from the get go. The cover-art is sick too. Excellent stuff.
Gimme Danger Records
www.myspace.com/deadringerssf
DEAD TO ME – ‘LITTLE BROTHER’ CD EP
Excellent EP here following ‘Cuban Ballerina’…I just can’t get enough Jack Dalrymple, his vocals are just amazing and this EP truly takes the incredible DEAD TO ME sound to the next level – this is not hype, this really is as good as everyone is saying it is!! The way the Songs are written and the way they mutate throughout is just brilliant and even though I’m a sucker for Jack’s vocals, Chicken’s are killer too…the lyrics are intelligent to oand the whole thing is melodic but with tons of balls…I just wish this was another full-length!! This is a definite must!!!
Fat Wreck Chords
www.fatwreck.com
DEATH AND TAXES – ‘TATTOOED HEARTS & BROKEN PROMISES’ CD
This is Jeff from the BRUISERS’ country-tinged rock ‘n’ roll band with a really interesting sound that blends a tough, streetpunk edge with some straight forward country progressions and a real rock sound- it’s like a mix of BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, HUDSON FALCONS, BRASSKNUCKLE BOYS, HANK WILLIAMS/JR./ III, DROPKICK MURPHYS, THE REPLACEMENTS, STREET DOGS, SOCIAL DISTORTION/MIKE NESS, STEVE EARLE… but yet it sounds nothing like these at the same time…it’s got it’s own sound entirely and a lot of that it down to Jeff’s vocal style united with the music…it’s almost as if you’d think he’d be too tough-sounding and raw to go with the more ‘delicate’ music but it works so well, he’s got a gravely and coarse voice and really commands the songs. This is a powerful and very honest-sounding album that you can tell Jeff has poured so much effort and emotion into and that makes for a very impressive debut indeed.
I Scream Records
www.iscreamrecords.com
DEEP THROAT – ‘THRASHIN’ PEOPLE, MUSIC AND THOUGHTS’ CD
Old fashioned, fast thrashin’ hardcore punk from Italy that fuckin’ rules!! If you dig that early/mid -80’s US sound that took a lot of influence from the original UK sound of GBH etc but thrashed it- then DEEP THROAT is for you. This is the style that I’m a sucker for. Tough and aggressive but never metallic or macho…this rips. At times they remind me a lot of the QUINCY PUNX and that’s fine by me!! Raw, fast and totally old school. If you are a fan of original, real hardcore then you’ll fall for DEEP THROAT straight away, I sure did. If someone told me that this was an ‘80’s reissue I’d believe them…that impresses the hell outta me, killer.
Alessandria Odia Records
LOS DIFUNTOS – ‘BORN AND RAISED IN EAST LA’ CD
LOS DIFUNTOS play modern Psychobilly / Rockabilly that’s fast and heavy with a very punk rock edge ala TIGER ARMY, NEKROMANTIX, MAD SIN, THE OTHERS, THE LIVING END, REZUREX and their more punk style is very reminiscent of LEFT ALONE…it’s no surprise that they are affiliated with the whole RANCID / HELLCAT scene because that’s the exact sound they champion and Matt Freeman even lends his vocal chords on a track (and they were featured on the last Hellcat ‘Give ‘Em The Boot’ compilation as well as having a release out on Rancid Records). They mix things up a bit too with a couple of straight punk rock songs, some more stripped-down Rockabilly cuts more reminiscent of THE STRAY CATS and a ska-tinged track too. The most fascinating thing about LOS DIFUNTOS’ sound is the way is diverges from calm, mysterious and ghostlike to full-on upright-bass-heavy frantic punk rock ‘n’ roll…just like a musical reflection of Los Angeles and specifically East LA…beautiful yet threatening – serene yet vicious. If you’re a fan of this contemporary Psychobilly sound you will certainly fall in love with this album…it’s very solid indeed and it’s not missing anything: it’s got all the hooks, all the melody and all the attack this style demands to be successful plus some great production to really hammer it home.
Nickel and Dime Records
www.nickelanddimerecords.com
G.G.ELVIS AND THE TCP BAND – ‘A PUNK ELVIS TRIBUTE’ CD
A collection of 13 punked-up ELVIS cuts including ‘Viva Las Vegas, ‘Devil In Disguise’ , ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘In The Ghetto’ and ‘’Suspicious Minds’ all given the punk rock Elvis Impersonator treatment that reminds me a lot of the EL DUCE karaoke stuff (but way better recorded!!) It’s funny but it actually rocks. The coolect thing is that on some tracks they actually marry the Elvis song with a punk rock song- so ‘Viva Las Vegas’ is merged with BLACK FLAG’s ‘Six Pack’, ‘That’s All Right Mama’ is merged with THE RAMONES ‘Blitzkrieg Bop’, ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ is merged with T.S.O.L’s ‘Code Blue’, ‘QA Little Less Conversation’ is merged with BLACK FLAG’s ‘Nervous Breakdown and their rendition of ‘Suspicious Minds’ merged with the SEX PISTOLS’s ‘Holidays In The Sun’ is especially killer and works so damn well. So you see this is way more than a cover album! A lot of thought has gone into this. G.G.ELVIS AND THE TCP BAND (Takin’ Care Of Punk) are made up of members of NOFX, ILL REPUTE, AGGRESSION, BAD SAMARITANS, STALAG 13 and JUGHEAD’S REVENGE so you see these guys can really play and are genuine Elvis fans so this is a serious tribute (as well as being funny). It’s really well-played and they make the transition to punk rock really well. The DVD that comes with the release is made up of a phoney talk show called ‘Hangin’ With Dave Dilldini’ that features videos (with no sound due to legal reasons!!), interviews and funny clips that include taping a fkae schlong to GG’s leg, eating GG’s shit out of the can when he dies, nuts hanging out the side of a thong and just general tomfoolery that looks like they had a blast making. It’s all totally low-budget but in a cool way. A really fun release that really rips too- if like me, you like Elvis and punk rock then you’ll dig this for sure.
Mental Records
www.mentalrecords.net
ENEMY ROSE – ‘PROMISES WE’LL NEVER KEEP’ CD
As a huge fan of THE HEARTACHES I was really excited when I heard that Tommy and Sammy had put ENEMY ROSE together and I really dug their split with the MERCY KILLERS so was anticipating this debut full-length. ‘Promises We’ll Never Keep’ has a great blend of dark, sleazy rock ‘n’ roll with some real seventies punk rock swagger. There’s elements of the DEAD BOYS, THE JONESES, HANOI ROCKS, JOHNNY THUNDERS, REVOLVERS, THE ROLLING STONES, early GUNS N’ ROSES etc and it’s all mid-paced, gritty stuff that’s got some real powerful melody as well as some serious attitude, it’s got a blend of that seventies dangerous New York City sound and the mid-Eighties LA style and it works really well. Kerry Martinez produced this and really nailed that grittiness and the record sounds old-fashioned and contemporary all at once which is a great place to be and Tommy’s got that sinister desperation going in the vocals too. A cool record for sure.
I Scream Records
www.iscreamrecords.com
FED UP! – ‘FUCK YOUR LIFE’ CD
Raw, old-fashioned New York Hardcore with a really cool stripped-down sound, so it’s really on the punk side of the fence which is just how I like my Hardcore. It’s got the unmistakable NYHC sound – it’s fast and aggressive but it’s also really crude in a cool way with unembellished production that suits it perfectly and just adds to the hostility in my opinion. This is FED UP!’s first full-length following a bunch of split 7”s and CDs and an EP too and it’s tough as shit. It’s a pity that the original NYHC sound has mutated into some unrecognisable metallic shit but with bands like FED UP! Carrying the torch of that original sound it will live on...if you miss that sound (I sure as hell do) then this is for you, this is mall about that volatile, energetic and dangerous Hardcore sound.
United Riot Records
www.unitedriotrecords.com
FLYING OVER – S/T 7”
This is the type of record that you instantly want because of how it looks... plus it features the vocalist from the TV KILLERS so you know what to expect: a snotty and fast-paced blend of the classic ’77 style but with a chaotic garage Rip Off-style edge. This is totally my bag…full of European style and attitude, three cuts, all killer and on clear wax. It’s got the viciousness of the SEX PISTOLS with the rhythm and melody of TEENAGE HEAD... what a mix!! I highly recommend this and there’s only 500 so get a copy now.
Shit In Can Records
www.myspace.com/shitincanrecords
FUCKED UP – ‘YEAR OF THE PIG’ 12”
This is the second Chinese Zodiac single from the awesome FUCKED UP and includes the full 18 and a half minute version as well as the four and a half minute edited version. In true FUCKED UP style this track transforms and mutates beyond recognition between start and finish and the journey (especially the 18 minute one) is fantastic. Starting with delicate organ and guitar (organ played by Max McCabe from the DEADLY SNAKES) layered with Jennifer Castle’s ghostly and tantalizing vocals with spurts of Pink Eyes’ raw, stripped growls…it’s wonderfully uncomfortable…again, another FUCKED UP trademark. The track builds and builds to a complete explosion at six and a half minutes…truly fantastic...the song continues to unpredictably build up and down, speed up and slow down and it’s just impossible to describe if you haven’t heard it- you need to hear this!!! I don’t think the hype surrounding FUCKED UP will ever die, they’re true fucking fucked up masterminds who are driving hardcore into a brand new territory (which badly needed to happen). This is a super limited release so try your best to get a hold of it. Good luck.
Vice Records
www.viceuk.com
FUNERAL MARCH – S/T MINI CD
FUNERAL MARCH have a really interesting sound that merges tough street punk with an almost Hostage-style beach punk sound. They actually remind me of a more streetpunk SMOGOTWN which is cool with me! They have some really interesting progressions and vocal lines which really raises them above so many contemporary bands, the vocals are great too, there’s no gravel-throat rasping but a nice husky and tough delivery that reminds me of John Ransom mixed with Chavez. This is actually a really inspiring release because you can truly hear that a lot of effort has gone into this writing and that pays off because the end result is exciting and far from generic which is a real rarity these days!! This is a killer mini record and I hope there’s a full-length in the works but these guys kill.
No Solution Records
www.nosolutionrecords.dimestore.de
Fantastic ‘70’s influenced punk rock / power pop from Italy that doesn’t sound like 99.9% of all the other Italian melodic punk bands i.e this doesn’t sound like THE QUEERS, SCREECHING WEASEL, RAMONES etc this is way more reminiscent of TEENAGE HEAD, REZILLOS, PORK DUKES, THE RIP OFFS etc, and they do actually have a touch of the MANGES about them but that’s all good: super catchy but nice and simple and spastic in all the right ways. Mixed by Alicja Trout which is cool. The A-side ‘Gag-Factor’ is a real slice of addictive pop punk and the B-side is a cover of the RECORDS’ ‘Starry Eyes’ so you can’t go wrong there…there’s only one disappointment with this 7” and that’s that I wish there were more songs on here!! But when a band leaves you wanting more that’s a great thing! Excellent.
Rockin’ Bones Records
www.rockinbones.it
GEWAPEND BETON – ’17 UNTIL WE DIE’ CD
The guitarist has got a CAREER SUICIDE hat on in the sleeve photo so even before I put this in, it gained points just for that. There certainly is a CAREER SUICIDE-esque hardcore element present in GEWAPEND BETON but it’s merged with a very apparent punk rock edge, an almost UK ’82 edge and the blend works well. These kids look fuckin young and I really dig that- rabid youth! It’s fast and pissed and well written and that’s fantastic because most young punk bands have such a lack of energy is frightening but GEWAPEND BETON are seething with energy and enthusiasm and that comes through, fuckin loud. I was expecting this to be more in the streetpunk / Oi! vein (until I saw the hat) and I’m really impressed with it I gotta say.
