-RECORD REVIEWS 2001 - 2004-

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3RD GENERATION NATION #25 / $4 or 2.77 Euros
Fuckin nice issue here! Interviews with the fantastic Shocks, Hostage Records’ The Main, Sonny Vincent, The Pukes, The Diskords, Swing-A-Go-Go Babies, Stitches tour diary, show reviews including Stitches, Bonecrusher, Hunns, Cocknoose and loads more, lots of reviews... really great and it ends with a tribute to Joe Strummer. Fantastic issue.
Ralf Hunebeck, Grenzweg 66, 47877 Willich, Germany

7 SECONDS - 'TAKE IT BACK, TAKE IT ON, TAKE IT OVER' CD
The kings of fast melodic hardcore punk are back with a brand new album and nothing's changed!!! This could have come out in the early 80s! 7 SECONDS are so important in the history and forging of the hardcore movement and not enough punk rock kids know that. Hardcore today is a joke... it's so lame. The rawness and integrity has gone. It's not about the youth insurgence anymore... it's embarrassing. 7 SECONDS is necessary for today's youth! Forget all the metal bullshit 'hardcore' and fake rubbish and learn something that you can carry with you for life.
Side One Dummy Records
www.sideonedummy.com

THE 13TH VICTIM - ‘OUT FOR A KILL’ 7”
Yeah! We love these guys! We were on a comp with them and they blew the whole thing up!!! Raw, hostile punk rock with the biggest ‘Fuck You’ attitude I’ve heard in a long time. Reminds me slightly of the QUINCY PUNX at times but way more outta control!!!
Sick Of Talk Records
www.sickoftalk.com

78 RPM - 'PULSATOR' CD
This has that totally New Wave sound and style. It kind of sounds like the EPOXIES mixed in with the NEW TOWN ANIMALS and it works really well. I much prefer this sound than the ska sound 78 RPM used to have when they were the 78 RPM's. This works much better for them and is a really good direction for them to be going in because they do it well. Not that they did the ska thing badly, but this is much more my bag. I really like the inside artwork too.
Shrunken Head Records, PO Box 23431, Oakland, CA 94623, USA

78 RPM'S - 'THE LONGEST WAY HOME' 7"
This is evocative of mid 80s two tone/ska but with more guitar... reminds me a lot of UK ska from that era. It's played well and the pace is good but I just don’t like that ska sound. I much prefer the direction these guys have taken these days... I think it was a really good move. I absolutely love the front cover to this 7.
Dill Records, PO Box 347388, San Francisco, CA 94134-7388, USA

86ERS - 'SEND THE 86ERS' 7" EP
This is fucking great! 5 tracks of robust punk rock played at the perfect pace for me. Great full-bodied old sound. I knew I would like this straight away from the way it is presented - the simplicity of the orange and black cover artwork, the cut and paste back cover, the clear vinyl with the big hole.... definitely my sort of thing and obviously the music is totally my bag too. I strongly recommend this.
Dirty River Records
members.fortunecity.com/dirtyriverrecords

86ERS / WHISKEY AND SIN SPLIT 7"
Two songs by each band on this split. The 86ers kick the first side off with an incredible punch of vigorous, spirited punk rock with no bullshit. Second up, WHISKEY AND SIN have a very interesting sound that is kind of rough but melodic at the same time and I really like it. A really good split that is all about dedication - not trendy shit.
Dirty River Records
members.fortunecity.com/dirtyriverrecords

THE 700 MACHINES - PROMO CD
Raw, distorted rock 'n' roll with a big nod to the STOOGES and MC5 blended with a pure rock approach. Lots of guitars and a pinch of 60s, almost psychedelic rock thrown in. The thing I like most about this is that it's really hard to tell what era it was recorded in and I love that. It's obviously what the band is going for since they are clearly influenced by all kinds of stuff from rock 'n' roll, to garage, to punk, to rock, to early metal stuff. I know that it was recorded in 2002, but if I didn't know that, I'd believe it was from anywhere between the mid 1960s up to the present date. They can play, they can write songs and they really know how to blend all those styles and sounds up to create a pure rock 'n' roll monster.
Tassos Palaiologos, 8 Boukouvala Street, 11471, Neapoli, Athens, Greece

ACEFACE - ‘GOD SAVE THE HOOLIGANS’ CD
This is ACEFACE’s debut full-length and contains 13 tracks of unmistakeably English 70’s style mod/punk rock with great guitar/vocal lines. A lot of US bands attempt the 70s UK thing but it’s all very stale because it’s almost as if they’re trying too hard, but when a band like ACEFACE do it, they know exactly how because it’s not forced, it’s real. They just do what comes naturally with no contrived bullshit.
Bitter Sweet Records, PO Box 26535, London SE3 9WS, UK
www.aceface.org

ACEFACE - 'OPENING UP' 7"
2 more tracks of mod-soaked punk rock from ACEFACE. The title track 'Opening Up' is a really great song and one of my favourites by the band. It's got a real BOYS feeling to it, but more straight punk rock. It's got that melodic attitude which is a sound I really bond with. The second track 'Broken Homes' is a fuckin corker too and strangely enough reminds me of the YOBS! (the BOYS other band). Nice and melodic with a singalong chorus. Very strong stuff indeed.
www.aceface.org

ACEFACE - ‘OXBRIDGE BOYS’ 7"
2 new songs, the title track and ‘A Day In The Life’ both of which continue in the style of uniquely British speedy mod/punk. Nicely melodic but very vigorous. Hand crafted / numbered sleeves too - a really nice item here.
Bitter Sweet Records, PO Box 26535, London SE3 9WS, UK
www.aceface.org

ACEFACE - PROMO 2-TRACK CD
This band features members of SUPERYOB but the music played is very different. Apart form the obvious difference of female/male vocals, this is much more upbeat, catchy punk rock that reminds me of early JAM rather than the streetpunk sound. This is very English sounding in a really cool way and also is so reminiscent of the 70s sound - done very well. The tracks are catchy but in the right way - not poppy, just a great captivating English sound and I am looking very forward to the upcoming full-length.
Aceface, PO Box 26535, London SE3 9WS, UK

ACTIVE INGREDIANTS - 'HYMNS OF HOLY HARDCORE' CD
Fast and melodic and very attacking skate hardcore/punk. Has quite a Beer City feel to it and a great 80s sound. It can be really chaotic at times and fuckin frenzied and that's how I like it. Loads of guitars and breakdowns and a beefy sound. It's like a musical representation of a session, taking you through every action... you can visualize it, you can taste the fuckin sweat. Great fuckin stuff!
PO Box 2461, Bakersfield, CD 93303, USA

ADAM WEST - 'READY STEADY ADAM WEST!' CD
Here ya got a collection of rare ADAM WEST tracks from 1993-1999 and you know what to expect from these guys - raw, distorted, fucked up Rock 'N' Roll kinda like ZEKE, MOTORHEAD and ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT all rolled into one - that's gotta be good! If you're into Punk Rock 'N' Roll with a lot of aggression and fun then this is definitely your bag, if you're a pussy then don't get this - it'll fuck you up!
I Used To Fuck People Like You In Prison Records
www.peoplelikeyou.de

ADAM WEST - 'RIGHT ON!' CD
This reminds me of so many different bands and styles all blended together to create one mean, brutal Rock ‘N’ Roll noise! I love the fact that from the cover (which is really cool) you would never guess that it would be this fierce, it looks kinda mellow! It reminds me definitely of early ZEKE, AC/CD, MOTORHEAD and also THE CULT. It’s really, really rockin’, a real thick, solid guitar. It’s got a lot of those repetitive guitar riffs that just get you moving especially in tracks like ‘C’mon and Bludgeon Me’, ‘Piece of Ass’ and ‘Fire In My Bones’. The entire release maintains the energy and intensity right the way through the 13 tracks (the last track is a cover of THE SAINTS ‘Erotic Neurotic’). There’s real feeling in this band and on this record - it sounds real sweaty and powerful - these guys really mean it... they know exactly what they what and they are getting it right all the way.
I Used To Fuck People Like You In Prison Records
www.peoplelikeyou.de

THE ADICTS - 'RISE AND SHINE' LP
Now, If you haven't heard or even heard of the ADICTS what the fuck's the matter with you?!! They are back with a new full length in their unmistakable style... it's 100% ADICTS who the punk rock world has known and loved for nigh on twenty fuckin years. If you're an ADICTS fan - you obviously don't need me to tell you to get this record. If you are unfamiliar with them - you lose so many punk points... no seriously, you should hear them and you can start with this record.
Knockout Records
www.knock-out.de

ADIJO PAMET #8
This is a really cool issue of Adijo Pamet zine from Croatia (in the Croatian language) including interviews with Incognito Records - a great German label, Paraf, John Holmstrom, the Dwarves, Dead Moon, American Heartbreak and country/punk band Blood On The Saddle and pieces on Antiseen, the Real Kids plus lots of reviews and more!
Adijo Pamet c/o Tomislav Pelin, Gunduliceva 12, 44320 Kutina, Croatia
adijopamet@yahoo.com

ADIJO PAMET #9
Another great issue of this Croatian zine with interviews with the Streetwalkin Cheetahs, The Damn Luckies, B-Movie Rats, Sounds Of Subterrania, Columbian Neckties, a piece on the Cockney Rejects, Dee Dee Ramone, loads of zine and record reviews... very nice layout and content. Plus a bunch of NFT reviews in there too! A very fluent and consistent fanzine.
Adijo Pamet c/o Tomislav Pelin, Gunduliceva 12, 44320 Kutina, Croatia
adijopamet@yahoo.com

ADIJO PAMET #11
Another cool issue of Croatia’s Adijo Pamet. Again, punk as fuck, cut-n-paste and Xeroxed presentation just how I like it! This time featuring the Slackers, 4 Skins, John King, MC5, Sham 69, Superhiks, Obrigado Portugal (an article on last year's World Cup). Loads of reviews too including a couple of NFT releases (Dead End Kids and Resistance). I always look forward to Adijo Pamet. It’s got a really cool mix of old and new stuff and it kinds reminds me of a Croatian version of Artcore in that respect. No gloss, no shit just straight punk.
Adijo Pamet c/o Tomislav Pelin, Gunduliceva 12, 44320 Kutina, Croatia
adijopamet@yahoo.com

ADRENALIN O.D - 'A.O.D THEMES' LP
This is A.O.Ds rare and unreleased demos from 1982. If you are unfamiliar with A.O.D- they are a hardcore band that put some much needed fun into the eighties hardcore punk scene in a time when too many bands were way too serious. It’s great to hear politics in Punk Rock but it’s also real nice to get away from all the seriousness for a while and remember to have fun- A.O.D provided this welcome break. The sound quality on this record is obviously not that great because, after all, the tracks were only demos- but I think that the unrefined and raw sound really adds to records like this- they maintain a sense of urgency that is often lost in many contemporary Punk Rock records. There’s 22 tracks on this record in total and they all fly by, some of the great tracks on this are: ‘Old People Talk Too Loud’ (there‘s 2 versions of this track), ‘A.O.D Theme’, ‘Suburbia‘ (there’s 2 versions of this track), ‘Die For A Cause’, ‘Hi Jack the Senior Citizen’s Bus’, ‘ Suicide Abortion’ and ‘Status Symbol’ (there’s 3 versions of this track). This is a really great record and it’s brilliant that after 20 years we get to hear a load of unreleased tracks by a fantastic band. There’s some really good liner notes by Sal Canzonieri of ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN and Dave Scott who used to be A.O.Ds manager and promoter. Munster Records has once again put together another great release.
Munster Records
www.munster-records.com

AFFRONT - 'YOU'D MAKE A GOOD LOOKING CORPSE' CD EP
This is great hardcore punk with a really robust sound, kinda in the same vein as early AFI (when they were good) at times, even the voice reminds me a little of Havok's. Really solid stuff here that will get you going - lots of singalong choruses and lots of 'Whoas' - that's a winning combo for me! There's also a cool cover of BAD BRAIN's 'Pay To Cum' - but the band's own material is what really does it for me. Very good indeed.
Commode Records
www.commodehc.com

THE AGITATORS - 'MEETING THE LADS' CD
I first heard the AGITATORS on a split 7" with the HEARTACHES last year and I remember thinking, "Wow, a band that has to split with the HEARTACHES... that's gonna be a tough job!". I thought it's gonna be pretty tough to stand up and shine above the HEARTACHES but what better choice than the AGITATORS... they blew me away!!! They took the job!!! This full-length is more of that sing-along Belgian street punk that we are so fond of! There's something about that European take on street punk and Oi! that is just so solid. It's different to the American stuff... I can't explain it but I feel closer to the European stuff like this, and I don't mean geographically. I mean it feels really familiar and that's a great feeling.
Street Anthem Records
www.streetanthemrecords.com

AGNOSTIC FRONT - 'DEAD YUPPIES' CD
Back with a new slice of New York Hardcore Agnostic Front deliver a solid if not slightly predictable album. Kicking off with the pulsating ‘I Wanna Know’ AF lay down their intentions to stay true to their Hardcore Punk roots. Right from the off ‘Dead Yuppies’ is a barrage on the senses but that’s how AF do things best. Featuring a new bass player since their last album ‘Riot Riot Upstart’ Roger Miret and the boys combine bruising rhythms with street sing along vocals to great effect. This is accompanied by the usual batch of socially aware lyrics which has become a trade mark of the band, choosing always to tell things how they are and cutting out any bullshit. Highlights include ‘Out of Reach’ and the chilling ‘Pedophile.’ I don’t think this is as good as ‘Riot Riot Upstart’ or some of the early stuff but it’s good to see the pioneers still doing the business. In my opinion AF are best live where they put on a fucking crazy show. Also check out the upcoming debut album from ‘Roger Miret and the Disasters’ on Hellcat Records which sounds exciting.
Epitaph Records
www.epitaph.com

AGNOSTIC FRONT / DISCIPLINE - ‘WORKING CLASS HEROES’ DOUBLE LP
The kings of NYHC and the kings of Euro HC united on one release! Both bands recorded live in Belgium. 15 tracks from AF including, ‘Victim In Pain’, ‘Crucified’, ‘Gotta Go’, ‘Riot, Riot, Upstart’, Bullit On Mott St’ and 14 tracks from DISCIPLINE including, ‘Now Or Never’, ‘Hooligan’s Heaven’, ‘These Streets’, ‘Frontline Skins’ and ‘Rejects Of Society’. This coalition was bound to happen! This is one motherfucking mammoth hardcore assault! Great packaging too, excellent artwork, double white vinyl, free poster and sticker too... more than you could possibly ask for.
Knock Out Records
www.knock-out.de

AK PRESS DISTRIBUTION 2003 CATALOG
An up-to-date catalogue of AK Press distribution including books, tapes, zines, videos, DVDs, clothing etc... some seriously fantastic stuff in here. Write to them for this catalogue and you'll be ordering so much stuff...
AK Press Distribution, 674-A 23rd Street, Oakland, CA 94612, USA

AKA NOTHING - 'BASED ON A TRUE STORY' CD
This record has everything - great voice, cool, raw production, good lyrics and subject matter.....it’s easily one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. The instrumental opening track ‘The Game’ leads you, fists clenched, into one of the greatest Punk Rock ’N’ Roll rides you’ll ever go on. Tracks like ‘Beatbox’, ‘Crime Story’, A Better Way to Die’, ‘Cities By the Bay’, ‘Red or Black’ are only a few of the highlights on this 20 track jewel. Basically, the whole fuckin thing is fantastic and at times it reminds me slightly of L.E.S. STITCHES but a little more youthful-sounding and two-fingers up than them. This is the sort of record that you can just put on and drink a few beers to and just hang out and realise why the fuck you love Rock ’N’ Roll so much.
The Record Labelation

AKO - 'FIND YOURSELF' CD
This is hardcore form Bristol, England and it's quite a refreshing change from US Hardcore. Although AKO obviously draw much influence from American Hardcore there is still something very English about this band. For example, the tracks Optimism and No Love especially sound American but yet are unmistakably English - that's great to hear that this band can adapt a sound they admire and make it their own. At times they remind me of FABRIC and also BENDER - but mixed in with a more American feel than those two bands had - AKO have a more chaotic sound with forceful and intense choruses - more singalong. I get the feeling when I listen to this album, that this band know exactly what sound they want and have achieved it perfectly - after all, AKO contains members of bands such as HEADCASE, FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE and SCREWLOOSE - so they are all familiar with Hardcore/Punk and I think that it has all come together with AKO.
Trash City Records
www.heartbeat-productions.co.uk

ALICE DONUT - ‘THREE SISTERS’ CD
Wow fucking ALICE DONUT! Yeah! While I was growing up the ‘Untidy Suicides’ record was one important album. That along with the DEAD MILKMEN and the BUTTHOLE SURFERS. And, in a way, all those bands are quite similar. They all have very unique punk rock sounds approached from very unconventional directions. I’m really happy to hear that ALICE DONUT haven’t changed and still posses that sinister, inimitable attitude. It’s always a worry that when a band goes away for while and then comes back that it might not be like it used to but this is straight back there! The opening line of the record is ‘Did You Miss Me?’... Fuck yeah!!
Howler Records
www.howlerrecords.com

ALL CHARGES DROPPED - 'HOW NOT TO GET SHOT BY A COP' CD EP
Coming out of Illinois, ALL CHARGES DROPPED have put out this really raw demo release. Clocking in at 13 minutes for 9 songs ACD don’t fuck about getting to the point and for the most part that’s cool. There's a real kind of messy feel about this CD which really suits this band- it's not messy in a bad way- it's messy in a DFL kind of way- kind of frantic and scatty. ACD sound like a young band that have a lot of energy- they remind me of an early 80s hardcore band. Rough and ready. I love THE CRIMINALS style vocals and some of the songs like ‘Skumcore’, 'Soccer Mom' and ‘Columbine’ are really very good - the latter dealing with the issue of high school shootings a problem which has plagued America for sometime. This is a solid demo CD EP that displays what ACD are all about. It has a real cool sleeve too.

‘ALL MESSED UP’ - ANNA GERBER
As an artist who creates at least 50% of my work through ‘accidents’, this book is a certification of the necessity of errors in art. This collection teaches you to take pride in your mistakes and not cover them up. Or, if you’re going to cover them up, make it completely obvious that they are a cover-up. Unpredictable graphics is where the excitement in art lies. Anyone can contrive a piece but to let a piece shape the artist is far more exciting, and believe me, that excitement will burn through the finished piece. Punk Rock art is all about displaying imperfections... badly photocopied images where the print has been duplicated so many times that it becomes pretty much unrecognisable, drips, cut ‘n’ paste lines etc... these could be covered up easily but why? This is what ‘All Messed Up’ represents. I can’t count the number of times I have completely changed a piece of my work following an ‘accident’. Chance is just as important as talent and, as this book demonstrates, if you are lucky enough to be dealing with both, you’ll end up with something very special indeed... something completely unique.
Laurence King Publishing
www.laurenceking.co.uk

ALL OR NOTHING HC - 'SEARCH FOR THE STRENGTH' CD
Very powerful female-fronted hardcore. This is tough but not in the lame macho way that most of today's hardcore is, but in an honest, "listen to what we are saying" kind of way. Listen to this and fuck the macho-hardcore men. This is no sporty bullshit, this is proper DIY hardcore.
On The Rag Records
www.ontherag.net

THE ALLEGED GUNMEN 7"
Is this previously unheard CLASH?! This is the closest thing I have ever heard to the CLASH, in fact, it’s so close it could be the CLASH and that’s saying something. Forget about all those bands that get labelled as sounding like the CLASH, believe me they don’t compared to this. Lord knows, I’ve missed that beautiful sound and it’s so great to hear that again. I don’t want to pass this off as a copy-band, this is original stuff here - it just happens to maintain that charmed sound. This is obligatory listening.
Kapow! Records
www.kapowrecords.com

GG ALLIN - 'SINGLES COLLECTION' CD
This is not a greatest hits collection! It is all the singles by various bands GG was in that are really hard to get now. There's 2 songs by MALPRACTICE a band that GG used to drum for in the late 70s which is pretty diabolical - not Punk at all. Then there's a couple of tracks by STRIPSEARCH which has GG singing and is not too bad, but a little tame. Then you've got all the great tunes from when he was with the JABBERS and the SCUMFUCS and you've also got a couple of tracks, my personal favourites, from when he was in MC2 with WAYNE KRAMER and DENNIS THOMPSON from the classic MC5.
This is quite a good collection displaying GG's earlier years when he wasn't so fucked up and had a really good voice.
Temperance Records
www.temperancerecords.com

GG ALLIN AND ANTiSEEN - ‘MURDER JUNKIES’ CD
I have always liked the stuff GG did with ANTiSEEN. It was the last time he recorded anything of quality in my eyes. It kinda reminds me of early GG but beefed up like only ANTiSEEN can do it. GG’s later stuff really did leave a lot to be desired but this was right on the money and now it’s available with new artwork/photographs, fully re-mastered and with bonus tracks too... what you waiting for?
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

AMAZOMBIES - ‘BITCHES & STITCHES’ CD
This is totally my thing... it’s untreated and hard-hitting. It’s got that kind of Lookout sound, when Lookout was good. That raw, organic feel like CLEVELAND BOUND DEATH SENTENCE or CRIMPSHRINE. It’s aggressive and catchy at the same time which is an excellent combination if you can pull it off, and boy can the AMAZOMBIES pull it off. Brilliant cover too...
Go-Kart Records
www.gokartrecords.com

AMBIVALENT - 'TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT' CD
Raw DIY punk rock that's all about the chaos! It's unrefined and it's urgent and that's what we represent here at NFT so this is our bag. Beautiful DIY. A lot of bands and labels use the DIY title to put out really low-quality, badly presented, badly recorded releases... it's like their excuse is DIY. Take a fuckin look and a listen to this - this is how DIY should be done, great presentation and lots of effort. Great cover. Full color. Musically it reminds me a bit of A GLOBAL THREAT or early UNSEEN but more urgent. This is just great DIY punk fuckin rock.
Broken Bonez Records
www.brokenbonezrecords.com