Dirty Faces Records
www.www.dirtyfaces.de
THE GOOD TIME CHARLIES – ‘PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY’ CD
THE GOOD TIME CHARLIES blend the sounds of THE RAMONES, BYRDS, ROLLING STONES, THE SEVENS, LENNY KAYE and TOM PETTY with that huge dose of ‘60’s garage right at the forefront – not surprising since this band features members of THE GREEN HORNETS and TV21 and they throw in a touch of surf too. There’s an element of that classic Lookout! sound to THE GOOD TIME CHARLIES too, that melodic style of MTX, THE QUEERS, SMUGGLERS etc. They take those elements of 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll, 1960’s pop and 1970’s punk / power pop and create a really attractive sound and that’s because they blend it all so well – the mix is perfect. The DICK DALE guitars with Hammond organs and classic punk powerchords is irresistible. This is THE GOOD TIME CHARLIES fourth full-length and the best material they have released to date.
Not On Your Radio Records
www.notonyourradio.com
THE GREATEST HITS / LUXURY SWEETS - SPLIT 7”
Well, it’s no secret that we’re massive GREATEST HITS fans here at NFT since we’re putting out their second full-length at the start of next year (which rules by the way) so it’s always a pleasure to hear their heavily glam infused punk and their track on here ‘For Our Hearts’ is a fantastic example of their blend of T.REX, DAVID BOWIE, DEAD BOYS, BEACH BOYS, RAMONES etc this is different version of ‘For Our Hearts’ than appears on their debut full-length ‘For A Good Time Call…’ and this is the version that will be on the upcoming record…it’s a killer song and a great re-working of it which has been given a softer edge and work really well.
THE LUXURY SWEETS play upbeat powerpop with a strong punk presence and a very authentic vintage sound with very addictive melodies merging the sounds of THE BOYS and GENERATION X but with a very present element of early American punk and powerpop and a dash of TEENAGE HEAD-style punk ‘n’ roll…excellent and they have one of the best band names around too. Another killer, killer split from Desert Island Discs – get one before they’re all gone!!!
Desert Island Discs
www.myspace.com/desertislanddiscsseattle
THE GREATEST HITS / THE TOUGH SHITS - SPLIT 7”
Another killer split on Desert Island Discs featuring THE GREATEST HITS. Two songs from each band, THE GREATEST HITS present two brand new cuts from their upcoming second full-length, that will be on NFT: ‘Comin’ Down Again’ and ‘Electric Blanket Boogie’ – both showcasing their blend of glam, pop, rock and punk with ‘Electric Blanket Boogie’ having a fantastic BEACH BOYS feel to it. Killer stuff that’s a peak at what the new record will deliver. THE TOUGH SHITS from Philadelphia have a really naked rock ‘n’ roll sound that’s so fuckin’ cool and straightforward yet unpredictable all at once. Both songs are great…great lyrics too…fun and exuberant. This is so fresh and so vintage simultaneously…certainly another band to keep an eye on. This is such a good split it’s unreal…by far the best split of the year on very cool coloured wax too…kinda toffee colored.
Desert Island Discs
www.myspace.com/desertislanddiscsseattle
THE GYNECOLOGISTS – ‘HOOSIER PSYCHOPATHS’ CD
Amazing collection of the official GYNECOLOGISTS recordings from 1981 – 1994…so even if you got the Rave Up ‘Bukkake Hit Parade’ LP, you’re gonna need this because there’s tons more on here! 30 wonderul tracks! There’s a handful of cuts that are on the Rave Up LP that aren’t o here too so get them both! ‘Hoosier Psychopathas’ brings together the first EP ‘Feces and Psycopaths’, their next 7” ‘Kinder, Gentler Nation’ released in 1989 (some of the tracks from this EP were recorded some years earlier), their 1984 cassette demo ‘A Goat…You Geek’ that some of those ‘Kinder, Gentler Nation’ tracks were originally a part of afinally to round off this killer, killer collection: the 1994 cassette-only release ‘Auto-Erotic Asphixia & Various Moldy Turds’ which includes unreleased rarities. THE GYNECOLOGISTS formed in the later 1970’s in Indiana with Tommy Afterbirth at the helm of this wonderfully bizarre punk rock masterpiece of a band. It’s warped, fucked up, nasty, obnoxious and fun…this is pure punk in it most beautiful, raw form. This was designed to shock and riffle feathers but still be entertaining and they nailed that. I mean, how could you not drool over song-titles like ‘Sex Orgy With The Bradee Bunch’, ‘Bloody Kotex’, ‘Infant Doe’, ‘Peanut Butter Prophylactic’, ‘Dog Face’ etc…this is the punk rock I dream of. I’ve spun the Rave Up LP about a million times since I’ve owned it and now this amazing package from Gulcher…I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this! It’s a couple months ‘til Xmas…but shit, it’s sure come early for me!
Gulcher Records
www.gulcher.gemm.com
THE HEAD – ‘STILL NOTHING TO DO IN A TOWN LIKE LEATHERHEAD’ CD
This is a phenomenal collection of THE HEAD’s recordings from 1979 – 1981 including their legendary (and much sought-after) ‘Nothing To Do In a Town Like Leatherhead / University’79’ single from 1979 as well as the withdrawn ‘Middle Class Revolution / No Girls For Billy’ 7” and a whole bunch of ‘lost’ recordings that have all been digitally remastered and sound fantastic as well as a photo slide show (on the CD version only of course!) that an be viewed on your computer. This is a fantastic package and what an important one too…THE HEAD’s approach was so interesting because they blended the simplicity, attitude and attack of punk rock with intoxicating MOD melody and power pop catchiness with heavy organ presence and their songs are so addictive it’s wild. This is such an important sound and so necessary right now with contemporary bands seemingly unable to write real songs anymore and settling for half-baked crap. We need this more than ever and some 30 years later this is still seriously kicking some ass. It’s releases and bands like this that show you just how ahead of their time some of this much really was…a song/s that can still grab you and wake you up almost a third of a century after they were written is something to absolutely worship. Hats off to Detour again...
Detour Records
www.detour-records.co.uk
HEARTBREAK STEREO – INSPIRATION (BACK FROM THE DEAD)’ CD
I still listen to last year’s ‘Echo Road’ EP a lot so I was looking forward to this full-length from Finland’s HEARTBREAK STEREO who have a great sound that’s faster-paced, urgent and melodic blending elements of WASTED, RANCID, RANDY, BOMBSHELL ROCKS and THE SWINGIN’ UTTERS. It’s that great blend of contemporary American and European punk rock with a really full-sound and some killer hooks and back-up vocals. They have a touch of the early TKO sound too which is now quite hard to come by. This is really fucking solid – and I knew it would be…they have just found the perfect blend of power and melody because this would certainly appeal to fans of streetpunk and Oi! as much as it would to fans of melodic punk rock…it’s a really good record with a lot of mileage because they haven’t followed any particular formula, they’re not obsessed with aggression or any shit like that, this is just an honest punk rock record with some fantastic song writing.
Mitstrick Records
www.myspace.com/mitstrickrecords
HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR – ‘NO HOPE FOR A USELESS GENERATION’ CD
This is the long-awaited debut from HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR featuring the distinctive voice of Uwe Umbruch (PUBLIC TOYS, REVOLVERS) hot off the heels of their split with THE CRACKDOWN last year. This is a monster of a punk rock ‘n’ roll record here. Big riffs and tons of guitars with loads of backing vocals and compositions that really evolve. I was really looking forward to this full-length especially after having heard the split and I’m truly impressed with this. If you are a fan of the PUBLIC TOYS and/or the REVOLVERS you will certainly enjoy this, HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR almost merge the styles of those two bands and it works fucking well. Their sound mixes the soul of early punk rock with the swagger of classic rock ‘n’ roll all presented in true contemporary style. This is a proper rock ‘n’ roll record…what else can I say?? There’s nothing else to say other than GET THIS!!
Dirty Faces Records
www.dirtyfaces.de
THE IGNORANT – ‘LOADED STATEMENT’ CD
Melodic but ballsy punk from LA that takes influence from early UK / US punk rock as well as having a contemporary feel to it…at times they remind me a lot of THE PROSTITUTES. The songs are short and sharp – this 15 track album rips past in just over half and hour and that’s exactly how I like it, the songs do all they need to do in that time and never get tedious with too many repetitive parts. My instant reaction was that this was going to be an all-out ’77 style band ala STITCHES etc and although they certainly do have a ’77 edge, they develop their sound way beyond that – for one, their sound is a pretty full-on attack rather that the classic ‘thinner’ sound of a typical ’77 / ’77-ispired band and they play really quite fast which gives it that more contemporary feel and rather for going for the snotty / brattish approach of a lot of ’77 style bands, they focus more on group vocals and more of an attacking vocal presence so the package is really quite an interesting one. It’s a really solid debut.
Northeast Records
www.northeastrecords.com
IRON GUTS KELLY – ‘AXE TO GRIND’ CD
Fast and heavy hardcore punk from Kansas City that takes it’s cues from ‘80’s American Hardcore – there’s a lot of the early Beer City sound in this – that very hardcore punk style that verges slightly to the metallic side of the fence but in a very good way, a tough, chugging way and it reminds me a lot of 10-96 and THE MOTHERFUCKERS merged with mid-ear AGNOSTIC FRONT and the vocals are very reminiscent of Roger Miret too. This is just tough as nails from start to finish and if you’re a fan of heavy old school hardcore then this is definitely for you, this is a sound that you don’t hear too much anymore so grab it while there’s still a handful of bands keeping it alive!!
H8-Piece Records
www.myspace.com/8piecerecords
This is the first time I’d heard JACKSON UNITED that features Chris Shiflett, guitarist of the FOO FIGHTERS. This comes from a completely different angle to the FOO FIGHTERS, this is bare punk rock with a heavy nod to the CLASH and reminds me a lot of early LIVING END and more-recent MADCAP – the songs are bare but very powerful. I even hear a slight bit of BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH in here, there are dominating bass lines, guitar bursts, solid choruses and reggae/ dub ingredients and a brawny melody at the heart of every song and an almost Paul Westerberg song-writing style that can’t really be pinned-down, they certainly don’t have a specific formula or style and that’s a cool thing. Dave Grohl plays drums on half the record too. It’s a very refreshing album that I could imagine Side One Dummy releasing because it’s coming from that interesting and distinctive yet original direction.
Acetate Records
www.acetate.com
JAYA THE CAT – ‘MORE LATE NIGHT TRANSMISSIONS WITH…’ CD
Third studio full-length from these Boston (well, now Amsterdam-based) reggae boys who mix up dub, reggae, ska and touches of punk with an end result that sounds a lot like SUBLIME but more laid-back. The vocals are more soul-y and really remind me of BOB MARLEY at times and even EDDIE GRANT sometimes and there’s definitely a big SPECIALS / SPECIAL AKA element to their sound. They are labelled as skapunk a lot but I’d say they were more heavy reggae, they are way more SUBLIME than OPERATION IVY and they generally keep the pace nice and slow- how it should be! This is a direction I way favour to faster-paced ‘skapunk’ – sure they pick up the pace on a few tracks but it’s still got that deep reggae soul even when the music gets heavier. This is a direction I would like to see more bands who mix ska/reggae with rock/punk going, I think they’ve really developed their own style in a genre that’s really quite full of copy-cats and that’s a great thing to hear.
I Scream Records
www.iscreamrecords.com
THE JONESES – ‘CRIMINALS & TITS AND CHAMPAGNE’ CD
Another superb re-issue form Full Breach Kicks that again highlights the absolute importance and influence of THE JONESES. This CD features the six tracks form the ‘Criminals’ EP (that Full Breach have also released as a 12”) and the six tracks form the ‘Tits & Champagne’ EP that Full Breach released on 12” last year. I have stressed the significance of this band but it simply can’t be highlighted and emphasized enough- THE JONESES are the pioneers of LA sleazy punk rock ‘n’ roll, their blend of original rock ‘n’ roll and uncompromising punk rock is intoxicating and unruly and makes you want to move. To follow a gem of a dangerous punk rock cut ‘Criminals’ with the Flinstone’s rock ‘n’ roll stylings of ‘Bedrock’ and back into the dirty punk rock spit of ‘Fix Me’ is just unbeatable…even if ‘Criminals’ was just those three songs in that order it would be gold…and that’s just half of it!!!! And only a quarter of this fuckin comp!!! This really is a treat and I think it’s so fucking cool that Full Breach has re-issued almost their entire back catalogue. This is the shit my dreams are made of…fucked up, drugged up rock ‘n’ rollers full of hairspray, booze and pills looking like beautiful zombies and living a true reckless existence while creating some of the most original and dangerous rock ‘n ‘roll that sparked a whole genre. Everyone should be aware of THE JONESES and it’s such a pity that they were somewhat overlooked when they were genuinely pioneering a scene but as long they get recognition somewhere along the line that’s a great thing and thanks to releases like this that’s gonna happen.