THE AMERICAN CULTURE EXPERIMENTS - S/T CD
How would I describe the AMERICAN CULTURE EXPERIMENTS? Well, very dark and sinister antagonism rooted in anguish, and boy do they create one hell of a moody release! This is pure furore and reaction transcribed to CD. It's extremely hard to get feelings and emotions across in music but the AMERICAN CULTURE EXPERIMENTS have succeeded in doing so - this is the most temperamental album I have heard in years... everything about it... the lyrics, the vocals, the music, the samples, the unease - the artwork is very sophisticated and complements the music beautifully.
Accidental Sirens
www.accidentalsirens.com

AMERICAN STATIC - 'SOUNDTRACK OF THE STRUGGLE' CD
This is a really powerful blend of early US hardcore and straight-up punk rock that's just my bag. It's got balls and style. They were one of the highlights of the last 'Old Skars' Disaster comp (although, they were still called the ROUSTABOUTS then) with 'Stand Our Ground' which is included on this release. This record is shit-hot... they really got it together perfectly on this right from the cover... raw, high-impact and blunt, just like the music. This is a working class kick in the ass with style. The name-change is a great one, not that the ROUSTABOUTS was bad but AMERICAN STATIC is a killer name. This record will really appeal to a large audience because it's so perfectly in the middle of hardcore and punk that everyone will love their sound.
Street Anthem Records
www.streetanthemrecords.com

‘AMERICAN MODERNISM, GRAPHIC DESIGN 1920-1960’ - R. ROGER REMINGTON
Through 7 sections this book scrupulously documents the emergence of the Modernist style movement in the United States that surfaced between 1920-1960. This book, however, focuses not only on that period but from 1850-1999 illustrating the entire background from German Bauhaus and avant-garde to forthcoming designs following the movement’s materialization. Through brand logos, magazine covers, posters etc (Vanity Fair, Vogue, Bauhaus, Coca-Cola, Bazaar) we see the development of the form with a huge amount of accompanying illustrations including work by some of the most famed artists of the movement such as Brodovitch and Rand. An astonishing and thoroughly comprehensive book.
Laurence King Publishing
www.laurenceking.co.uk

AMP (AMERICAN MUSIC PRESS) #2 / FREE
Holy shit this is coked full of great stuff!! Interviews with Justin Sane (Anti-Flag) and Pete Steinkopf (Bouncing Souls) interviewing each other - fucking cool, Ian MacKaye, Channel 3, Andy Ernst interviewed by Hunter (AFI/The Frisk), The Flipsides, The Enemies, Bad Astronaut, Pre-Teens, novelist Charles Romalotti, a piece by Jesse Luscious, a piece on Straight edge, loads of columns and reviews and glossy, colour cover art. You can't fault this... it's fucking free and it's way better than most zines you've got to pay for. Very impressive.
AK Press Distribution, 674-A 23rd Street, Oakland, CA 94612, USA

ANGELIC UPSTARTS - 'SONS OF SPARTACUS' LP
Hey, Hey! Here we have a brand new studio album from the UPSTARTS and it's great to hear that they continue to write in the same vein as they ever did, not changing with the trends or changing their true beliefs or politics - this is 100% original UPSTARTS. The ANGELIC UPSTARTS are one of the oldest punk rock bands around but they are easily still one of the best. A lot of the classic bands from the glory days of '77 really changed their sound and style as time went by and most of them became pretty embarrassing but not these boys! Oh No! They have all the attitude, all the aggression and all the balls they had when they first formed 25 years ago. They still maintain their highly anti-fascist standpoint. The UPSTARTS have the sound that most successful San Francisco punk rock bands mimic - well, this here is the real deal, this is the pioneering sound right here. A great record from one of Punk Rock's greatest bands.
Knock Out Records
www.knock-out.de

ANGER - 'STATE OF N.J vs ANGER' CD
As soon as the music comes in on this record it grabs you by the balls and doesn't let go until the music dies out about a half an hour later. To me that's good listenin'! This is a great band - Hardcore Punk with a lot of style and Rhythm and generally fun. They kinda remind me of a Beer City band. 'Keeping Score' is the opener that rages in at a fantastic rate and then goes straight into 'Bull Dyke' which is one of my favourite tracks on the album and is one of the more melodic tunes along with 'Everything I Touch', 'Jets' and 'Monday Morning Browner'. The thing I like most about this band is that they maintain aggression without being macho and are able to bring humour into their songs without being gimmicky. The record varies between fast, aggressive tracks and slower, more melodic tracks and that makes for a great release. At times the voice reminds me a little of Roger Miret (AGNOSTIC FRONT) and also Johnny Miller (STRAIGHT FACED) and the music sometimes reminds me of 10-96. This album is great and if you like real hardcore punk rock and not some sissy bullshit - get it.
Black Pumpkin Records
www.blackpumpkin.com

ANGRY FOR LIFE - 'SHARKS AND ROACHES' CD
I know this band from the ‘How’s My Driving?!’ SuperSpeedway Music compilation that our band was on too and I really liked them from that, so it’s great to be hearing a full-length. It's tough yet melodic and great paced - kind of in between punk and hardcore. Although there’s melody, there’s a sinister edge too and that really works. I recommend this a lot.
Vinehall Records
www.vinehall.com

ANTI-FLAG - 'MOBILIZE' CD
This is half studio material and half live material, kinda like the format of Their System Doesnt Work for You. The 8 studio tracks are first and kick off with the fantastic 911 For Peace which is about the September 11th attacks in NYC. If any band is gonna write a good Punk Rock song about that day, it was gonna be ANTI-FLAG! They really did it well. All the studio tracks are very good, Whats The Difference?, We Don't Need It!, We Want To Be Free and Right To Choose are all excellent. The live tracks were recorded in their hometown of Pittsburgh to a small, intimate audience and are played really, really well. There's a selection of tracks from their previous 4 records: Underground Network, A New Kind Of Army, Their System Doesn't Work For You and Die For The Government. ANTI-FLAG have a lot to say, and although I don't necessarily always agree with their opinions, I like the fact that they believe in their cause so strongly. They teach Punks a lot of good things and that's a real important thing. Along with this CD you get an A-F Records sampler CD free - Thats a real cool idea. There's 19 tracks by A-F artists including THE CODE, VIRUS NINE, PIPEDOWN, THOUGHT RIOT, THE METHADOES, MODEY LEMON, WHATEVER IT TAKES, JUSTIN SANE, THE UNSEEN and ANTI-FLAG and there's also 2 other bands not on A-F Records: THE VOIDS and AGAINST ME: It's a cool compilation with a lot of diversity on it. All in all, this is a great package! The ANTI-FLAG album is a winner.
A-F Records
www.a-frecords.com

ANTiSEEN - 'DRASTIC / EP ROYALTY' CD
This is ANTiSEEN's first two 7" together on one CD and it rocks! It's raw, brutal and chaotic and it's what paved the way for the years of destruction that laid ahead. It's been re-mastered and it's got all the original artwork... though it may be unleashed for a second time, this still has the freshness and raw power as it did all those years ago and it is still just as capable of fucking you up properly.
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

ANTiSEEN - 'EAT MORE POSSUM' CD
This is a pleasure to review since it is my favourite ANTiSEEN record and to see it re-released with brilliant liner notes by Walt Wheat and a great 12 page booklet is awesome. I couldn't describe this record any better than in Walt Wheat's words, 'I had never been booted in the ass so hard by a band that it kicked my teeth out from the inside...' - what a description - a fucking accurate one. ANTiSEEN have been described a million times as the 'Kings Of Destructo-Rock' and you've definitely heard about how brutal, aggressive, raw etc. they are and that is ALL true. It's no hype and to believe it you must witness it first hand. If you only get one ANTiSEEN album I would recommend this one. It will redefine what you think of Rock 'N' Roll is, so be prepared...
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

ANTiSEEN - 'HERE TO RUIN YOUR GROOVE' CD
Haven't you got the fucking message yet???? ANTiSEEN are here to fuck you up with TKOs 6th re-mastered Vault Of ANTiSEEN re-release from 1996, and as with all the other re-releases, you get lots of new photos and liner notes. The title of this album really isnt lying... ruinous rock n roll, lots of blood... this is what devastation is all about and you need that devastation. Badly.
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

ANTiSEEN - 'HONOUR AMONG THIEVES' CD
The latest release in TKO's 'Vault Of ANTiSEEN' brings us the debut album from the emperors of demolition and chaos... the beauty that is ANTiSEEN. This is a real gem becasue it's never been issued on CD before and this re-release has the original artwork that was never used... this is really something to get excited about. Although 'Southern Hostility' is the most vital ANTiSEEN record to me, I think this is the most important 'Vault Of ANTiSEEN' release on the whole becasue of the fact that it's the distinguished debut full-length from true legends. This is true Rock 'N' Roll that no-one should miss out on. If you are unfamilar with the ANTiSEEN brand of dissaray then I strongly suggest you get the 'Vault Of ANTiSEEN' collection and teach yourself some imperative lessons.
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

ANTiSEEN - 'NOISE FOR THE SAKE OF NOISE' CD
This is the next ANTiSEEN re-issue from TKO’s ‘Vault Of...’ series and is the band’s second album that was originally only released in Australia. This is truly ANTiSEEN at their most unrefined! You want crude, you got crude! This will kick you in the balls and wake you up. This is a real highlight in the ‘Vault Of...’ series.
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

ANTiSEEN - 'SOUTHERN HOSTILITY' CD
This is the third TKO re-mastered re-release from the Vault Of ANTiSEEN and it's a fucking beast! 'Southern Hostility' really doesn't need an introduction since it is one of the most important records in punk rock history. It was already heavy, raw and absolutely untamable and now TKO have re-mastered it to make it completely sadistic! Brilliant title, brilliant records, brilliant re-release. As you may have guessed this is where NFT got the title of our worldwide punk compilation 'Global Hostility'. An absolute MUST.
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

ANTiSEEN - 'THE BOYS FROM BRUTALSVILLE' CD
This is ANTiSEEN's first studio release since 1996's 'Here To Ruin Your Groove' and this album has so much balls it's unreal- Straight from the intro we are throw into 'Guns Abalzin' which sets this release off to an amazing start- the production is fantastic (it was produced by drummer Sir Barry Hannibal) Jeff Calyton's vocals are always great but they sound so fucking meaty on this baby. The sound is really, really full and that's the only sound a band like this can have. There really are some fucking good tracks on this- 'I'm A Babyface Killer', 'Sod', 'Run My World' and 'Backlash'. There's a few covers on this too- the RAMONES 'Commando', 'Six Days On The Road' by DAVE DUDLEY and my personal favourite of the covers- SCREAMING LORD SUTCH's 'Smoke and Fire'. This album was well worth the 5 year wait...
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

xANXIETY ATTACKx - 'ANARCHO SYNDICALIST ARTICLE 1' CD
This is beautiful DIY in full glory. This is the shit we breathe here. High-impact art, that's what we love! This is chaotic and unruly splendor. Everything is written and played by one man: Matt Svendsen who used to write the xANXIETY ATTACKx zine. In fact, the entire thing is done by him... the art, the presentation. This is the epitome of DIY. Not lousy DIY, which is often an excuse for a half-assed lack of effort and lack of talent. This is perfect DIY. Also comes with a fuckin great anti Hot-Topic 'DIY or Fuck Off' sticker.
Poisoned Candy Records
www.poisonedcandy.com

APES - 'TAPESTRY MASTERY' CD
This is beautifully uncomfortable chaos. This is gritty and awkward and fantastic. The APES define their own genre, their own rhythms, their own fuckin rules. At times it reminds me a bit of the early BUTTHOLE SURFERS maybe even with a bit of BECK, KRAFTWERK and GARY NUMAN mixed in there... so you can imagine vague repetitive and unnerving to the max!! And I dig that. It's weirdly melodic through the complete chaos and it's very, very arty. Stylish art.
The Birdman Recording Group
www.thebirdmangroup.com

ARGIES - ‘HIMNOS DE COMBATE’ CD
Fuck me this is good... the legendary ARGIES from 1986-2001. This is Latino (Argentinian) punk at its absolute best, no fucking question about it. This is Goddam awesome stuff and I strongly urge you to get this. You NEED to hear this, it’s fucking necessary.
Cochebomba Rekordz, PO Box 546, Randolph, MA 02368, USA

THE ART GHETTO - ‘SLUMMING’ CD
I like this type of sound a lot - it’s Disco / New Wave with lots of programmed beats and shit and that really gets me going! It’s so lame sounding that it’s so cool. It’s so convulsive and spastic and that’s a style I love!! It’s all jittery and awkward and I really go for it.
Trocar Records
www.theartghetto.com

ARTCORE 18 / £1.50 post paid
Although Artcore only comes out a couple of times a year it's always worth the wait becasue it's always filled with such cool stuff. This issue includes: Channel Three, DFA, Our War, The Effigies, Big Boys, Adolescents, SST Records, Rattus, Shawn Kerri, Pitch Black, Send More Paramedics, Kill From The heart... a lot of great stuff plus a whole host of reviews etc. - very nicely laid out and a really cool front cover as well!
Artcore, 1 Aberdulais Rd, Gabalfa, Cardiff, CF14 2PH, Wales, UK

BALLYHOO #2 - $3 + $2 s+h
This is a phenomenal zine right here. It's heavy, heavy, heavy on the art and it's fuckin fantastic. It's so raw, so stylish and so fun. It's so beautifully vague and I love that. I guess this is the type of zine that you either get or you don't. I get it and I love it. That's it.
Ballyhoo Zine, 2800 Hillgass Ave, Berkely, CA 94705
www.4leagueindustries.com

ASS - S/T CD
Vicious hardcore punk rock with throaty vocals but not in a metal way... in a screaming punk kinda way. The pace varies with cool breakdowns and interesting guitar parts but generally the pace is nice and swift. The sound is very raw and that's intentional... it's crude and bare and that gives it a sinister edge. The roughness is not through poor recording. This is recorded very well and the simplicity is where the beauty and the impact lies here. This is not ass at all.
Ass Records
www.losifer.net/ass

ASS END OFFEND - 'CHARACTER ASSASSINS' CD
Very reminiscent of late 80's skate/hardcore. That irritated, fast sound that's like a stabbing. This is an attack, not only musically, but an attack on hardcore. This is how it used to be and how it should be. It's so hard to come across genuine, straightforward hardcore these days... there's so much over-produced pollution drowning it all but not ASS END OFFEND. This is fuming. Just looking at this CD is an indication of better days... the artwork is perfect. Really, hardcore is a fuckin embarrassment these days. Don't kid yourself that you are hardcore if you don't understand what this is about.
Poisoned Candy Records
www.poisonedcandy.com

THE ASSAILANTS - ‘HATE MACHNE’ 7"
Turmoil on 45!! This is the shit for me... fast, aggressive and disorderly. This is the kick up the arse the kids need today. They need it urgently.
Ghetto Blast Records
16703 Westgate Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703, USA

ASSCHAPEL - 'TOTAL WORSHIP' CD
As soon as the opening track Lucid Fire kicks in, it kicks you straight in the fucking face - it so awesome. The power is unbelievable, then the moog comes in and creates some real dark atmosphere. This entire album maintains that power form beginning to end - there are some real gems of tracks: Until The Day We Die, Lets Kill, Deeper Cuts - the entire album is just over 17 minutes long - thats 12 songs in under a quarter of an hour! Thats what I like. These songs do not need to be any longer than they are. They are short songs, but a real lot happens in that brief time. This is the kind of band that if you like one track, you will like them all because they stick to the same formula, and for me, that formula is a real winning one.
Twitch Records
www.angelfire.com/tn3/twitchrecords

ASSEMBLY OF GOD - 'SUBMISSION OBEDIENCE DENIAL' 7" EP
This is 8 tracks of fast American hardcore punk from members of BROTHER INFERIOR and it's very good and very well played. Nice and tight - which I feel this style of music has to be in order to be properly appreciated. This is also very well produced.
I normally don't really go for hardcore - I prefer slower traditional Punk Rock but I really do like this and my favourite track is 'Criminal Element'. The lyrics on this are very good indeed with my favourite being from 'Our Holy Image' - '...Are we (is punk) just another righteous scheme that forgets that we're all human beings...' What I like about this type of hardcore is that it is just plain honest - it doesn't try to prove shit like all these other macho 'hardcore' bands that always have to prove how hardcore they are and how much they are into unity, and how they are a brotherhood. Fuck that...get this.
Havoc Records
www.havocrex.com

ASSERT - 'RIOTOUS ASSEMBLY' CD
You ever heard of Munchausens's Disease? It's a syndrome where you can't stop hurting yourself... this CD reminds me of that in the sense that it's like a good self-induced stabbing. Relentless, ruthless hardcore that spits hostility. I like my hardcore aggressive, no time for wimpy dick music. This is my ticket.
Hard Boiled Records
www.hardboiled-music.com

ATTENTAT SONORE - 'BANNED IN SALT LAKE CITY' PROMO CD
This comprises the 'Social Headache' 10" which is fucking amazing (see the review) and 2 more songs 'Here and Now' and 'Punx with Brains' both of which continue in the same vein of highly impressive punk rock. This is a faultless band right here...
www.attentatsonore.com

ATTENTAT SONORE - 'SOCIAL HEADACHE' 10"
Q: What do I ask out of a punk rock band?
A: ATTENTAT SONORE
This is tailor-made punk rock for me - this is so damn impressive. It's attacking and hard-hitting without being overly aggressive. This is not showy stuff, this is real. The pace is great, the vocals are great, the song-writing is fantastic, and the cover is fantastic too. If you are looking for some punk rock excitement, here's your answer.
Maloka Records, BP 536-21014, Dijon Cedex, France

ATWAR / CELL BLOCK 5 'LIVE CHEAP CD' CD
2 live shows back to back!!! 22 tracks!! Both shows recorded live in California and first up are ATWAR which is the legendary ENGLISH DOGS so you know the drill... fast chaotic UK punk with loads and loads of guitars followed by CELL BLOCK 5 who are also fast and chaotic as hell making this one of the most forceful live CDs I've heard. The energy and then power is certainly captured in these recordings!!! At times CELL BLOCK 5 remind me slightly of earlier NOFX mixed with FEAR, but with more mayhem! I dig live CDs but it's hard to encapsulate the atmosphere. Sometimes you get live records that just sound so damn flat but not this!!!! This is fierce!
Malt Soda Recordings
www.maltsoda.com

AUTOMATICS - 'FORTY VIRGINS IN THE AFTERLIFE' CD
The AUTOMATICS fuckin rock. This is pure pop punk done with style in the same approach as the BOYS, THE VAPORS and the BUZZCOCKS. Fantastic songwriting with no pretense. No posing. The AUTOMATICS are from way back when punk rock was fun and they still have that attitude. They write and play what the hell they want - it's from the heart and it's real. That's something so hard to find these days. The production sounds like late 70s/early 80s too and that's where it's at. This is not some throwback band, this is the spirit of great times carried forward 25 years.
Trash 2001 Records
www.trash2001.de

THE AUTOMATICS/WILLY WONKAS - SPLIT 7"
The AUTOMATICS remind me of the NOBODYS - 3 songs of fast poppy punk rock. Nothing special but not too bad. Now, the WILLY WONKAS are a different matter all together. They are pure shit. They don't even play well. The first of their tracks '...On The Loose!!!' only has three lyrics in it, these are 'Willy Wonka', 'He's gonna kick your arse' and I can't even work the other one out. You really don't need this record.
Mad Driver Records
www.maddriver.it

THE AUTONOMISTS - S/T CD
The AUTONOMISTS have an interesting sound because you can evidently hear that they are very much influenced by American punk rock but they still maintain a very English sound. This is not generic, boring Epitaph style punk even though those type of bands are obviously influential to the AUTONOMISTS, instead you get a blend of melodic, assertive and catchy punk rock with a touch of reggae at times. This is NOT ska-punk... I have no time for ska-punk at all. This is a much slower dub sound. I would personally prefer the entire album to be out and out punk rock but it's still a good debut release.
Vanity Rock Records
www.vanityrock.com

THE AUTONOMISTS / F.D.K - SPLIT CD SINGLE
There's 2 songs by each band on this and the AUTONOMISTS tracks are fucking excellent especially 'My Garrotte' which has really cool production, kind of gritty in a really, really good way - like OPIV or QUINCY PUNX. The other track is 'Waking Up' which is also good but not as powerful.
F.D.K are ska-punk which really doesn't appeal to me but they do it well for what it is. They sound just like all those other bands that do that style of shit... AGAINST ALL AUTHORITY, FALLING SICKNESS... you know - punk bit, trombone bit, punk bit, trombone bit ... etc... etc... although their 2 songs start with a Stephen Hawking voice which is pretty funny.
Disclocate Records
www.dislocate.com

AVENGED SEVENFOLD - 'WAKING THE FALLEN' CD
This is so gay. Just grow up you idiots. I really hate all this immature whiny metal crap. I grew out of metal when I was a kid. This is the gayest music. Gay name, gay voice, gay everything. Absolute shit.
Hopeless Records
www.hopelessrecords.com

A.V.O - 'SOLUTIONS' 7"
This 7" has 14 tracks of Australian hardcore that fuckin rock! Only three of the tracks are over a minute long, the rest are pretty much half a minute which is the way I like it - short, aggressive and to the point. 'Solutions', 'Get Over It', 'Miserable' and 'No Straight Edge' (originally by WHITE CROSS) are the highlights of this great little dish but the whole thing is fantastic - and if you like proper hardcore, not machoman bullshit, then get this.
Kangaroo Records
www.geocities.com/tysonkangaoo

AXES OF EVIL - 'MARRIED TO AMERICA' CD
Wow, I've never heard a band that diverges its sound so much over one record so well. At times it's flat-out heavy metal, at times punk rock, at times hardcore, at times a more garage-tinged sound... as you can see no lack of variation!! Normally, when bands swerve through so many different styles and sounds on one record it can sound a little unnatural and pieced-together but AXES OF EVIL do all of them pretty fuckin well. Even the style of the cover art is a blend of styles... it's like metal / street punk / hardcore. AXES OF EVIL sound like they have a great record collection they can take inspiration from and just play what the hell they wanna play and that's what this is all about.
New Regard Media Records
www.newregardmedia.com

BARBIE'S DEAD #9 WINTER 2002/2003 / 50p
Here's a great DIY cut 'n' paste zine from the UK which features lots of live reviews, record reviews, articles and miscellaneous advertisements and newspaper cuttings. There's interviews with Active Minds The Fanzine Archive and Sensa Yuma, along with a cool Japanese tour diary. This sort of DIY zine is essential to the scene, and the cheap price makes it an essential buy!
Barbie's Dead, c/o Alex, Woodhouse, The Square, Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9BW, UK