Full Breach Kicks
www.fullbreach77.com
KAMIKATZE / DISCO VOLANTE – SPLIT CD
This is a killer split CD featuring two riotous Swedish bands KAMIKATZE (all female) and DISCO VOLANTE (3/4 female). KAMIKATZE open this up with their fast, chaotic and raw hardcore punk in the style of early/mid ‘80’s US hardcore/punk with a dose of more contemporary female punk ala early DISTILLERS and CIVET…but way better and more dangerous sounding. Five originals and a cover of the ZODIAC KILLERS ‘Kamikaze Attack’ that they change to ‘Kamikatze Attack’…cool shit. DISCO VOLANTE keep the pace up with their fast but more polished hardcore/punk and they have a more melodic approach but still powerful as hell. Their sound verges much more on the contemporary style but still with an old school edge and there’s definitely an early DISTILLERS touch to this too. Five originals from them too and a cover of THE MISFITS ‘Children In Heat’. A fuckin solid split, I’m really digging this a lot.
Chorus Of One Records
www.chorusofonerecords.it
KILLROY – ‘FOOTBALL CHANTS AND ANGRY RANTS’ CD
Nickel and Dime Records released this CD a year or so ago and now Mental Records have put it out too…so there’s no excuse not to get with these old-school LA punks who mix the sound of early British punk / Oi! ala STIFF LITTLE FINGERS, COCKNEY REJECTS, THE BUSINESS and PETER AND THE TEST TUBE BABIES but with an American edge to it and KILLROY truly were one of the first American Oi! bands, formed in 1982 they helped pioneer a style that would later influence and create that tough American Oi! / streetpunk sound heard in the likes of ANTI-HEROS and BONECRUSHER. On this record they re-record some old classics and there’s so much energy and power in this shit that you believe that these songs are over 25 years old and that the guys in the band are 25 years older than when they originally wrote them…this is the roots of American Oi! / streetpunk and that really should be recognised – as I said at the top of this review, there’s no excuse not to have this, learn your history.
Mental Records
www.mentalrecords.net
LAST LIGHTS – S/T 7”
Fantastic hardcore punk from Massachusetts that’s fast, frantic and wonderfully unpredictable mixing the unruly and erratic styles of early BLACK FLAG and THE GERMS but with a modern edge too – maybe a touch of THE NERVE AGENTS. There are five cuts on here and they are all fucking killer. This is some impressive stuff…I hope these guys are working on a full-length, I can not wait to hear that. This just does it for me and I got that from the fist couple seconds of ‘There’s No One Good Enough To Be Alone’…excellent, excellent, excellent, get this now because I’m sure they won’t be around for too long…that’s if you can even still get them, so get on it!!! White wax too and I think they also have one of the best band names I’ve heard in so long.
Mightier Than The Sword Records
www.mtsrecords.com
LET’S DANCE – ‘SUMMER BREEZE’ 7”
I was really looking forward to this coming out when I heard about it and yeah, this rules. Power pop / ’77 punk rock from Canada that has a raw edge to it. Great vocals and vocal lines with cool back-ups too. They remind me of a rawer TRANZMITORS or NEW TOWN ANIMALS and there’s definitely a touch of label mates BASTARD RADIO here too. Two originals, with the title track being absolutely killer and a cover of the SEX PISTOLS ‘Bodies’ too. I love this record, the music rules, they look cool, love tha band name, the presentation of the release in 3-D (with glasses too) is great…pick this up for sure.
Longshot Music
www.longshotmusic.com
NIGEL LEWIS & THE ZORCHMEN – ‘LADIES & GENTLEMEN PLEASE...’ CD
Nigel Lewis needs no introduction as a pioneer of Psychobilly almost 30 years ago through the METEORS and then the ESCALATORS and TALL BOYS. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen Please...’ presents 11 cuts in a classic blend of psycho- rockabilly with a true UK feel to it and that same natural soul that defines THE METEORS sound. The music is pure and unadorned with no bullshit embellishment to get in the way of the real rockin’, it’s raw and naked rock ‘n’ roll and that’s the only way to play real rock ‘n’ roll and the only way Nigel Lewis knows how. A pioneer never changes!
Drunkabilly Records
www.drunkabilly.com
LINTERNO – ‘TAKE THE TRAIN OF YOUR SOUL’ CD
LINTERNO, from Italy play fast hardcore / melodic punk that blends the sound of the mid / late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s American styles. It’s forceful but very melodic too like a blend of DAG NASTY, DESCENDENTS, BAD RELIGION, GORILLA BISCUITS, NOFX, GOOD RIDDANCE etc but they’re not clones of that at all, the combined sound is a pretty unique experience because they have this very European edge highlighting the whole thing which works really well and just elevates it. It’s a real pity that hardcore has evolved into the bullshit that it is these days and Thanks to bands like LINTERNO we can get a slice of that classic sound that hardly exists anymore, this is the sound I grew up with, the sound of my teenage years and it’s a pleasure to hear it again in this new interesting light.
Chorus Of One Records
www.chorusofonerecords.it
LONDON PX – ‘ORDERS’ 7”
Fucking fantastic re-issue of this debut 7” originally released in 1981. LONDON PX were a fantastic North London punk rock band with that distinctive, bare punk rock sound that was melodic and threatening all at once. This is a very necessary re-issue! It comes with the all three tracks that were on the original pressing as well as the original cover art and it’s on blue wax for the re-issue. Previously you could only get LONDON PX stuff on Killed By Death and Messthetic comps and such, unless you are lucky enough to own the originals…so this is such a coo land important re-issue. I heard that there is a complete discography LP out too...I must check that out! You’d be a fool to pass up on this 7”…get it right now!!!
Pure Punk Records
www.purepunk.it
LOWER CLASS BRATS – ‘THIS IS REAL’ DVD /CD
Wow, the LOWER CLASS BRATS really are coming into their own now which is so cool to see, I’ve loved this band for fuckin years now and they just seem to get more enthusiastic and solid as time goes on and ‘This Is Real’ is more that just a title, it’s clear to see that this is their entire life. I remember when ‘The Plot Sickens’ came out…I thought, this is it! They’ve reached their pinnacle! But they went on stronger and stronger even from there. This DVD and CD package features the BRATS entire live set recorded at the Allen Theatre in California a couple Summer’s ago and there’s interview/tour bus / back stage/band footage in between every track. The live show sound is killer and the camera work is very high quality too and they play songs spanning their entire career. There’s other live footage too on the DVD from Texas and California, more interviews, the ‘Just Like Clockwork’ video as well as the ‘Just Like Clockwork’ documentary where the band talk about ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and relate it to their lives, punk rock, society etc. and how important it is to them. Clockwork punk is not just a label or a fad for them, it’s everything they’re about and the most common initial reaction is the ultra-violence one but it’s way deeper than that and that’s what they talk about. After all it is just a book and a movie but many parallels can be drawn to everyday life even though the subject matter is pretty extreme. The bonus 10-track CD includes demos and out-takes from the ‘New Seditionaries’ sessions so as you can see this is a fuckin crammed LCB package!! I really recommend this and the LCB in general, if you’re unfamiliar with them you need to check them out…come on, they have taken the clockwork punk genre into a new league. Check this out for sure.
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com
THE LOYALTIES / RADIO DEAD ONES – SPLIT 7”
2 tracks each from England’s THE LOYALTIES and Germany’s RADIO DEAD ONES and each band covers one of each other’s tracks. Even though the bands’ sounds are different with RADIO DEAD ONES being in the’77-revival style with raucous vocals and a lot of backups blending the classic early English sound with the more-contemporary American style of US BOMBS, STITCHES etc. and THE LOYALTIES coming from a much more melodic punk angle with some bigger riffs ala SUPERSUCKERS. They are well suited together and they recently toured Europe together and I caught a London show that ruled. Cool split.
Not On Your Radio Records
www.notonyourradio.com
M SIXTEEN – S/T CD
M SIXTEEN from France play heavy hardcore that merges both the classic early American HC style with the more contemporary and more metallic HC sound that has evolved over the past decade or so. As a fan or the old fashioned school of hardcore I definitely gravitate towards that element of their sound rather than the more modern style but having said that, they merge the styles extremely well. The core of their sound is more classic than modern and layered over that are the more discordant, progressive elements. They retain a strong melody through their heaviness and they never cross over into the extremely metallic territory which is a plus for me definitely. Very well-played and impressive compositions and a solid debut that’s far more striking than most of the big-namers in the contemporary hardcore scene. M SIXTEEN could get huge.
Chorus Of One Records
www.chorusofonerecords.it
THE MALAKAS – ‘SORRY BOUT MY DRINKIN’ / TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE’ DOUBLE LP
This double LP includes both MALAKAS full-lengths ‘Sorry Bout My Drinkin’ and ‘Too Good To Be True’ plus 8 previously unreleased tracks. THE MALAKAS are all about raw pop music – catchy, straightforward and truly addictive. This is pure pop delivered with some obnoxious punk rock sensibilities and in my opinion this is real punk rock…there’s nothing more threatening than dangerous and vulgar pop because it’s so instantly likeable and that’s when you get brainwashed!!!! This is a great package here whether you are new to THE MALAKAS or not…this will introduce you to something you can’t believe you did without if you haven’t heard them before and the bonus cuts make this a very necessary addition to a THE MALAKAS fan’s collection. Singer and guitarist Cranford Nix died about five years ago so this is a really great release to commemorate him (check out this website dedicated to him – www.cranfordnix.com) but it’s limited to just 500 so hurry up…get it right away!!
Rockin’ Bones Records
www.rockinbones.it
MANIKINS – ‘CROCODILES’ CD
This is the fourth full-length from these uber-stylish Swedish garage power poppers and you should be ashamed if yourself if you don’t own something by them. This new release presents them poppier then ever and you know what, better than ever too and that’s really saying something because they have rules since day one. Although their rasping garage edge ala TEENGENERATE is still very present, this record leans much more on the catchy pop hooks with lots elements of THE BYRDS, THE SPARKS, BEACH BOYS blended with a pure stripped-down modern power pop sound of THE EXPLODING HEARTS, THE MARKED MEN, THE NICE BOYS etc. This is their first record to be released in the US - Josh at Full Breach has some long-reaching rock ‘n’ roll tentacles!! It’s fantastic that this is getting released across the pond and really hats off to FBK for having the taste and enthusiasm to do so because it seems that so much mind-blowing European stuff never leaves Europe…and that’s fuckin sad. From start to finish ‘Crocodiles’ is a masterpiece…if you seriously haven’t heard the MANIKINS before don’t just sit there ashamed, get this,’Crocodiles’ is a fantastic place to start but, honestly, all of their releases are great. See, it’s a wonderful feeling when you know a band’s new record is going to rock, but when it flat blows you away like ‘Crocodiles’ does, that’s something else. I cannot recommend this enough. I would list the highlights, but it’s the whole damn record…I mean, if one of my bands ever wrote a song like ‘Losing Streak’, ‘If I See You Cry’, ‘Crocodiles’ or ‘You’re Bad When You Want To’…I’d be proud for life. This is a modern rock n’ roll masterpiece and that’s not an exaggeration whatsoever.