‘BARNEY’S CREW’ - SEAN CARSWELL
This is the new collection of 10 short stories, all completely different, yet all delivered in the distinctive Carswell style. You get humour, melancholy, peculiarity, real life, challenges, hate, love etc and that’s the wonderful thing about Carswell’s short stories. He’s not afraid to cover all kinds of issues and subjects and he has the talent of telling a story as if he were standing opposite you. The beauty of his story-telling and writing is that you really can’t tell where he is going to lead you and that’s a beautiful thing. He sets the scenes perfectly and you really get close to the content and you just let him take you wherever he is going. The brilliant thing about Carswell’s writing is that he can be incredibly descriptive and detailed and he can be perfectly vague too, and he knows exactly when to apply these to communicate his stories faultlessly. He dips you right into the deep end but guides you the whole way. Coupled with excellently raw illustrations by Art Fuentes that mirror Carswell’s writing perfectly. Gritty, honest and open and with just one image tells you all you need to know. This rules.
Gorsky Press, PO Box 42024, Los Angeles, CA 90042, USA

BARSE 77 - 'NAGATIVE REACTION' CD
This is proper ballsy, fuck off punk rock from Newcastle that doesn't give a shit who it pisses off - and that's great! When a band has a lot of humour and that humour is aimed in the right direction, it can really work well and that can be seen/heard on this BARSE 77 record (Meatloaf Is A fucking Fat Idiot', 'Scooby Doo is Dead'), but when humour is completely aimless it's really dissapointing and aggravating - this is the case with all the 'funny' US bands like GUTTERMOUTH, THE VANDALS, LESS THAN JAKE, BLINK 182 i.e Not funny at all... so it's good to hear when a band can humorously attack topics with success. Good job BARSE boys! This CD is available from SAVAGE AMUSEMENT zine for £5ppd (UK), 10 euros (Europe) and $10 (USA) you also get a free 25 track compilation CD when you order this BARSE 77 CD that includes tracks by THE GENERATORS, VOICE OF A GENERATION and BOMBSHELL ROCKS so hurry up!
Savage Amusement
Rosehill, 20 New Front Street, Tanfield Lea, Stanley, Co Durham, DH9 9LY, UK

BARSEROS - 'PUSHY POLEMICS' CD
Third full length here from these wild, rough Rock N Rollers. A very unique, melodic and outlandish blend of rock, punk and rock n roll mixed in with a sizeable dose of fun. Tracks like 'Queens Are Made Of Distance' and 'Please Don't Touch' are just fucking great. This album gets you twitching right form the start and by the end of it, if you're not bucking about like a crazy bastard, there's something wrong with you.
Trash 2001 Records
www.trash2001.de

THE BASTARDS (LARS FREDERIKSEN AND...) - S/T LP
This is the side project of RANCID guitarist Lars Frederiksen who got together with Big Jay Bastard, Scott Abels from HEPCAT and The unknown Bastard to produce an album brimming with attitude and character. This record is a 13-song document of Lars' youth in which he regales tales of gang life and hardship.
From the incendiary opener 'Dead American' to the intensity of album closer 'Vietnam' this disc emits a great deal of integrity and class. Having said that, it doesn't stray very far from RANCID's side musically yet with fellow band mate Tim Armstrong at the production desk that comes as no great surprise. With good covers of BILLY BRAGG's song 'To Have and to Have Not' and MOTORHEAD's 'Leavin' Here' Frederiksen is able to put out a disc which is more than worthy of being associated with punk rock excellence such as RANCID. Even though the album should have been titled 'Straight Outta Campbell' this album is well worth the money.

THE BELTONES - 'CHEAP TRINKETS' CD
I couldn't wait for this album to be released and when I heard it I almost creamed my pants- yes it's that fucking good. As soon as I heard 1998s 'On Deaf Ears' I knew the BELTONES were a special band- the vocals are so fucking raw, the guitar sound is kinda like the CLASH and STIFF LITTLE FINGERS and for them to follow up with as good a full length as this really is fucking phenomenal- it's easily worth the 3 year wait. The album opens with 'Ain't No Life' which appeared on TKO Record's 'Punch Drunk 2'- but it's a different version that appears on here. There's also a new version of 'Shitty in Pink'. There simply is not a bad track on this- there are definitely some songs that stick out above others like the title track- 'Cheap Trinkets' which is one of the best Punk Rock tunes I have ever heard in my life. THE BELTONES are one of my favourite Puink Rock bands and I'm sure if you hear this record - they will have a permanent place in your heart too.
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

BERENICE BEACH - ‘RUNAWAY’ CD
Fast, commanding ‘77 style Italian punk rock sung in English that kicks the hell out of 99% of all the similar vein stuff coming out of the US. There’s something so much more elegant in European punk rock. The song-writing and approach just seems so much more refined. It doesn’t feel thrown together, it feels really well thought-out and it’s very impressive.
Mad Butcher Records
www.madbutcher.de

JELLO BIAFRA - 'THE BIG KA-BOOM, PART ONE' CD
Jello Biafra's spoken word material is unparalleled and always first rate so who better than Jello to educate us on the events of 9/11... As always Jello is intelligent, sharp, witty and astute which is why it's such a pleasure listening to this emergency release. Very well backed up. Very well researched. Very impressive.
Alternative Tentacles Records
www.alternativetentacles.com

‘BIG LONESOME’ - JIM RULAND
This is the first collection of stories in Gorsky Press’ 7” series and what a debut it is! 13 short pieces by Jim Ruland who shifts you into his ambiguous and sinister situations and locations so confidently and in such an outwardly natural fashion that you allow him guide you through his tales blindfolded. You don’t know where he’s headed, what direction he will take but you’re going for sure. This is exciting and you trust his control! Whether he be in diary-entry mode, asking and answering question after question, narrating the previous adventures of Popeye the sailor in such ludicrous detail (my absolute favourite story in the collection) or simply planting you right in the heart of his world, surrounded by his characters and circumstances, Ruland’s writing pulls you in. It’s actually pretty hard to adjust back to the real world when you’ve followed his words and thoughts for a while because you’re so drawn into these individuals and places and Ruland’s charisma. You’re captivated. This is a fantastic debut, not only for the 7” series but also as Ruland’s first book. Superb.
Gorsky Press, Po Box 42024, Los Angeles, CA 90042, USA

THE BLACK LIPS - ‘WE DID NOT KNOW THE FOREST SPIRIT MADE THE FLOWERS GROW’ CD
This is pure wildness! Distorted garage extravagance that will fuck your brains right up into paste and clobber those cells! This reeks or beautiful degeneracy and serrated aggression... I just listened to the whole thing and I won’t be going anywhere for a while... I can just about put this review together!
Bomp Records
www.bomp.com

BLACKPOOL ROX II / #8
Brought to you by Just Say No To Government Music (JSNTGM) this zine is full of music reviews, show reviews and book reviews from Blackpool and the best part is that it comes with a free CD called ‘The Ugly Truth About Blackpool Volume 1’ which is a compilation of local Blackpool punk rock bands from 1977 through til now showcased through 27 tracks. The comp starts off with SKREWDRIVER’s ‘An-ti-so-cial’ from 1977 and includes cuts by SECTION 25 from 1981, ONE WAY SYSTEM from 1982, THE FITS from 1983, THE MEMBRANES from 1988, THE(E) TRANSMISSIONS from 2001, UNCLE FESTER from 2002 and closes with SICK 56 from this year. A really fuckin cool collection here.
JSNTGM
www.jsntgm.com

BLASTMAT - '1984' CD
This is a strong follow up to 'Theme For A Dying World' and along the same old school, sturdy hardcore lines. The sound is a very American 80s one that would fit right in with Beer City releases - it's that type of robust sound. The opener 'Donkey Bomb' sets this CD right off roaring and doesn't stop all through - it's a riotous release! There's a few live tracks from the 'Theme...' album: 'Taliban Fight Song', 'Lives For Lies' and 'Church And State'. A very solid follow up.
Blastmat Productions
www.blastmat.freeservers.com

BLASTMAT - ‘CHOPPING BLOCK’ CD
This is just as assertive and fierce as BLASTMAT’s other releases but this time around there’s a more out and out punk rock feel to the whole thing, rather than a hardcore feel. There’s been a change of vocalist so that might explain the musical shift but BLASTMAT have proved to be a very consistent band through their 3 full-lengths. This sound is more up my alley and it’s nice to see that they can lend to a different style so well.
Dagger Records
www.blastmat.freeservers.com

BLASTMAT - 'THEME FOR A DYING WORLD' CD
This is metallic hardcore with a real political edge dealing with issues such as religion and war. This switches from melodic, medium paced Punk Rock to full out blistering hardcore with powerful vocals. BLASTMAT is made up of ex'members of SANITY ASSASSINS, WHITE PIGS (who released a great split CD in 1995: 'Dead Man's Hand') and STITCH. All the music is played very well and it has to be with this type of Hardcore otherwise it's all gets real messy- but these guys keep it tight all the way. There is a real DISCHARGE feel to BLASTMAT and that's obviously a big influence on this band- but they are definitekly not a DISCHARGE copy band- not in the least- they have taken an influence and cultivated their own sound. There are some really great tracks on this: 'You and Yours', 'Desensitized' and 'It All Comes Down'. There's a cover of AC/DCs 'Dog Eat Dog' too- that can only be a good thing! This to me is good sounding, true hardcore- not macho bullshit...
http://members.aol.com/blastmatcthc

BLISTERHEAD - ‘PUNK ROYALE’ CD
I remember the first time I heard BLISTERHEAD - it was on a huge compilation where they donated about 13 songs which I thought was really fucking cool - that many songs by one band on a comp. Many of those songs appear on this CD. Anyway, I remember that time with great fondness because I instantly grew attached to the BLISTERHEAD sound. It’s just so punchy and fun but not in a jokey way, in a really cool ‘let’s have a fucking great time’ kind of way. This CD is fucking great. Great to drive to, great to drink to, great to do anything to.
Mad Butcher Records
www.madbutcher.de

'BLONDIE, FROM PUNK TO THE PRESENT: A PICTORIAL HISTORY' - ALLAN METZ
Although this is subtitled 'A Pictorial History' it is infinitely more than that. This is an enormously broad and comprehensive (512 page) chronicle of Deborah Harry and Blondie from their commencement to the present-day. I have never seen such a wide-ranging and absorbed representation of Blondie before and that's remarkable. This is a very, very impressive and inspiring collection of work here. Extremely well researched and compiled. To make this book so thorough must have been an overwhelming task, but the end result must be a huge payoff since I would cite this as the most comprehensive Blondie book ever published and the only one you need.
This book is available from www.amazon.com

BLOODJUNKIES - ‘MALADIES’ CD
Whoa! This is interesting! Dark, sinister and threatening and all fucked up. It’s very eerie yet quite upbeat at the same time. It’s very hard to place and describe and that’s it’s very charm. It’s like gothic country, spooky acoustics. I like that awkward country shit like the HANDSOME FAMILY and in it’s own way, this reminds me of that peculiar style and I dig it.
I Used To Fuck People Like You In Prison Records
www.peoplelikeyou.de