Full Breach Kicks
www.fullbreach77.com
MARCHING ORDERS – LAST TRAIN HOME’ 10”
New EP from Australia’s MARCHING ORDERS who mix classic punk and Oi! with a huge nod to COCK SPARRER and definite influence from THE BUSINESS. MENACE, THE RUTS, STIFF LITTLE FINGERS and the BLITZ and they manage to get a perfect blend of aggression and melody with some great production too that allows the melody to shine thorough…the vocals too are tough but tuneful and unmistakably Australian and they do very interesting and unexpected stuff, like in ‘Voice of Ignorance’ there’s a guitar line that sounds very much like SCREECHING WEASEL merged with THE TEMPLARS…and that’s cool because there are too many Oi! bands that are too scared to stray from a very strict formula but not MARCHING ORDERS who keep that very staunch Oi! structure but explore it however they like. There’s a very positive element to MARCHING ORDERS too which is another great facet of this very up and coming band.
Longshot Music
www.longshotmusic.com
MEAN STREETS – ‘ABOUT YOU’ 7”
MEAN STREETS have a very interesting sound that’s really melodic yet really tough. They remind me of THE PINKERTON THUGS and THE BELTONES playing power pop…and yeah, it works so fucking well. There’s a touch of ONE MAN ARMY in here too, especially in the guitar work and the overall sound is such a perfect mix of classic and contemporary punk…I was so captivated by the 7” that I spun it literally 10 times in succession and it was so nostalgic because it was like hearing my punk life in one record…15 years in two songs- I’ve never felt that way before and I’m impressed…I want that feeling!!! The more I listen, the more influences I hear from STIFF LITTLE FINGERS to BOUNCING SOULS to THE RADICTS to the whole first wave of TKO bands…yes, I’m impressed as hell – I knew I’d love this just from how it looks and the band name and everything but shit, impressed is one thing…I’m more like blown away actually. Killer white and red splattered vinyl too.
Slab-O-Wax Records
www.slab-o-wax.com
MEAN STREETS – ‘THAT DAY’ 7”
As soon as I heard the ‘About You’ 7” on Slab-O-Wax a few months back I was hooked…so another MEAN STREETS 7” was massively welcomed!! And yes, this is another absolutely killer offering in their straightforward punk rock style that harks back to the glory days of the classic TKO sound ala SWINGIN’ UTTERS, BELTONES, THOSE UNKNOWN etc but with less gruff vocals (that remind me of a more melodic blend of Johnny Bonnell and Bill McFadden) and that’s a sound that unfortunately seems to have almost completely disappeared…you just don’t get that sound done like this anymore. I fuckin love these guys…the songs are so well written and they do quite a lot in each composition while still keeping it simple which is perfect punk rock. Definitely get a hold of this (and their other 7” too)…I hope these guys are working on a full-length!!! Blue/white vinyl for this 7” too.
Longshot Music
www.longshotmusic.com
MEISCE – ‘SHIPWRECKED IN A BOTTLE’ CD
Well, I’ll quote myself on my last review of MEISCE’s ‘Bored Of The Dance’ 7” – “Both compositions on this 7" are extraordinary and really grabbed me and I think a full-length would floor me”…and floored I am, this is EXCELLENT. MEISCE do so much in their compositions and truly elevate the folk-punk style to a level that’s it’s never reached. This is so dark and uncompromising – in the sense that if it was half as good it would still be amazing but they push themselves that extra bit and make something ridiculously good and original. Sure these guys take cues from THE POGUES and that goes without saying but they do so much more than that, they are a far as a copy-band as can be. This is so honest, vigorous and sinister and even has elements of TOM WAITS and NICK CAVE menace in their blend of Irish / Gypsy / Anarcho-folk. You just have to hear this…I’m so fussy about what type of folk-punk I’m into and the fact that this grabs me like this means it’s really something special.
Fistolo Records
www.fistolo.com
MISS 45 – ‘STEALS THE SHOW’ CD
The debut full-length from Sweden’s MISS 45 following last year’s self-titled EP and presents more of their rock ‘n’ roll, punk rock, power pop hybrid that mixes influences ranging from the ROLLING STONES, REAL KIDS, BUZZCOKS, UNDERTONES, DEAD BOYS, HEARTBREAKERS, KEVIN K, THE BOYS right upto the more contemporary sounds of THE EXPLODING HEARTS, NICE BOYS and the RETURNABLES. The album kicks off with the super-solid ‘Columbian Romance’ that’s got no lack of hooks that for sure! A very addictive start to a very addictive record. Through it’s 11 cuts, this album explores some real rock ‘n’ roll territory through different paced songs and expressive vocal lines and guitar parts. Sometimes sleazy, sometimes gritty, sometimes heard rockin’ and sometimes laid back but it all works- MISS 45 have certainly explored this territory well because nothing sounds out of place on this record.
No Talent Records
www.notalentrecs.com
THE MOJOMATICS – ‘DOWN MY SPINE’ 7”
Two more cuts from these Italian two-piece garage rockers with their sickeningly genuine ‘60’s sound. These are a couple of talented and musically educated guys…both these tracks are wonderful garage pop diamonds with all the ingredients to make you wanna move, they are catchy, raw and fascinating and all about the true pop sound. I always though THE MOJOMATICS were a fantastic pop band, sure they have that wild garage edge but the core is pop- that’s the secret to why they’re so damn addictive, nothing better than some true pop!
Wild Honey Records
www.myspace.com/wildhoneyrec
MOUTHWASH – ‘TRUE STORIES’ CD
MOUTHWASH are back with a with a new line-up and a new full-length following 2001’s ‘1000 Dreams’ on Hellcat and on ‘True Stories’ they solidify their street-level, gritty blend of reggae, ska, dub and punk – there’s elements of the old and new including THE CLASH, SUBLIME, MADCAP, BABAR LUCK, SUICIDE BID, 241ERS, THE SPECIALS, LEE PERRY, TENOR SAW, BAD MANNERS, KING BLUES, THYE BEAT, SONIC BOOM SIX, THE FILAMENTS, SLACKERS etc but there’s no mistaking these are London boys, there’s that distinctive menace to their sound, and that’s an absolute compliment, this is definitely a staunch sound of London. This record is a serious piece of work, and the show-stealer of the album for me is ‘That Girl’ which reminds me a lot of Tim Armstrong’s recent solo-stuff with touches of THE AGGROLITES (who played on Armstrong’s solo album) and THE SLACKERS but the whole album is solid as hell with a lot of impressive song writing going on, they cover a lot of ground through these 12 tracks and sure it’s been a while since their last album but time allows for maturity and development and ‘True Stories’ is a testament to that. Not that ‘1000 Dreams’ was lacking, but this is very comprehensive piece of work.
W.D.C. Recordings
www.myspace.com/mouthwashlondon
MYKAL XUL – ‘JOHNSON COUNTY LINE’ CD
You may remember that a couple years ago we raved about MYKAL XUL’s ‘Gizmo My Way’ record…well, our pants are still wet from that so hearing that ‘Johnson County Line’ was coming out was an exciting prospect. In pure XUL style, this is stripped to the bone rock ‘n’ roll – raw and exposed where he allows himself to meander in any direction it takes him…there’s a strong punk spine but budding off that are elements of folk, metal, rock, country, rockabilly, blues etc but that punk rock structure is what holds everything together and shines through the entire record…that’s the blood. There’s that fantastic spite and offensiveness about MYKAL XUL’s music and lyrics and that’s what I absolutely love, an affable malice! This year, Mike Beaty has put his alter-ego MYKAL XUL to rest so this may be the last XUL offering (not the last offering from Mike thank God!!! As he ventures down as yet unknown, musical roads and journeys) so this may be a kind of XUL epitaph and, if so, what a way to close…I sure as hell hope he’ll return but as long as Mike is scumrocking in one form or another I’ll be just fine!!
Gulcher Records
www.gulcher.gemm.com
NITAD – ‘IBLAND KAN MAN INTE HINDRA SIG SJALV’ CD / ‘MINA TANKAR’ 7”
OK, this you NEED. This is fucking sick…this is everything NITAD have recorded to date!!! In case you’re unaware, Sweden’s NITAD play old fashioned, late ‘70’s / early ‘80’S hardcore punk with a big nod to ANRGY SAMOANS, ZERO BOYS etc and shit do they do it well…this is so fucking good it’s ridiculous. So here you get the 12 track debut full-length plus a further 19 tracks from earlier EPs including the ‘Varlden Maste Do’ 7”, the ‘Ge Oss Mer’ 7”, their cuts from the split with KVOTERINGEN EP, ‘Gubbjavel’ from the ‘European New Breed Compilation Tape’ plus an out-take and some demos…that’s a lot of killer shit right there!! Plus to top it all off…as if it weren’t enough already, when you order this CD from Kranium you get a free three-track 7” ‘Mina Tankar’…only 200 made so they’re probably all gone now but you could always ask for a promo CD-R version. I can’t stress how fucking necessary this is, this is amazing shit right here that you need to get with!!! Get onto the Kranium site right now and get this, it will blow you away.
Kranium
www.krnm.se
NO USE FOR A NAME – ‘THE FEEL GOOD RECORD OF THE YEAR’ CD
NO USE FOR A NAME certainly aren’t slowing down, this is their ninth studio record in their 21 year history and it showcases their trademark melodic yet powerful Californian skate-punk style with a huge nod to THE DESCENDENTS (it was even produced by Bill Stevenson at the Blasting Room). They are certainly pioneers of this sound because although they undoubtedly take cues from THE DESCENDENTS, their take on that melodic punk sound is entirely their own. The drums and guitar work are pretty aggressive with the layered, melodic vocals defining and shaping the overall sound. I believe that NOFX together with NO USE FOR A NAME are responsible for this sound, they are the forgers who established this with many, many, many followers but these are the originals and 20 something years later they are still powerful as all hell. It’s so easy to forget where something comes from when it’s so readily available but you have to remember that bands like NOFX and NO USE FOR A NAME were playing this before it was fashionable or cool…in fact it was far from that but they believed in it…20 years ago was not like today so hats off to these guys for still holding the torch and not looking like they’ll be passing it along soon…
Fat Wreck Chords
www.fatwreck.com
NORTH SIDE KINGS – ‘SUBURBAN ROYALTY’ CD
Brutal hardcore in the definitive NORTH SIDE KINGS style. Heavy, fast and absolutely intimidating. Hostility is the benchmark of their sound and they go all out on ‘Suburban Royalty’, after all, this is Scottsdale, Arizona…they certainly aren’t a posing band – these guys are angry and old fashioned and the brass knuckles and spiked baseball bats almost come out of the speakers. Think SHEER TERROR but not from NYC…The most interesting thing for me about the NSK sound is that it’s as heavy as it could possibly be without venturing into heavy metal territory…they push it as far as they can but never get full-on metallic and I dig that. Sure they chug and thrash but it never mutates into metal – I think that once a hardcore band steps into metal territory they lose all the hostility because they lose the punk-ness and it becomes a kind of joke with all that ‘death’ shit…metallers are never tough and these guys are tough as nails…
I Scream Records
www.iscreamrecords.com
NUDE PUBE BANGLERS – ‘JUGGERNAUT’ CD
NPB have a heavy sound that mixes punk / hardcore and rock really well. There’s hints of ZEKE, TURBONEGRO, MISFITS, early METALLICA, MOTORHEAD, AC/DC, FUCKED UP, GUNS ‘N’ ROSES, MINOR THREAT, ANGRY SAMOANS…yeah, these guys are a force to be reckoned with…their sound is big as hell and fucking full on and they’ll switch seamlessly between some James Hetfield-esque muted chugging to fast first wave hardcore to some straight up big riff rock and it’s fucking killer!! They must be good because usually I’m not a fan of when bands are all over the map style-wise, I usually prefer it when a band sticks to one particular style (I guess I’m kinda narrow-minded that way) but NPB definitely got it, they nail this shit so well.