BLOWBACK - 'TRACK III' CD
This is the type of hardcore I like - great pace, not needlessly aggressive and lots to say. This is what the hardcore kids should be listening to - never mind all the macho, trendy bullshit - you will actually learn something from this. Something valuable. Fantastic cover, great layout, great quotes - great release.
String Break Records
www.blowbacknet.com

BLUE COLLAR SPECIAL - S/T CD
I fucking love BLUE COLLAR SPECIAL because they come across as so damn honest and unpretentious. Tough, melodic flat-out punk rock that gets me pumping! Great production too giving this CD a really full, broad sound. Get this and learn yourself some good shit.
Destroy All Records, 6318 Murrita Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91401, USA

THE BOILS - 'PRIDE AND PERSECUTION' CD
I have been eagerly anticipating this album for quite some time and I can tell you - it’s worth the wait! 17 tracks of fantastic and unmistakeable BOILS punk rock in true style. ‘Face The Rage’ , ‘New Majority’, ‘I Won’t Stray’ and ‘Unite Song’ are my favourite tracks off this and, are for me, what THE BOILS are all about. Brilliant progressions/pace and incredible lyrics - which I always find with this band - real meaningful and honest. No phoney bullshit. The whole album is great and I find that it has a slightly harder sound than on their previous recordings - maybe a little faster in general too and that’s totally cool. THE BOILS are one of my favourite bands and are true punk rock. There’s no contrived image with these guys - it’s all the real deal.
Cyclone Records
www.cyclonerecords.com
www.theboils.com

THE BOILS - 'PRIDE AND PERSECUTION' CD
This album was released last year on Cyclone Records (which has sadly folded) and now sees the light of day again with a totally new cover and 5 new songs replacing 5 songs that can be found on the original Cyclone issue. The BOILS are fantastic. They are one of the most genuine and sincere punk rock bands around that are not about trends or any shit like that. They come across as very hard working and devoted. A re-release of their second full-length was a necessity and the fact that it differs slightly from the original release is very cool. Get this even if you have the Cyclone release - like I said, it's a necessity.
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

BOMBSHELL ROCKS - 'FROM HERE AND ON' CD
Oh boy this is a fucking disappointment. A big disappointment. These guys used to be pretty good - they had that whole RANCID thing going on but this... this is really bad. It sounds like BON JOVI or some shit like that. There's a couple of tracks that start out with some really cool chords but they then just degenerate into really weak shit. It's cool if a band wants to mature their sound or take a slightly different/inventive direction but this just sounds like these guys are playing music just to get on the radio or something... if this is an indication of what the BOMBSHELL ROCKS are going to sound like 'from here on then good riddance boys...
Burning Heart Records
www.burningheart.com

BOMBSHELL ROCKS - 'LOVE FOR THE MICROPHONE' CD EP
The BOMBSHELL ROCKS have really undergone a huge change in the past few years, their sound and style are completely different now. There's a lot of variation on this CD. The opener 'Memories Remain' is a cool, subtle acoustic track that reminds me a little of AGAINST ME. Then, 'No:1' plunges you straight into chaos with fast hardcore punk. 'Solid Ground' , 'Tricked', 'Dead End Kids' and 'Down Below' nod towards the older BOMBSHELL sound of rock-solid punk rock blended with the more rock sound of the bands last full-length. It's all very, very solid and I've liked these guys for a long time now. I think it's really cool when a band experiments with their sound a bit and show that they don't write to formulas.
Combat Rock Industry
www.fireinsidemusic.com

BONECRUSHER - 'FRACTURED' SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE CD
I have a special place in my heart for BONECRUSHER and always will have. I first heard them when I was still a kid and they re-wrote everything of what I though punk rock was. They were tough yet melodic with fantastic delivery and that has stuck with me and I haven't found a band that comes close to giving me the feeling BONECRUSHER does. They are such an important band and I wish they were as hugely recognised as they deserve to be. They could easily steal the show on any label, any compilation... you name it. This double CD release in a special edition presentation pack would be a fantastic place to start if you are unfamiliar with this seriously essential band. One disc is all the BONECRUSHER 'Singles Collection' - the band from all their early, raw glory right up until 'The Good Life' EP. The other disc is my favourite BONECRUSHER album 'Followers Of A Brutal Calling' originally released on Outsider Records. What a package this is... BONECRUSHER are hard to place because they are so unique. They have elements of American Oi!, elements of '77, and elements of streetpunk which they pound into their own blend of 100% Orange County working class punk rock. No fashion crap, just brutal energy and great songwriting backed by Raybo's unique voice. BONECRUSHER are a true blessing and this is an essential package. If you're a fan you should get this anyway because there's an unreleased track on here, 'She's The One' and the packaging rules, and if you're new to BONECUSHER, seriously, do yourself a favour and grab this. It will change you.
Knock Out Records
www.knock-out.de

THE BONES - 'BIGGER THAN JESUS' CD
This is THE BONES’ second full length - I really liked ’Screwed Blued and Tattooed’ and this follows in the same vein. They remind me a lot of THE RAMONES mixed with MIKE NESS. It’s definitely full of Punk Rock ‘N’ Roll attitude! Cool vocal lines and cool lyrics especially on tracks like, ‘Denial’, ‘Memphis ‘77’, ‘Flashback’ and ‘Long Gone’. You know what to expect from a band like THE BONES: tattooed necks, dice, cigarettes, sideburns, work shirts, quiffs... the whole Rockabilly’ deal! You can’t really go wrong if that’s your sound....
I Used To Fuck People Like You In Prison Records
www.peoplelikeyou.de

THE BONES - ‘STRAIGHT FLUSH GHETTO’ CD
The third full-length delivery from the almighty BONES and for the third time, this rocks like a motherfucker and rolls wild. This is the type of shit that will get recovering alcoholics drinking again! This just makes you wanna sing along and get out there and stir up some shit! Forget all that FLOGGING MOLLY drinking music... this is the stuff...
I Used To Fuck People Like You In Prison Records
www.peoplelikeyou.de

BORED #3 / #4 / #5 / FREE
This is a fucking cool little zine. It’s a really fun read with great attitude and it’s friggin free... there’s loads of shit in these here issues, interviews and reviews and shit and I got nothing bad to say about this zine. I think it’s cool as fuck and you should get in touch with them and get hooked up.

'BORN TO ROCK’ - TODD TAYLOR
This is full of life or should I say lives. The humour, the melancholy, just the genuineness of these beautiful punk rockers. It’s like a punk rock diary merged with a punk rock encyclopedia. The choice of interviews is fantastic and how well-researched and fluid the interviews are is something staggering and totally unique. This is like friends talking, this is not like a job, not like a chore. This is pure excitement for interviewer and interviewee with sparks and everything - this is burning hot. The cover shows a photograph of Taylor’s stomach with the words ‘Born To Rock’ in flames - I told you this was on fire! That’s no coincidence!!!
All the interviews and essays in here are fantastic and it’s a ferocious ride from Taylor’s going through a windscreen to Smogtown to Duane Peters to Winston Smith to Hot Water Music to Andrew Vachss to NOFX to Taylor on interviewing and the many others and the great photographs too. You can tell that Taylor is a passionate fan of his interviewees. These are not jobs that he has been sent on to fill zine pages, these are his life and I can tell because this is my life and you can’t fake that.
PS - I have a real soft-spot for Duane and this is hands down THE best interview I have ever read with him. It’s even better than my own interviews with him!
Gorsky Press, PO Box 42024, Los Angeles, CA, 90042, USA

'BOSTON BEATDOWN - SEE THE WORLD THROUGH OUR EYES VOLUME 2' DVD
This film is an unashamedly violent, bloody, vivid and explicit piece of history of Boston Hardcore. The camera truly is the world through the eyes of Hardcore but you have to look behind the violence and brutality, far behind it to the unity and love for each other that runs so deep and can never be broken. Love for each other and for Hardcore. Brothers to the end, brothers with Hardcore and brothers to each other.
At times you will feel excited and thrilled, at times agitated, at times you will feel sick... this is the story of their lives and life of Boston Hardcore told through interviews, street footage and live footage - it's all here.
This is street-level truth and true dedication to a scene that spans through decades of their lives, that sees them turn from boys into men, right through their youth and they are still here. Hardcore is still here. True Hardcore.
The DVD includes Performances from Wrecking Crew, Blood For Blood, Death Before Dishonor, In My Eyes, Ten Yard Fight and more, extended interviews including FSU Boston founding gang members, and the most outstanding underground surgery footage.
These guys have nothing to hide. This is pure honesty and integrity. They don't care if you like it or not or whether you agree with it or not. This is not about being popular and being a poser, this is about true Hardcore. Hardcore as a religion and Hardcore as life. The only life they know.
Crosscheck Records
www.crosscheckrecords.com
Boston Beatdown
www.bostonbeatdown.com

BOSTON PUNK FLYERS / FREE
This is a collection of Boston punk flyers (duh!) from 1996-2002. This issue is the 'Surviving the post-Rat era' after the Rat closed. Obviously art has always been of major importance in the punk rock scene above all other scenes and this is a showcase of that raw, striking art. Just a really cool collection.
FNS Publishing, PO Box 1299, Boston, MA 02130, USA
www.FNSBoston.com
FNS_Publishing@msn.com

BOUNCING SOULS - ‘ANCHORS AWEIGH’ CD I was really excited about this record coming out because I have a bit of a soft spot for these guys even though they are much tamer than what I would usually prefer to listen to, but they’ve always been able to write stirring songs that really strike a chord, and that is just such a talent. This is by far their darkest most murky record to date which was quite unexpected following ‘How I Spent My Summer Vacation’ but it works so well... there is no fucking question that the BOUNCING SOULS can write - you’d be an idiot not to recognise that... and although shadowy, this still strikes a chord. Very interestingly presented, not only musically but also artistically. I think this record marks a slight direction change - less songs about hanging out and more songs about break-ups and life but still fucking great.
Epitaph Records
www.epitaph.com

BOUNCING SOULS - 'HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION' LP
Its hard not to like the BOUNCING SOULS, with their high energy songs and their feel good lyrics they are a band whose attitude and message I can appreciate much more than others. Listing drinking Guinness, riding BMX's and listening to 80's music as their favourite things to do it is no wonder that the New Jersey quartet have such a cult following. 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation' is full of choppy rhythms and tuneful vocal lines resulting in a strong yet melodic sound. The tempo changes from song to song giving the album some variety, often a point which is the downfall of many punk albums. The BOUNCING SOULS really cash in on the epic sing along choruses throughout this record especially on 'Manthem' and 'True Believers' (whose vocal line and chorus sound suspiciously like the RAMONES's 'Bonzo Goes to Bitburg') which are much more powerful than anything they have ever done before. Possibly the best track on here is 'Break-Up Song' which has great harmonies on the chorus and speeds along at a good pace. Indeed there are some tracks that took a little time to grow on me, as is the case with many albums. For example 'The Something Special' is initially an unlikely candidate for best song, however, after a few spins it really grew on me. This I think is the case with the BOUNCING SOULS in general. If you don't like them at first give them some time to develop on you as these New Jersey mooches are a cool act.