Chorus Of One Records
www.chorusofonerecords.it
OI! WARNING #6
Mammoth 87 page issue here and the best so far and I’ve always enjoyed this zine. This is rock fuckin solid here. Interviews with the Traditionals, S.S.S.P., The Ratfinks, The Zero Point, Mob, Caught In A Trap, Quartier Libre, The Frakas, Jesse Jaymz, Union Made, Durty Mick Records, Blue Collar Criminals, The Warriors and loads more…this is a sick issue. Loads of reviews too. As always giving a great variety of Oi!, punk and hardcore this zine is going from strength to strength- put together with so much heart and enthusiasm, definitely pick up a copy.
PO Box 333, Clenchwarton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE34 4WU, England
www.myspace.com/oiwarningfanzine
ON FIRE – ‘MASQUERADES’ CD
ON FIRE have a very attacking sound that’s fast and aggressive yet melodic blending punk, hardcore and heavy metal, with an especially big nod towards IRON MAIDEN particularly with the lead guitar and if you can imagine that approach merged with SICK OF IT ALL, GBH, DEATH BY STEREO and COMEBACK KID than you get an impression of this immense sound. This will certainly appeal to both old and new hardcore fans because they do a great job of creating a sound that’s right I the middle- it’s not too modern but it’s not completely old-school either and that’s a cool place to be in this day and age. The metal they employ is critical to their sound and it’s not over-used, they utilize it to great effect and relatively sparingly too- this is where a lot of contemporary hardcore bands go wrong- they focus too much on the metal side and lose that hardcore energy but ON FIRE don’t fall into that trap.
Shield Recordings
www.theshieldhardcore.com
The fourth record from these Italian rock ‘n’ rollers who really mix things up on ‘Walking The Walk’ with some huge killer riffs and tinges of surf, heavy rock, classic metal, punk rock, garage, power pop, rockabilly... yeah, this is a cocktail shaker of a record! You can tell that this is a band with some serious rockin’ history…they’ve been doing this for almost 15 years so they know exactly how to rock. It’s such an interesting sound that blends elements of THIN LIZZY, RADIO BIRDMAN, SEX PISTOLS, HANOI ROCKS, RAMONES and some early ‘90’s garage punk. It’s killer…it’s just fantastic rock ‘n’ roll that’s powerful and straightforward, there’s no over-complexities, that was never rock ‘n’ roll – just heavy, big riffs and tons of fun. Very highly recommended if you crave some vigorous rock ‘n’ rollin’.
Wynona Records
www.wynonaentertainment.com
THE PEGS – DANGER’S GONE’ 7”
THE PEGS are fuckin favourites at NFT with their Hostage 7” and the ‘Period The End’ EP getting played constantly here and the ‘Tower 13’ LP that they also feature on. Fantastic beach punk in the early style of THE CROWD, SIMPLETONES etc- yup, absolute Beach Blvd. magnificence! This killer 7” (limited to 500 on pink wax) presents two new cuts in their distinctive and addictive beach punk, or is that beach pink style? This is a band that I highly recommend- they blend that wonderful beach punk melody with some great spiteful snot and it’s fuckin captivating I tell you. Definitely grab this one before it’s gone!!! Great looking cover too.
Slab-O-Wax Records
www.slab-o-wax.com
PLAN 9 – ‘MANMADE MONSTER’ CD
PLAN 9 started out a MISFITS tribute band and metamorphosed into an original MISFITS-worshipping band, but I stress, this is early-Danzig MISFITS worship and it’s fucking well spot-on…the vocals sound a shitload like Danzig and the music has the urgent, chugging threat of early MISFITS and they look just like the original MISFITS. I know there are a lot of MISFITS-esque bands out there today but I have to say that NONE come as close to the original MISFITS as PLAN 9 do. I love the early MISFITS so getting as close to that as possible is cool with me. I know a lot of people have the attitude of ‘Well, I might as well just listen to the MISFITS…’ and to that I say, yeah keep listening to the MISFITS for sure but there will NEVER be another MISFITS, fuck the modern MISFITS, they don’t even count so grab as much of this shit as you can if you crave that sound! It’s additional to the original MISFITS and shouldn’t be compared directly to them because that was a specific time and place but this certainly has it place too, I dig it for sure and I dig other bands that do it well to like BLAZAC…don’t get me wrong, there are a ton of bands that don’t it abysmally but PLAN 9 are sure as hell not one of them. This is a rock-solid record that should be a necessity for all MISFITS fans.
Nickel And Dime Records
www.nickelanddimerecords.com
PLASTIC TOYS – ‘FOR TONIGHT ONLY’ CD
PLASTIC TOYS blend some sleazy fucked up noise with some very addictive bubblegum melodies and the end result is like a mix of BUTTHOLE SURFERS, NINE INCH NAILS, WHITE STRIPES, ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT, THE STROKES and TEENAGE FANCLUB…yeah it’s quite something, that completely blurs the lines between rock, punk rock, noise, rock ‘n’ roll and classic and contemporary UK indie. Even though it’s got all these elements, the final result is like nothing else and reminds me of the first time I heard POP WILL EAT ITSELF who took cues from all over the place too. An interesting and very varied record.
Hill Valley Records
www.myspace.com/hillvalleyrecordsltd
PRIMA DONNA – ‘AFTER HOURS’ CD
I really liked PRIMA DONNA’s heart-shaped 7” on Punk N Vomit last year because I’m a total sucker for the glam / rock ‘n’ roll thing when it’s done well and PRIMA DONNA have such a full sound thickened up with piano and saxophone, and, again, I’m very fussy indeed about how a band employs sax because that can kill it entirely for me if the do it wrong, but PRIMA DONNA do it perfectly. It’s easy to go overboard and drown everything with piano and saxophone but they swerve that and utilize the extra instruments to really beef up the sound. There’s an almost Rocky Horror rock ‘n’ roll feel to their songs, very theatrical but not in an over-the-top way, more like in a Marc Bolan or Syd Barret way, not necessarily sound-wise but compositionally. There’s a lot of bands moving into this direction, the heavily ROLLING STONES influenced rock ‘n’ roll and many of them lack skill and substance but PRIMA DONNA have that in spades, this is a great fuckin record – a real rock ‘n’ roll record because they have all the swagger of early STONES but with an almost SOCIAL DISTORTION ‘Prison Bound’ punk rock edge and some glam sleaze draped over the whole thing and for me, that rocks.
Acetate Records
www.acetate.com
‘PUNK ROCK MOVIE’ DVD
This is pioneering punk DJ Don Letts’ Punk Rock movie from 1978 that is the closest thing I have ever see to experiencing that first wave of mainly English punk rock. It’s raw, gritty and dangerous- but most importantly it’s very real. This is a first-hand view of this exciting and very unpredictable movement. Most of the footage is unplanned, unscripted and that’s what’s so great about this, this is a real, impulsive documentary and the fact that it’s shot on 35mm film heightens that and makes it all the more menacing and real. This is real history: spontaneous and authentic. This is not idol worship (that too many documentaries of this type fall into), this is unblinkered and earnest. The whole thing is totally DIY with volatile footage and the whole thing looks excellent. I think that if the picture and sound were of higher quality it would certainly detract from the whole thing, this was a gritty time and a gritty scene so this footage suits is perfectly.
The live performances featured are from Slaughter and the Dogs (Cranked Up Really High), Generation X (Wild Youth), The Clash (White Riot), The Slits (New Town), Subway Sect (Why Don’t You Just Shoot Me), Wayne County (Fuck Off), Eater (No Brains), Siouxsie and the Banshees (Bad Shape / Carcass), Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers (Chinese Rock), X-Ray Spex (Oh, Bondage Up Yours) and the Sex Pistols (Seventeen / God Save The Queen / Liar). There is also a load of backstage and rehearsal footage featuring Alternative TV, The Slits etc as well as footgae from the legendary Roxy Club, bands on the bus and also film from when the police raided the punk shop on the King’s Road for having a shocking and obscene window display that featured swastikas, plastic severed body parts and sexual imagery as well as footage of intravenous drug taking (mixed up cold in a bathroom stall), popping pills and self-harming. It’s raw and shocking but an excellent view into the scene at the time. This was the punk rock youth at the time and this movie truly broadcasts that.
The icing on the cake of this DVD is the absolutely excellent Peter Clifton interview with John Lydon from 1983 in Sydney, Australia that’s included in the Special Features. This was on the first Public Image Limited Australian tour. It’s always a pleasure to see/hear John in interview and this is an exceptionally good one. Held outside with insects constantly bothering John and he talks about the Sex Pistols being the cork in the bottle of Rock ‘N’ Roll- the end of Rock ‘N’ Roll and how relevant they were, what really happened at A& M Records and talks very openly about Sid (who was of course dead by this point). He talks about what a passive guy Sid was and how he started to believe the hype about himself and how drugs corrupted his ego and how he was “naïve and not too bright”. He talks about why he moved to the US, how he feels about England, MTV, the music business, and very importantly he talks about making money, “Yes, I like money, but only on my own terms…you can win on your own terms”, these are very important words indeed.
This is a fantastic film and should be part of the fucking curriculum it’s that important…kids take so much for granted these days that they forget about the very dangerous and capricious roots of a scene, and how much effort and struggling is involved in building it up. After all, punk rock is 30 years old now and people didn’t think it would even last a year it was so self-destructive and wild and this documents the very birth of that scene. Excellent.
Fremantle Home Entertainment
www.fremantlehomeentertainment.com
‘PUNK’S NOT DEAD’ DVD
This brilliant documentary starts at the beginning of the punk rock movement, on through the second wave, through the hardcore years, the difficult, barren early ‘90’s and right up to the commercialisation of punk with hugely successful punk rock bands breaking into the mainstream. It’s a very exciting ride that nobody could have predicted – here was this sudden, youth attack that people thought would self-destruct over night, thirty years later bearing one on the biggest selling and most successful bands on the planet, GREEN DAY. Now, a lot of people would question whether bands like GREEN DAY, THE OFFSPRING, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, GOOD CHARLOTTE, SUM 41 etc are punk rock and that’s up for debate but with some of them, their roots certainly are set in punk rock stone. At one time some of these bands (GREEN DAY / OFFSPRING) were undeniably punk rock and are certainly an indelible part of punk rock history. It must be so strange for a young punk to hear the UK SUBS’s Alvin Gibbs saying that “you could literally be killed for being a punk rock” in the late ‘70’s / early ‘80’s when today it’s hard to avoid all the punk music and imagery that shoved in your face on every radio station and in every shopping mall and this is why documentaries like this are so damn important. Young punks must not take this for granted, it’s like all those all war vets who say we had to fight so you could have your freedom- well it’s exactly the same with punk rock – the first wave took all the beatings and abuse so that kids today can have their mother’s dye their hair green for them. And, don’t get me wrong, that’s a good thing but it shouldn’t be taken for granted or hopped into as a fad. Punks should know their history and with movies like this they don’t even have to do much research, so there’s no excuse!!
‘Punk’s Not Dead’ explains how the movement ripped apart everything that rock was built on, with the D.I.Y. ethic punk rock built it’s own underground record industry right under the major labels’ noses – never has the music industry had to work so hard to understand and take a piece of something which is why it took them the best part of three decades to cash in and Jello Biafra says he’s surprised that it took them so long. Early D.I.Y. labels like Dischord and BYO are talked about with interviews with Ian Mackaye and Shawn Stern and there’s a great part where Greg Ginn talks about how BLACK FLAG were at the top of the hardcore movement but that still meant sleeping on people’s floors.
The Warped is of course covered in the documentary and this tour has certainly been responsible for the commercialisation of punk rock, that tour is a huge business with some very high-level sponsors and there’s clearly mixed feeling towards this on this documentary. Jennifer Finch of L7 says that due to things like the Warped Tour, real punk music hasn’t been commercialised but the look has and I have to say that I totally agree with that – mall kids are way too lazy to look into and research things so they just have to have it thrown in their face at places like Hot Topic where it’s all laid out for them – and Hot Topic is another subject touched on in this documentary and, again, a very valid one since they have played a major role in the commercialisation of punk rock and availability of the look. This is a truly comprehensive punk rock history featuring such a huge range of bands throughout punks long career…BLACK FLAG, SOCIAL DISTORTION, STIFF LITTLE FINGERS, THE DAMNED, NOFX, THE SUBHUMANS, THE ADICTS, BAD RELIGION, MINOR THREAT, RANCID, PENNYWISE, UK SUBS, BUZZCOCKS, DEAD KENNEDYS, THE CASUALTIES, GBH, TSOL, CHANNEL 3, THE BUSINESS, SEX PISTOLS and tons more and the movie also touches on world-wide scenes in Lituania, Serbia, Iceland, New Zealand, Belgium, Russia and Isreal.
As if this weren’t enough, there’s are so much extras on this DVD too (over 2 hours!!) that are as good as the main documentary itself! There’s a segment on punk rock housing in Los Angeles in the 1970’s with Geza X, Alice Bag, Shawn Stern and also in D.C. in the 1980’s with Sab Grey and Wendel Blow from Iron Cross, a section about hair with Rob from Total Chaos, the annual Punk Rock bowling tournament in Las Vegas, a tour of Fat Mike’s house, out-takes, more interviews and so much more.
As you can tell from this review, I hold punk rock very dear to me indeed and I’m certainly against things like the Warped Tour and Hot Topic and shit like that but I’m glad that they were talked about in this DVD and I also like the fact that opinions form both sides of the fence are expressed, this is certainly not a one-sided documentary and that’s a good thing. This DVD’s job is to chronicle the birth and rise of punk rock s it happened (and is happening) whether people like it or not, it’s history and a very lush history it is and I have to say that all the stuff that fucks me off about punk rock, actually makes me love it even more…it was designed to fuck people off and it’s great to see that it’s still doing that 30 years on.
Aberration Films / MVD
www.mvdvisual.com
RAT SKATES – ‘BORN IN THE BASEMENT’ DVD
Rat Skates truly fuckin rules. Most famous for being the drummer in pioneering thrash band Overkill, this documentary supersedes the thrash metal genre, this NEEDS to be viewed by everyone in a band in any genre…this is true DIY and proves that through hard work (a hell of a lot of hard work) and ruthless dedication huge goals can be achieved. As Rat himself puts it ‘Failure was not an option’ and everything was achieved through ‘Hard work and tunnel vision’ and this was the mind-set he was in form a very young age. Rat’s musical journey started in the late ‘70’s on the vibrant New York punk scene in his first band The Lubricunts, young, totally wild and raw playing Max’s Kansas City and CBGB’s with a pure DIY attitude. As they band got better at their instruments they verged more towards metal and more sophisticated compositions after being influenced by the Hew Wave of British metal. They went through some member changes and renamed themselves Virgin Killer which soon changed to Overkill. They chose to go down the KISS route of metal and merged that with their punk roots, so this was the defining point where the punks turned metal. You know, people often talk about Guns N’ Roses being a phenomenon in the mid-late ‘80’s appealing simultaneously to punks and metallers but Overkill were the first to do that a good half a decade earlier. These were true punks. From day one the band, and especially Rat did everything himself – from designing the classic Overkill logo (taking elements of the Iron Maiden logo and the Dog Town cross emblem and merging them), to making stickers, badges, screen-printing t-shirts, home-dubbing cassettes, printing posters, running their own merch mailorder, printing the Overkill logo on guitar picks and drum-sticks, making huge set pieces…he was unstoppable and really focussed on pushing Overkill with all his heart. This was unrepressed organization and some really impressive discipline and dedication and many times through this movie, Rat calls Overkill his family – and not just the band, but everyone that goes with it- family members, girlfriends and roadies too.By 1985 Overkill’s local following had exploded and they signed to Megaforce Records which is the point where Rat was no longer in complete control of everything- shirts were screened professionally, vinyl was duplicated professionally etc. and this clearly had an impact on this unstoppable workaholic. After years of insane hard work Rat left the band in 1987 after making no money at all. His dream had come true, he had done everything and more than he set out to do but way beyond burned out. This is a truly inspiring documentary and Rat recounts with inescapable passion- especially for the early, super-DIY days and it’s great to hear. His excitement still to this day is undeniable. There are some killer extras on here too including an interview with founding guitar player Riff Thunder, a television broadcast from 1984, a home-made documentary form 1986 and loads more – over an hours worth in total. This is a fantastic documentary that honestly should be used as a teaching tool.
Kundrat Productions
www.kundrat.com
MVD Visual
www.mvdb2b.com
RIC RHYTHM AND THE REVENGERS – ‘FREE LOVE FREE GUNS’ 7”
Gritty and wild garage that reminds me of a really fucked up REPLACEMENTS... maybe the RELACEMENTS with JAY REATARD involved and a huge nod to THE OBLIVIANS and that’s quite an achievement! I’m hooked!! Raw and dirty and with soul and so much fuckin groove it’s sickening!! From the three bands mentioned in the first line of this review you should already want this record badly, if you don’t, then you just don’t get it.
Shit In Can Records
www.myspace.com/shitincanrecords
RUBELLA BALLET – ANARCHY IN THE U.V.’ CD
This great CD collects the debut RUBELLA BALLET cassette tape ‘Ballet Bag’ and the ‘Ballet Dance’ 7” both from 1982, the debut album ‘At Last It’s Play Time’ from 1985 and the 12” version of ‘Money Talks’ from the same year as well as 2 unreleased tracks. Formed in the late 1970’s by FLUX OF PINK INDIANS drummer Sid Ation, they concreted their sound and repute after a CRASS show where the band invited audience members up to use their equipment to end the night so Sid and his girlfriend Zillah Minx took the stage and voila the Day-glo punk movement was born and a very original and unique movement it was…abrasive and angular yet delicate and melodic, the songs are artistic and very free and elegantly protesting: direct but never overly in your face so not only did RUBELLA BALLET stand apart from their anarcho contemporise with their brightly-coloured UV clothing, but their sonic approach was completely different too, much more subtle and imaginative. This is a very important collection of the early years on this very inventive band and a second volume is planned for the future too. Exciting stuff.
Overground Records
www.overgroundrecords.co.uk
VIC RUGGIERO – SOMETHING IN MY BLINDSPOT’ CD
Always a pleasure to hear Vic…I was looking really forward to this new record and I was really into it from the first listen. I like all his solo stuff but ‘Understanding New Jersey / Living In Sin’ was always the best stuff for me and I have to say that ‘Something In My Blindspot’ pretty much levels those. I love the rawness of those old recordings and even though the recordings on this new record are cleaner, they still maintain that edgy, live rawness and as always Vic manages to create catchy yet very dark and melancholic folk/pop. Great, open lyrics as usual and he’s got a way of sounding desperate yet positive simultaneously. What can I say, I fuckin love the guy…he truly goes off in any direction he pleases and ‘Something In My Blindspot’ is definitely his most varied work to date and everything he tries he succeeds in…the standouts on here for me are ‘Innocent Girl’, ‘Always Something In My Blindspot’, ‘Hope I Never’, ‘Vacant Stare’ and ‘Animals’ but, honestly, the whole record is fantastic. Great artwork too on this that opens up into a poster.
Household Name Records
www.householdnamerecords.co.uk
RUNNIN’ FEART #15
This is the first issue of Scotland’s RUNNIN’ FEART I’ve seen and I really like it. This is a cool issue featuring interviews with THE FALLEN from Kentucky, AUSLANDER, Liz and Ryan from DEADLINE, JOE VITERBO, FAT BEN AND THE LOOTERS, ZICO CHAIN and West Scotland Punx founder Jean-Marie. Plus there’s loads of zine and music reviews- LOADS of music reviews. Cool zine.
www.myspace.com/runninfeart
RUNNIN’ WILD – ‘I DRESSED IN BLACK TODAY’ CD
The fourth record from Brussels’ RUNNIN’ WILD who have a strong country jazz edge running through their rockabilly in the style of THE RANGE RIDERS and THE WANDERERS... it’s a very genuine sound but with a modern element too and these three guys have some serious history between them and a talent that can’t be denied and this is a record that grabs you from the first track and it’s just so accurate that it’s almost sickening!! I’m amazed. This is RUNNIN’ WILD’s own interpretation of Western Swing, this is Western European Swing!
Drunkabilly Records
www.drunkabilly.com
Heavy, old school hardcore from the Netherlands that’s very influenced by the East Coast / NYHC hardcore sound of the CRO-MAGS, MAXIMUM PENALTY, JUDGE, MADBALL etc and this is a solid EP right here, six tracks that present them in full-force from the opening ‘Into The Distance’ and if you’re a fan of that hardcore style then you will dig this for sure, this sound has taken a back seat to all the emo-tinged ‘hardcore’ that’s around these days so it’s always satisfying to hear this. There definitely aren’t enough bands who are influenced by the CRO-MAGS these days! I’m always happy to hear shit like this, they wear their influences on their sleeve but that’s a good thing in my books, I’m not one for pushing things forward at all because when you try to push things like hardcore forwards, where do you go? What do you get? You ruin it, that’s what happens. So I’m a big fan of keeping the old sound alive the way SAID AND DONE do it.
Shield Recordings
www.theshieldhardcore.com
SCHEISSE MINNELLI – ‘THE CRIME HAS COME’ CD
After hearing the ‘The Shit House’ 7” on Sick Of Talk Records, I couldn’t fucking wait to hear this full-length…and shit if doesn’t rip! SCHEISSE MINNELLI play killer, old-fashioned skatecore that’s fast, obnoxious and raw. The band is based in Germany with all German members except for vocalist Samuel who is Californian, so the Euro / US blend is an interesting one and works like hell!!! It’s obviously a very American sound but there’s certainly a European edge to it and it works so damn well. This is the proper skatecore sound that I miss – fast, stripped down hardcore merged with obnoxious punk rock…that exactly what SCHEISSE MINNELLI are all about, that’s what skating is about…well, what it used to be about. This is a killer, killer record and I strongly urge you to get this…especially if like me, all your JFA, DRVNK INJVNS and OLVIDADOS records are almost completely worn through…
Destiny Records
www.destiny-tourbooking.com
SCREAMPLAY – ‘DON’T TELL ME…’ 7”
Fucked up and distorted synth-punk that reminds me a bit of the VELVET UNDERGOUND if they were on Rip Off or if Jay Reatard and Alicja Trout were involved…I love the girl’s vocals, they kind of remind me of the girl from UNIT 3 WITH VENUS whose bratty vocals I dig! And also a bit of the girl from the LIDS…all good! It’s really interesting shit that’s so lo-fi and raw that it really gets me, I fuckin love shit like this because along with it’s almost psychedelic fucked-up-ness it’s pretty straightforward punk rock, it’s arty but not too arty. I dig it! All thress cuts are winners.
Lady Kinky Karrot Records
www.myspace.com/ladykinkykarrot
SLAM DUNK (with authority!) / ORDER OF THE GASH - split 12"
Portland metal split - ORDER OF THE GASH play instrumental thrash / metal that switches from full-on, chugging chaos to intricate and subtly layered melodic parts and it’s all played really fuckin well too and the vocal-free-ness of it all works really well for me, the greatness of this could so easily be fucked up with the wrong vocals (for me, anyway) so I’m glad they just rip instrumentally. Killer song titles too: ‘Quivering Cunt Muscle’, ‘Rigor Mortis On The Rocks’, ‘Obsessive Repulsive’ etc…
SLAM DUNK (with authority!) do have vocals but I dig them! They have a wilder edge than ORDER OF THE GASH…a really DIY metal edge that I really like. It’s really heavy and mangled and as one of their song titles states’ Nonstop Brutality’…I think they actually steal the split for me…and I was convinced it would be ORDER OF THE GASH because that’s the side I listened to first and was won over straight away…so thumbs up all round for sure on this. Killer looking limited sliver sceened cover and there’s a CD version in here too for any lamos without a turntable…although having said that I did use the CD in my car – but only because there’s no record player in there!