BOUNCINGSOULS / ANTI-FLAG - 'BYO SPLIT SERIES VOLUME 4' CD
Well, well... yet another great split from BYO, what can I say? When you're dealing with such successful and established bands like the BOUNCING SOULS and ANTI-FLAG you can't really get it wrong. Both of these bands have such a unique sound and style that if you like them you fucking love them - both bands are instantly recognisable by about 2 seconds into one of their songs and that's something really special - to have that trademark sound. The split kicks off with the SOULS who deliver 3 new tracks and also an ANTI-FLAG cover (That's Youth), a COCKSPARRER cover (We're Coming Back) and a STICKS AND STONES cover (Less Than Free), then it's ANTI-FLAG's turn. They deliver 4 new tracks plus a BOUNCING SOULS cover (The Freaks, Nerds and Romantics) and a BUZZCOCKS cover (Ever Fallen In Love). I cannot fault this release in any way - you got 2 strong bands delivering 12 rock solid tracks... the liner notes are great too. You don't need to be told to pick this one up.
BYO Records
www.byorecords.com

BRASSKNUCKLE BOYS - 'AMERICAN BASTARD' CD
This is tough as fuck Punk Rock 'N' Roll from the streets and jails that will beat the living crap outta you. This is the real deal - no poser bullshit here... Great, beefy guitar sound with rock solid rhythm and a really robust voice, I love this - this ain't no boring old streetpunk, this is much more Rock 'n' Roll and country with a hell of a lot of balls. 'Until That Brother Dies' - the opening track, is what this release is all about... it's so solid and gets you right from the first word, from then on in, you got about a half hour ride that will blow you away. 'From My Heart', 'Busted and Disgusted', 'First Signs Of Light'... all great. Thers'a few covers on here too: 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' by KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, 'Boulevard Of Broken Dreams' by HANOI ROCKS and 'The Voice' by SKREWDRIVER. The cover photograph is fucking quality...
Haunted Town Records
www.hauntedtownrecords.com

BREZHNEV - 'WWW.BULLSHIT/CONTROL' CD
Fast and frantic punk rock from Amsterdam who have been going for a long time. There is politics, humor, anger, passion and it all burns through the music. This is honest punk rock and I really urge you to go and see this band live if you can,...they sure know how to entertain. BREZHNEV are unstoppable and really are a gem of European punk rock and we all know that European punk is the true punk! The best! It's just so straightforward and sincere and instructive through pure entertainment.
D-Fens Records
http://.listen.to/D-FENSrecords

THE BRIEFS - 'HIT AFTER HIT' LP
This has a great 80's LA punk rock sound like the WEIRDOS, but these guys actually come from Seattle. I cannot fault this record in any way - it really is that fucking good. The 3 opening tracks: ‘Poor and Weird’, ‘Run the other Way’ and ‘Silver Bullet’ are unreal. These guys look cool too - they have shit on their face and blacked out teeth, bad glasses and creepers - they remind me of 4 Captain Sensibles. The great thing about this band is that their songs don’t all sound the same but at the same time it is unmistakeably them - ‘Silver Bullet’ sounds a little like the RAMONES. ‘Where did he go?’ for some reason reminds me of the NEWTOWN NEUROTICS and then there a few faster tunes, ‘I’m A Racoon’ and ‘Dolly Parton’. The production on this record is perfect and the front cover is so 80's Punk Rock and looks like the sort of cover a DAMNED record might have. This is a seriously strong debut and I hope it is a taste of things to come...
Dirtnap Records
www.antennaradio.com/punk/dirtnapradio/

THE BRIEFS - 'OFF THE CHARTS' CD
Holy shit... I've been waiting for this for so long and just as I thought, it fucking rocks. In a time where a million bands are attempting the New Wave, keyboard punk rock thing, nobody can quite reach the BRIEFS. I cannot fault them in any way. Their song-writing is just so damn good, they got so much style, they are funny... they got the whole damn package. To match Hit After Hit couldn't have been easy, but Off The Charts is just as brilliant...
Bitzcore Records
www.bitzcore.de

THE BRIEFS - ‘SEX OBJECTS’ CD
I was pretty much wetting my pants with the excitement of this new record coming out because although last year’s ‘Off The Charts’ was a great record, there was a lot of old stuff on there, and with this being a totally new record I couldn’t wait. The BRIEFS are an amazing band... there’s nothing else to say. They have so much style and they are great guys. There are a million bands doing the late 70s / early 80s punk rock thing but the BRIEFS know how to take that sound and make it their own. This is no re-hash. This record is pure panicky, spastic perfection and I think it’s the best they have ever sounded and they have always sounded amazing.
BYO Records
www.byorecords.com

THE BRIEFS - 'THIS AGE / MEDICATION' 7"
The BRIEFS can do no wrong! They absolutely fucking rule. There's nothing else to say. They always have rocked and they always will. I can't get enough BRIEFS. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.
Crystal Songs
www.crystalsongs.com

THE BRIGGS - ‘LEAVING THE WAYS’ CD EP
Last year’s ‘Numbers’ was a killer record and I really think it sculpted and defined the sound that the BRIGGS now have. Although their first record ’Is This What You Believe’ was a good album, it was a little scatty-sounding for me and they didn’t really have a specific direction. ‘Leaving The Ways’ follows from ‘Numbers’ and develops that sound further. Right from ‘1 Shot Down’ through to the end this is thrusting and spitting and full of what punk rock youth should be. I don’t listen to many young bands - I prefer all those old, toothless beach punks who hate everything... but The BRIGGS - I gotta hell of a lot of time for.
Side One Dummy Records
www.sideonedummy.com

THE BRIGGS - ‘NUMBERS’ CD
This is very impressive indeed. The BRIGGS have truly developed their sound on this, their second full-length. I found that on ‘Is This What You Believe?’ the sound and style varied quite a lot between songs but they really nailed it on this. Don’t get me wrong, I think a lot of that first record, but this just shines so much brighter. The song-writing is incredible and the delivery is flawless. Brilliant stuff right here and doubly impressive because they‘re so damn young...
Disaster Records
www.disasterecords.com

BROKEN BOTTLES - 'IN THE BOTTLES' CD
It's really fuckin hard to convey just how much I couldn't wait for this record to come out. The BROKEN BOTTLES excite me and it takes something really exceptional to get me thrilled. I can't think of any other band that write like these boys... the vocals, the guitar lines... nothing is prescribed. It's hard to map the sound yet the sound is completely distinctive. This is electrifying.
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

BROKEN HEROES / WEEKEND WARRIORS SPLIT CD
Street Rock 'N' Roll and Oi! united to present one sing along, fists in the air extravaganza! The entire CD is raging and assertive and the two bands are very suited to each other even though their sounds are different and that's why the blend works so well. There's nothing worse than when you get a split and the bands are exactly the same... it's hard to tell when one band's tracklist has finished and the other starts, but not on here! There's a lot of variation too with fractions of pub rock, Rock 'N' Roll, UK Oi! US Oi!, Punk Rock, 70s Rock all blended into a 16 track (8 tracks each) juggernaut split.
Street Anthem Records
www.streetanthemrecords.com

THE BRONX - S/T CD
I don't see what all the fuss is about with the BRONX. Sure they are better than all those other lame so-called garage bands that are popular at the moment like the STROKES but they don't really grab me as anything that special. Why the fuck did Gilby Clarke produce this???!!! Who gives a fuck about him??!! In a sentence: Cool name because they come from LA and they kinda reminded me a little of the NERVE AGENTS... that's it. No need to rush out and get this at all.
Ferret Music
www.ferretstyle.com

BULLET TREATMENT / SHELLSHOCK - SPLIT 7"
Whoa! Chaos 7"!! BULLET TREATMENT deliver 'Pathetic' and 'Francisco Caberra from Pico Rivera' - nice and fast with raw, screeching vocals and choppy guitars and great stripped down parts too... my bag. SHELLSHOCK serve up 'You Got It All Wrong' and 'What Will It Take' - fast, chaotic and jumbled in a fantastic way. Unadorned hardcore with buzz-saw guitars that reminds me slightly of MINOR THREAT at times. Great split here, full-on chaos from both ends.
Puke N Vomit Records

THE BUSINESS - ‘NO MERCY FOR YOU’ CD
Fuck Ska-Punk, Fuck Metal, Fuck Garage, Fuck Drum and Bass in fact Fuck Everything this is the only CD you need end of story. London’s finest deliver the Punkest record for a long while. This album has power, punch, and a fist full of malice not to mention The Business’s usual knack for layering strong melodies under their street punk overcoat. Released on Sweden’s Burning Heart Records ‘No Mercy for You’ possesses so many quality songs it’s hard to pick the highlights. Certainly ‘Guinness Boy’s’ (their tribute to that famous old Irish Tipple) is as catchy as it rousing as is the title track which delivers a chorus reminiscent of The Clash in their prime. Others such as ‘Takers & Users,’ ‘Class Compromise (..History’s Glory)’ and ‘Always’ all display a level quality long since lost by a lot of the bands on the Punk scene. But for me the best song on here is ‘Hate K.D’ beginning with a pumping bass rumbling and then exploding into a frantic street punk blitz this is one of those songs that gets you up and going. As if that wasn’t enough The Business have also roped good friend and former London gangster Dave Courtney into saying a few choice words at the beginning of ‘Hell 2 Pay’ a song which is also on the soundtrack for Dave’s film of the same name.
Burning Heart Records
www.burningheart.com

BUZZKILL - 'DOUBLE DOWN' CD
Hell YEAH!!!! This is fucking packed full of style and swagger. Just from the opening riff of ‘Mr Furious’ this album rocked the joint. Big fucking riffs with rock 'n' roll vocals and a big measure of fuck you, BUZZKILL rip it up on this release kinda like NEW BOMB TURKS and ROCKET FTROM THE CRYPT. Man, even the song titles are cool: ‘I’ll take the alcohol’ and ‘Lost in the sauce’ it’s clear to see what these boys are all about, drinking and punk rock n roll.
In At The Deep End Records
www.inatthedeependrecords.co.uk

CAPITAL SCUM - ‘FREAK SHOW’ 7"
You want sincere, no bullshit old style hardcore? Here it is pal. This will kick your face and kick it good. It’s the first new material in 7 years and these boys are back with retribution. This does not fuck around.
Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio Records
www.rocknrollradio.org

CAST-DOWN - 'RECHARGE THE MUSES' CD
The name CAST-DOWN makes me think of an early 90s American hardcore band but that is not the case. This is so much more than a hardcore band or a hardcore record. This leans more towards straight rock, great big riffs and a nice full-sound. Of course there's plenty of hardcore in here too but not in the way I expected. Lots of pace changes accompanied by vocal style alterations. Very well played, it's so organized and it has to be! There's no room for sloppy writing or playing here! This was a real surprise sound-wise and hasn't left the player in days and days.
Funtime Records
www.funtimerecords.com

CATHODE - ‘A MACHINE THAT NEVER FALTERS’ CD
Full on assault. Pounding sound with lots of stops and long instrumental parts. Classic hardcore - that’s what I’m used to. This is the dedicated, honest hardcore fuelled by fury and excitement which makes for one thrill of a record.
Bucho Records
www.buchodiscos.kit.net