Eolian Records
www.eolianrecords.com
SLICK 46 – ‘I DON’T WANNA’ CD
Australian mid-paced streetpunk that blends the classic early UK sound of the COCKNEY REJECTS, SHAM 69, STIFF LITTLE FINGERS etc with the more current sound of US bands like early LOWER CLASS BRATS, BONECRUSHER, US BOMBS, ANTI-HEROS etc. They remind me of STANDARD UNION too who are also from Australia but play faster than SLICK 46 and also of New Zealand’s SUICIDE DOGS…I guess it’s because of the accent! I think the Aussie accent lends itself really well to punk rock actually…the vocals are tough and coarse and the music is kept simple- which is how it should be. These guys wear their influences on their sleeve and in my opinion that’s a good thing, they seem to shrae my mentality of keeping things old fashioned rather than pushing things forward – where is there to go??? When you start straying from something classic you start bastardising it and that’s when you get shit like emo…so that’s bad news! If you like your punk rock staunchly old school, SLICK 46 is what yer after.
Longshot Music
www.longshotmusic.com
SLICK 46 / HARRINGTON SAINTS – SPLIT 7”
Two tracks from each band on this brand new Longshot split 7”. Australia’s SLICK 46 serve up ‘Lies and Tricks’ and ‘For You, Not Me’ in their straightforward Oi!-soaked punk style that harks back to the first-wave of UK punk and Oi! and California’s HARRINGTON SAINTS present ‘Claret and Blue’ – their ode to West Ham United and ‘Pub Song’. Their sound is very reminiscent of the REDUCERS S.F. with the melody being right at the forefront of their very Oi! sound with nice a thick production with a commanding bass presence and great guitar lines. This is a great split indeed, with the HARRINGTON SAINTS stealing the show for me. Two-tone splattered red, black and white wax.
Longshot Music
www.longshotmusic.com
SOFY MAJOR / ONE SECOND RIOT – SPLT 10”
Three tracks each from these two French hardcore bands. SOFY MAJOR are the wilder of the two, with their noisy and frantic blend of classic and contemporary hardcore that at times leans towards a metallic sound. Their press release states that they are influenced by UNSANE and FUGAZI and they combine those quite different direction very well and in true DIY style. ONE SECOND RIOT have a heavier, darker and more bass-driven style, coming from a similar direction but focussing more on the intensity and obscurity. A well-suited fusion and the variation makes it all the more interesting.
IRAE Records
SOUTHPAW – ‘STAND FOR SOMETHING’ CD
The long-awaited follow up to their debut a decade ago sees SOUTHPAW eager and tougher than ever. New York hardcore that takes the classic sound of the early ‘80’s and the later sound of the early / mid ‘90’s, it’s straightforward, hard-hitting and heavy but never verging on overly metallic bullshit. Sure they venture into metallic territory but in the absolute right manner…there are touches of early ‘80’s/ thrash metal ala SLAYER, early METALLICA etc. Think of a blend of GORILLA BISCUITS, CRO-MAGS, MURPHY’S LAW, AGNOSTIC FRONT and SICK OF IT ALL with tinges of thrash…it’s that unmistakable NYHC sound but it’s not just that by any means. The vocals are what really sets this off for me…aggressive yet quite high-pitched which I love and work fantastically with the big, heavy riffs and chugging guitars. A very impressive follow-up which was needed earlier! But this is now more necessary that ever with hardcore mutating even further from it’s origins. Get this and support real hardcore!!!
Motherbox Records
www.myspace.com/motherboxrecords
THE SPURTS! – ‘WHAT GOES AROUND’ 7”
Great stripped powerpop that reminds me a lot of the NICE BOYS and a rawer EXPLODING HEARTS…so yeah, killer. There’s a really strong rock ‘n’ roll backbone to the songs – a serious CHUCK BERRY presence and I hear a touch of THE SCRUFFS in here too…the production is perfect on here for me because it’s not polished yet it’s nice and melodic and that’s how powerpop’s gotta be for me – it’s gotta have that bite and THE SPURTS have a serious set of gnashers I’ll tell you that…I knew instantly that I was gonna dig this and boy did it deliver…looks killer too – great cover art and 2 –tone wax.
Desert Island Discs
www.myspace.com/desertislanddiscsseattle
STATUES – ‘TERMINAL BEDROOM’ CD
This is a compilation of the’Same Bodies, Same Faces’ 7” and the ‘Crooked Fingers, Broken Hands’ double 7” plus an unreleased cut (‘Save It’) and the ‘Rocket To Russia’ theme from the radio show of the same name. Given that I’m still addicted to ‘Aux’ and these EPs this is gold for me. Their blend of pop punk / powerpop is unique and I know they’ve been compared to the TRANZMITORS a million times (and I kinda just did it there too) I think they’re really exclusive actually…they remind me of the POINTED STICKS (who they cover), the YOUNG CANADIANS (who they also cover) and maybe a touch of the ERGS! And SMUGGLERS too whereas the TRAZMITORS, who also rule, remind me more of the early UK sound of the STARJETS, early CURE etc. I’m addicted to early Canadian punk rock and in my opinion it’s that sound that captured the perfect blend of the UK and US sounds (TEENAGE HEAD, DIODES, FORGOTTEN REBELS, VILETONES, POINTED STICKS, MODERNETTES, K-TELS / YOUNG CANADIANS etc etc) and that’s what STATUES have always reminded me of. I highly recommend that you get a hold of anything you can by them. I’m so bummed that I missed them when they played over here last month (I was abroad) and they also come across as really cool guys in all the interviews I’ve read. I hope they never stop.
Deranged Records
STIGMA – ‘NEW YORK BLOOD’ CD
Just in case you weren’t aware, this is New York Hardcore pioneer Vinnie Stigma from AGNOSTIC FRONT’s debut solo album after being involved in the hardcore/punk scene for almost three decades and features Mike Gallo, also from AGNOSTIC FRONT, Phil Caivano from MONSTER MAGNET and is produced by HATEBREED’s Jamey Jasta. In the style of Roger Miret’s DISASTERS this too is more punk-based rather than hardcore, the vocals even remind me of Roger’s! Stigma doesn’t pull any punches and ‘New Yprk Blood’ is exactly what you’d expect a solo Vinny Stigma album to sound like – it’s got autobiographical elements, a heavy New York influence (of course!) and the sound is very heavy, powerful punk rock that’s anthemic and aggressive and certainly has some hardcore elements. There are a couple of FORCED REALITY covers on here as well as a cover of 7 SECONDS’ ‘Young Till I die’ (European bonus track only) and the whole record is just Stigm and NY to the bone…if you’re a fan of his work and of that East Coast sound – you’ll fall flat on face for this…I like the guy a lot, I was really happy when I heard Roger was doing his solo stuff and it’s a pleasure to hear Stigma in this different, though very familiar light.
I Scream Records
www.iscreamrecords.com
SUPERBUICK – S/T CD
Fast hardcore punk from Pennsylvania, this debut full-length presents their extremely powerful blend of punk rock, early hardcore and straight-up rock with a huge, huge dose of skaterock. This has a wonderful early/mid ‘80’s skaterock feel to it which I’m an absolute sucker for…you just don’t hear it like this anymore...all the newer bands claiming to be skaterock are way too hardcore – they’re missing that big guitar presence / classic rock of AC/DC, BLACK SABBATH etc that is the key ingredient when mixed with raw hardcore- that’s the fuckin skaterock recipe and SUPERBUICK know that for sure because they rock like mad. This is old-school and compelling as fuck. I really dig this and I’m impressed as hell.
Motherbox Records
www.myspace.com/motherboxrecords
SWINGIN’ UTTERS – HATEST GRITS’ CD
You don’t need to be swayed on this surely?? You know you want this right? This is the fuckin’ SWINGIN’ UTTERS…of course you want this!! This is their ‘B-Sides and bullshit’ collection which includes demos and unreleased stuff too as well as some alternate versions of songs. I mean, I don’t know what to tell you…if you are unaware of the UTTERS then you have no place being on this site!! Their importance is immeasurable, they certainly forged a sound – a sound that has been copied a million times over but there’s no one quite like them and to a fan of nearly 15 years, as I have been and am, this collection is obligatory…I love this and I full-heartedly recommend this to anyone. They are THE sound of San Francisco punk rock.
Fat Wreck Chords
www.fatwreck.com
TEMPLARS – ‘OUT OF THE DARKNESS’ 7”
It’s always an absolute pleasure to hear the TEMPLARS with their truly unique New York Oi! It’s been too long since they released something new!! But they’re back now and this two track 7” presents them is full-force with that classic, classic sound. Solid as fuck, straightforward and absolutely distinctive – nobody does it like the TEMPLARS, they really do everything on their own terms and that’s why they’ve always shone so brightly in my opinion. Right from their imagery through to the music, they nevr shied away from being truly individual and I love that, and especially in the Oi! scene that’s even more amazing. This is another superb release from this amazing band.
Templecombe Records
www.thetemplars.com
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com
THROW RAG – ‘2ND PLACE’ CD
A new THROW RAG record is sure something to get excited about…there’s no-one quite like these fuck ups that’s for sure and you gotta see them live to get blown away. They’re great on record but they absolutely kill live. ‘2nd Place’ presents more of their unique blend of gritty, sleazy punk/folk/rock n’ roll with some real style. If you’re bored of punk rock that just coloring by numbers then TRHOW RAG is definitely a band you should check out…they have such a inimitable direction that appears to be no direction at all – in a fantastic way. They’re like a bunch of sailors who know their destination but are working with a broken compass…but somehow, in some fucked up way they get there. Along with the 12 brand new cuts on here – including covers of the GEARS and LINK WRAY there are also 3 live cuts…this is a rock solid record from a band that blew me away when I first heard them a bunch of years back and have been addicted to since but I gotta stress- go and see them live if you get the chance, they rip.
Acetate Records
www.acetate.com
TOUCHERS – ‘BLITHE’ CD
This is the last record that the TOUCHERS will release – completed just before the death of singer Ben Brisini just over a year ago. If you’re unfamiliar with the TOUCHERS, they have a wild sound that mixes raw garage punk with a country twist that switches from heavy to pretty stripped down and at times they really remind me of the BUTTHOLE SURFERS merged with THE PIXIES and THE MELVINS and even the CRUCIFUCKS at times. There’s a real sort of SST magic to the TOUCHERS sound, an early / mid ‘80’s feel that’s so hard to come by these days and it’s so clear to see that that’s where the TOUCHERS heads are stuck in and that’s a great thing – who gives a fuck about modern-sounding music??? Not me!! Produced by Jack Endino, who is certainly the man to be able to bring out this very varied and untamed sound…it’s savage and mellow all at once and Brisinis vocals metamorphose wonderfully and set the whole thing alight. ’Blithe’ is a true work of art and a very powerful epitaph for Brisini indeed. This is the TOUCHERS strongest work to date and if you haven’t heard them before and want to check them out – start here.
Mental Records
www.mentalrecords.net
This is the final instalment of the ‘Radio Disaster’ series which is THE most varied sequence of compilations encompassing so many different punk rock styles. It’s been four years since the first volume came out with hundreds of bands featured through the years and Basement Records puts the series to sleep with some real style. This last offering presents 30 bands including THE BOUNCING SOULS, CHEAP SEX, THROWRAG, THE SCARRED, BRON ON SUNSET, LOVE EQUALS DEATH, THE METHADONES, BULLET TREATMENT, KILLING CALIFORNIA, STABBED IN BACK, GOOD RIDDANCE and tons more and as usual there’s something for everyone on here. It’s a pity to see the succession end but then we gotta be thankful that Basement delivered so many so fast!! They should be very proud of ‘Radio Disaster’ because this is what the sampler / compilation should be all about- introducing new sounds, styles and bands and not restricting things.
Basement Records
www.basementrecords.net
V/A - THE CHEMICAL X DVD ZINE’ DVD
I’m an absolute sucker for the DVD/Video-zine format and I just don’t think there’s enough projects like this around so I was excited as hell as soon as I heard that GC were putting this thing together. It reminds me a lot of the ‘Dancehall Troops’ DVD that we put out through NFT last year actually so I know how much work something like this takes! It’s got a wonderful D.I.Y. approach and comes across as a truly passionate piece of work blending raw live footage with very cool home-made music videos and even a handful of more professional videos. On the live side you have DAN PADILLA, SICKO. DISCK ARMY, (VLAD AND) THE IMPALERS, PEELANDER-Z, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION JACKSON, KILL THE SCIENTIST, THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TO CANDYLAND, SHANG-A-LANG, THE CRIMINALS, JAPANTHER – all cool, raw footage so you really get the impression of the show and the CRIMINALS is a real special treat for me! The D.I.Y. music videos come from FOUR DEALY QUESTIONS, KILLER DREAMER, THE UNLOVABLES, SUNKEN CITY, OFF WITH THEIR HEADS, CUB, INTRO5PECT, EAST ARCADIA, H.O.T.S. and an especially cool one from PASSPORTE. The professional vids come from RANDY, BUCK (live), THE COPYRIGHTS (live), RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS, SABOTEUR and a super-weird one from NEGATIVLAND. In true GC style, it’s a varied, interesting and exciting mix- this is a label that doesn’t pigeonhole itself which makes for some very stimulating projects- even the cover art/presentation of this DVD looks interesting. As well as all the music stuff there’s a bunch of extras in the from of a tour of the Vdvs radio strudio which I thought was killer and also the GC tour. Definitely recommended, I hope there are more volumes to follow!
Geykido Comet Records
www.gcrecords.com
V/A – ‘VANCOUVER COMPLICATION’ DOUBLE LP
Now this absolutely killer compilation should need no introduction…this is so necessary and important that you should really own this already. This is an amazing compilation of Canadian punk rock that was originally released in 1979 on Pinned Records and a few years ago Joey Shithead’s Sudden Death label re-issued it on CD with a handful of bonus tracks. This fantastic compilation features some of the finest in Canadian punk rock, power pop and hardcore from 1979 including D.O.A., POINTED STICKS, SUBHUMANS, K-TELS / YOUNG CANADIANS, EXXOTONE, ACTIVE DOG, DISHRAGS, NO FUN, SHADES and loads more. And now, for us lucky, lucky scums… Rockin’ Bones have re-issued it again on double vinyl – with one record being the classic compilation and the other being a 16 track bonus LP!!! The Sudden Death version contained five bonus cuts from TIM RAY & THE DRUTS, THE DISHRAGS and RUDE NORTON and these are included here of course but with an additional 11 songs from THE YOUNG CANADIANS, POINTED STICKS and THE MODERNETTES. What a package!!! This is so necessary it’s not even funny- you need to get this NOW!!! Excellent, excellent stuff and what a wonderful treat the bonus LP is…uber-recommended!!!
Rockin’ Bones Records
www.rockinbones.it
V/A - ‘WRONG SIDE OF THE TRAX VOLUME 1’ CD
Just as the ‘Radio Disaster’ series comes to a close, Basement embarks on the next compilation sequence ‘ Wrong Side Of The Trax’ which will be a three-part series starting with this first punk volume (the next ones will be Metal and Indie / Experimental) and, again, through 23 bands this collection gathers a wide variety and styles in the ever-increasing punk rock genre featuring THE INSURGENCE, KILLING CALIFORNIA, THE RUINS, BULLET TREATMENT, THE PISS-POPS, BARBIE AND THE HOOKERS, HEARTBREAK STEREO, MARGINAL WAY, CASKET LIFE and tons more. Compilations rule and when Basement put a collection together they really define what a compilation should be. There’s always a huge variety and there’s always new bands to hear and that’s what it’s all about. I’m really looking forward to the next two volumes…it’s so great to see the compilation in such a healthy state.
Basement Records
www.basementrecords.com
THE VERMIN – ‘JOE’S SHANGHAI’ CD
Las Vegas’s premier snotty punks are back with a new record in their trademark sleazy, punk rock ‘n’ roll style. Short, razor sharp punk rock blasts with only a handful making it over the two-minute mark (that’s how I like it!) and closing with the entire record as a non-stop mix in a single half-hour track (entitled ‘Joe’s Shanghai’). I’ve always liked THE VERMIN and I still remember when I first got ‘Hell Or Las Vegas’ over ten years ago (and I still dig it!) – I’m just a sucker for their vulgar, no-frills punk rock that’s always so in your face, it’s got great melody but always with a very present ‘Fuck You’ attitude and I love that. Plus, they always gave me the impression of doing their own thing by their own rules, maybe it’s their Vegas robustness! I highly recommend THE VERMIN and I see these guys ripping shit up for years to come and for punk’s sake I sure hope they do!!
Wood Shampoo Records
www.myspace.com/woodshampoorecords
KURT VILE – ‘CONSTANT HITMAKER’ CD
KURT VILE instantly reminded me of a fucked up, raw NEIL YOUNG and that’s a great thing…his folk has more of a psychedelic twist than Young’s and his approach is way more unprocessed rock ‘n’ roll that I super-dig. He’s got the superb melodies but with this wonderfully warped style…there’s a huge nod to BRIAN ENO in that respect (another great thing) and the way he layers sounds evocative of different decades over one another is outstanding. Seemingly almost with a complete abandon but actually beautifully composed….this is some fantastic raw talent. It takes a great ear to absorb all this but to create it…well, that’s something else. ‘Constant Hitamker’ is uncomfortably comfortable and noisily tranquil, laid-back and out of control…basically it’s pure Gulcher!! 2008? Are you sure??? Amazing!
Gulcher Records
www.gulcher.gemm.com
VULTURES UNITED – ‘DIRT HEARTS’ CD
Fast, hostile and energetic as hell hardcore punk from Orange County that takes a lot of influence from BLACK FLAG with jarred notes and unpredictable progressions. This is so powerful it’s no joke- this is the hardcore we need in 2008…this is threatening and commanding while still keeping some dominant melody. They never get metallic which is a huge plus for me…the vocals are great too…man, I can’t fault this. The way they take inspiration from that classic old sound but bring it up to date is very impressive because the old sound is fantastic but we can’t live in the past (as much as we’d like to) things have to be brought up to date to be relevant and VULTURES UNITED have nailed that. This is real modern old school hardcore. This is killer, I wish there were more than 8 cuts on here that’s for sure. Excellent.
Basement Records
www.basementrecords.net
WAR OF WORDS – ‘THE TALE CONTUNUES’ 7”
The latest in the fantastic line of 7” from WAR OF WORDS. Three more cuts of their unique hardcore punk that’s unpredictable and catchy simultaneously. This is a band that seems to re-write the rules of hardcore punk with every release because there are way too many bands willing to simply throw together a bunch of mediocre songs and have another record out…WAR OF WORDS push their compositions and really experiment while still keeping things straightforward, because that’s a very important thing- keeping a perfect balance between experimentation and familiarity is a real skill that these guys nail. Limited copies on solid yellow wax- you NEED this.
Slab-O-Wax Records
www.slab-o-wax.com
WAR OF WORDS – ‘VIOLENCE / WAR’ 7”
Another killer 7” from Slab-O-Wax…the third single from Boston hardcore punx WAR OF WORDS following the awesome ‘Revenge’ 7” a couple years back (also on Slab-O-Wax) and their Welfare debut ‘A Tale Of Friendship’. Fast and attacking yet melodic WAR OF WORDS have a very original sound that’s intelligent and fascinating. Four tracks in total on here with the last cut ‘Not Today’ being an acoustic track I was really excited to hear after reading the press-sheet and it’s fucking great…really powerful and kinda mysterious-sounding. I love it. Super-limited deep-red wax…don’t waste time, click the link below and get yerself a copy!!!
Slab-O-Wax Records
www.slab-o-wax.com
THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT HEROES – ‘SUPERIORITY COMPLEX’ 10”
Another beautifully packaged WEDNESDAY NIGHT HEROES reissue from Longshot Music of their second full-length that was previously only available on CD. This originally came out 5 years ago and was the record that left the HEROES mark with their blend of early UK punk / Oi – COCKNEY REJECTS, BUSINESS, EXPOLITED, SHAM 69, GBH etc with a huge dose of American / Candian punk and hardcore with the end result being a unique blend of hardcore streetpunk – powerful, but never overly-aggressive and catchy too. This re-issue comes in 10” format, which I love and I don’t think enough releases come on 10”!! For some reason people seem to have something against the 10”…not me! The presentation is top-notch, very impressive with a die-cut thick card outer sleeve that follows the building skyline and shows the art underneath too and transparent orange splattered vinyl…this was released with pure passion, you can tell. I loved this album when it came out and a vinyl version is always gonna get the thumbs up from me so this is a definite winner and the packaging makes it all the more special.
Longshot Music
www.longshotmusic.com
THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT HEROES – S/T LP
This is a deluxe gatefold-cover re-issue of THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT HEROES debut full-length from 2001 which became available for the first time on wax with an added bonus track ‘Rebel Boys’ earlier this year, but this is the limited gatefold cover edition on blue splattered wax. This is the toughest WEDNESDAY NIGHT HEROES album, that finds their sound much more aggressive that what it later developed into, it’s faster and has more of a CASUALTIES, THE UNSEEN feel to it blended with their streetpunk style. I remember when this came out it really reminded me of the more aggressive side of THE FORGOTTEN who I was hugely into – it’s got that stripped, assertive approach and it’s more in you face than, say, ‘Superiority Complex’ or the BYO releases which are more anthemic and catchy. I love this record and I love what their sound developed into but this was the album that really hooked me on their sound. This had way more of the UK ’82 influence in it that their later stuff although it’s still very apparent on those recordings too. I can’t believe it’s been almost 8 years since this first came out…holy shit time flies…another cool and impressively presented re-issue from Longshot.
Longshot Music
www.longshotmusic.com
THE WELCH BOYS – DRINKIN’ ANGRY’ CD
This is the second full-length from Boston’s WELCH BOYS featuring members of THE BLUE BLOODS and SLAPSHOT and although they have that trademark Boston punk rock sound of DROPKICK MURPHYS, PUG UGLIES, DARKBUSTER, STREET DOGS etc they also have a more aggressive hardcore edge to their sound. It’s unmistakably East Coast with is straightforward and hostile guitar approach and gruff vocals, in fact, they have always reminded me of an East Coast BONECRUSHER and the East Coast was definitely missing a BONECRUSHER!! This isn’t gonna break any punk rock boundaries and that’s fine with me, punk rock doesn’t need to evolve in my opinion, this is just solid hardcore punk and that’s fine by me! If you’re into that Boston sound but want something with a bit more antagonism and that packs a tougher punch, THE WELCH BOYS are what you’re after.
I Scream Records
www.iscreamrecords.com
YOUNG HEART ATTACK – ‘ROCK AND AWE’ CD
If you’re not familiar with Texas’s YOUNG HEART ATTACK, they play heavily AC/DC influenced rock and shit do they do it well. While still hard rockin’, ‘Rock and Awe’ presents a new side to the band, a more mid-paced, conventional rock side – perhaps a bit less wild than say, 2004’s debut full-length ‘Mouthful Of Love’ but nonetheless a direction that suits the band well. Make no mistake that this is a rock-solid record that’s certainly not lacking any energy…this is still a fierce record. The dual male/female vocals are exceptional as ever and absolutely make this band. I think this is a great follow up full-length and the sound has obviously evolved with the band members and I think that’s cool because what’s the point of releasing the same record twice? Definitely recommended.
Not On Your Radio Records
www.notonyourradio.com
THE ZIP GUNS – ‘DIRTY PICTURES’ 7”
Excellent Canadian ’77 style punk rock with a raw Rip Off garage edge. Catchy and melodic but rough around the edges and with plenty balls too. There’s a big nod to early Canadian punk in their sound which a huge plus for me, that’s the sound I’d kill for – the perfect blend of early UK and US punk combined with touches of a rougher TEENAGE HEAD, FORGOTTEN REBELS, early D.O.A. etc…I dig these guys a lot. Three original cuts on here pluis a cover of THE LURKERS ‘I’m On Heat’…great package. Cool pink wax with a red burst too.
Meaty Beaty Records
www.longshotmusic.com/mbr