CAT'S PENIS #2 / 50p
A fun, light-hearted zine here with heavy focus on music. Interviews with DOA, Ricki Rat/Trash Brats, 20 Stone Blatt Records, The Rejects, Snuka, Tappin Foot Fanzine, Vile Generation webzine, live reviews and zine reviews. The message gets out with lots of humour and that's a cool way to go. The calibre of bands etc interviewed is very high and that's great to see.
Gareth Postans, 20 St. Andrews Close, Moreton-On-Lugg, Hereford, HR4 8DD, UK

CAT'S PENIS #3 / 50p
Another great issue of Cat's Penis here with interviews from Avenged Sevenfold, Eric Davidson of the New Bomb Turks, Chris Sweeney of Dead Pets, James Broad of Silversun and of couse your very own friendly zinesters No Front Teeth! You also get the usual mix of live reviews and zine reviews..... nuff said - grab a copy!
Gareth Postans, 20 St. Andrews Close, Moreton-On-Lugg, Hereford, HR4 8DD, UK

CAUSE FOR EFFECT - ‘ALBUM’ CD
This reminds me of a sinister MINUTEMEN. It’s melodic yet intimidating with crazy pace changes and chaotic as hell! One bass and drums and vocals and that’s it! Very unique and very in control of what they are doing. It’s like aggressive jazz and I dig it!
Bucho Records
www.buchodiscos.kit.net

CENOBITES - 'SECRETUM' CD EP
Shit, is this awesome! It's gritty, sleazy punk rock n roll ala TEXAS TERRI. It's got a fucking wild buzz and all 3 tracks kill. I need to hear more of this... urgently.
Drunkabilly Records
www.drunkabilly.com

CHAIRMEN OF THE BORED #8 / #11
This here is a totally DIY cut n paste zine outta Folsom State Prison. Really great style here, lots of brilliant artwork, poems, cartoons, interviews, stories etc. I really, really like this zine and I urge you to get in touch with the chairmen. You can get it from either of the addresses below for trade/ 2 stamps.
C.Knowles #K.1158, FSP Box 715071, B2.B4.27, Represa, CA 95671, USA
P. Keosoupha #K.24012, FSP Box 715071, B1.5.03, Represa, CA 95671, USA

THE CHRONIC MASTERBATER / FREE
This reminds me of the type of comic GG Allin might put together... you're getting the picture... you got it! Yep, another great publictaion brought to you by FNS! Write to FNS and get all the shit you can, it's what we need in these serious days.
FNS Publishing, PO Box 1299, Boston, MA 02130, USA
www.FNSBoston.com
FNS_Publishing@msn.com

THE CHRONICS - 'IT'S TOO LATE' LP
Wow... this is brilliant. What vocal lines! What guitars! This is easily in my top 3 releases of this year... easily. It reminds me a lot of DEE DEE RAMONE's solo stuff - especially the vocal lines and also a lot of THE REAL KIDS. The production on this record is fantastic and really does the music justice - it's got such a full sound and great volume. The CHRONICS are Italian and Italians are so good at doing that whole RAMONES thing, but to be honest that can get a little boring (Hey, I'm Italian myself so I can say that!) but with THE CHRONICS it's a totally different story - obviously they are influenced by the RAMONES but they really do have their own sound- and a great sound that is. This entire album is a winner.
Demolition Derby
www.come.to/demderby

THE CHRONICS - 'SUGGESTED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES' LP
The new record from Italy's finest Rock 'N' Rollers the CHRONICS back with their groove to get you juddering. Their 1970s raw Rock 'N' Roll groove. Everything about this record takes you straight back... the cover, the production, of course the music... the whole package is natural, crude rockin'. A fantastic set of new tracks that get me shaking with a STOOGES cover too. If you don't wanna stop, get the CHRONICS on - they won't let ya!
Demolition Derby
www.demderby.com

CHUPACABRA JR. CD
CHUPACABRA JR. have a real interesting sound - they don't sound like any other band - you can definitely hear influences of other bands all the way through this CD but it seems to me that they have taken the sounds they are influenced by and created a sound of their own - which is great. They play at a really good pace and they have a cool Rock N Roll fee and at the same time remind me of an SST band and at times even slightly of THE DEAD MILKMEN- especially on 'Walk Down Memory Lame' and, at times, the RAMONES. They have a good mix of rawness and humour- not shitty humour like the Vandals or some shit like that, but a dark, black humour. 'Fork or Spoon' is my favourite track on this but there's many good ones - 'Hate Me Brudder', 'Spiders and Snakes', 'I Was Shot' and another of my favourites 'FastLove'. The CD ends with a really good cover of JOHNNY CASH's 'Folsom Prison Blues' which is a nice way to play out this CHUPACABRA JR. sound like thetype of band that would be really good live, kinda frantic.
e-mail address: Kgrave2000@hotmail.com

THE CINCH - 'S/T' CD EP
Very unadorned and completely captivating. I don’t own anything like this... but it's a sound that I find myself very attracted to. THE CINCH are very hard to compare to anybody else which is a great thing in these days of sterile punk rock and is why they are so radiant. Female vocals, repetitive, frenzied guitars, great pace and great vocal lines.... a very distinctive and striking EP.
Dirtnap Records
www.dirtnaprecs.com

THE CINCH - 'SHAKE IF YOU GOT IT' CD
After last years EP I couldn't wait for the CINCH's full-length. I feel that they are the most protruding band on Dirtnap. They are the most distinctive and although they take influence from many audible sources, they really do their own thing. It's got that fullness yet thinness in the sound like the VELVET UNDERGROUND had... that delicate chaos. There's dual female vocals each with very different styles yet both complementing between raw and low to high and melodious over the driving backing. There's a touch of KIM DEAL and KIM GORDON in there. To do your own thing takes a lot of balls and to just record your passion regardless of what trends there are is what the punk rock scene is all about to me. This is 10 tracks of pure CINCH flair.
Dirtnap Records
www.dirtnaprecs.com

CIVET - 'EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING' 7"
Fast and aggressive with very interesting guitar parts and pace changes. These 4 girls deliver some serious punk rock with some even more serious attitude. It's hostile and it even verges on hardcore at times. Both tracks on here are superb and have a kind of unnerving feeling, like kind of unpredictable, and I like that a lot especially when it's coming from attractive girls whom I get the impression are pretty impulsive and unpredictable themselves... the wax is red and that's no coincidence! Great rhythm section breakdowns and unusual solos. I can't wait to hear their new record next year.
Disaster Records
www.disasterecords.com

THE CLAP - 'THE SLA TOOK MY BABY AWAY' 7"
This is my kind of thing... fast, no trendy shit, just unpretentious, real punk rock. 5 songs in all, all of which are fucking great. It reminds me slightly of a mix between the SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN and the DEAD KENNEDYS. Fantastic cover and nice green vinyl too. I reccommend this 100%.
Sick Of Talk Records
www.sickoftalk.com

THE CLIFTONS - ‘ROCK OUT’ 7"
Well, you all know what I think of THE CLIFTONS... I honestly think that they are the only band at the moment who truly represent the spirit of rebellion in punk rock. The CLIFTONS really do not give a fuck. This 7 is ridiculously good - 7 tracks of fantastic fuck-you, kick you in the face punk rock that, again, reminds me of early GG but way better and GG used to be great so how good does that make the CLIFTONS? Exactly... go get this. Great white vinyl and the cover of the year for me... screen printed on a brown shopping bag... you simply cannot argue with this.
Stones Throw Records
www.stonesthrow.com

THE CLIFTONS - 'SEX, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL' CD
As soon as I put this disc in I knew it was totally my bag, 9 songs in just over 9 minutes of straightforward, provoking punk rock with absolutely no pretension and no bullshit. Great packaging too. Absolutely no faults here... I go through about 100 releases before I find something of this calibre - that is truly tailor made for my tastes... fucking awesome.
Super Speedway Music
www.supersm.com

CLIT 45 - ‘KIDS AREN'T ALRIGHT’ 7"
Yeah man, CLIT 45!!! You know the drill... fuckin chaos!!! 3 awesome tracks, great cover and cool old fashioned hole in the record... this is cool as fuck.
Ghetto Blast Records
16703 Westgate Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703, USA

CLOROX GIRLS - S/T CD
Oh wow! This is my kinda spastic rock n roll right here!!!!! Energetic and vigorous as hell with real style and a real edge and a combination of convulsive aggression and melody that works amazingly. This is amazing.
SmartGuy Records
www.smartguyrecords.com

CLOSET MONSTER - 'KILLED THE RADIO STAR' CD
This is very powerful yet very melodic punk rock with a real catchy, singalong feel to it. At times it has a real dominant, assertive sound and at others it decelerates into a tentative rhythm with real depth - the mix works very well. I love the way this album is presented, the artwork is great and this band has a lot of good things to say - that's kinda rare in these times of 'funny' punk rock - so I'm real glad to see/hear that. The lyrics are really, really good and very well thought out - this could teach kids a lot of great things. A strong release that by its nature should appeal to a large punk rock audience - there's lots to like about this band.
Underground Operations
www.undergroundoperations.com

COCKNOOSE - 'BADMEN, BUTCHERS AND BLEEDERS' CD
This is a re-release of COCKNOOSE's first album and it's fuckin out of control! It's really brutal, unruly, savage Punk Rock 'N' Roll in the vein of ANTiSEEN and GG ALLIN - you're getting the disorderly picture now! The songs are from the band's first 3 recording sessions plus this time round you get a few bonus tracks including a couple of GG ALLIN covers as well as some really cool liner notes. This sound really does it for me - it's got the chaos and indiscipline that punk rock should have and if you're bored of the watered down so-called punk rock sound of today - get this and you will not be disappointed, but you will be scared!
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

CODEYE #12 / FREE
Another great little cut 'n' paste zine here..... This issue includes interviews with 4 PAST MIDNIGHT and SEVENTEEN STITCHES along with loads and loads of reviews. There's also some great articles on the proprosed UK 2003 Live Music Licensing Act, along with in-depth write -ups of Punk festivals in both Newcastle and Bradford. Well worth getting your hands on.
Rob Codeye, 23 Falkland Steet, Middlesborough, Cleveland, TS1 4JH

COFFIN LIDS - 'ROCK ‘N’ ROLL’ CD
Rough, distorted Rock N Roll that will bruise you! Coarse, shuddering and cool as fuck. This is the raw, urgent Rock N Roll fuzzing up the airwaves. This will smudge your brain and damage you good! It's just such a nice break away from all the hyper produced shit that passes as punk rock n roll these days. I'm more old-fashioned so this gets me!
Bomp Records
www.bomp.com

'COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINES - A PUNK ROCK MEMOIR' - AIMEE COOPER
Coloring Outside The Lines exposes accounts of love, devotion, friendships, hate, loss, brutality, violence, murder and fear and it is written with such glowing passion and enthusiasm that it drew me so close to the author and faithfully painted a picture of growing up as a young punk rocker in Los Angeles. The book is so sincere and unpretentious - the author comes across as completely genuine and that brought me even closer to her and to the book. The title itself defines the book completely - not going by the rules, not being restricted by what you're told to do... people will hate you for this but if it's what you have faith in and you believe strongly enough you will fight for it. Your life will change for something you are so sternly devoted to. This book is a testament to that. Writing this book must have been a daunting task but it is so evident that each page and each word was sculpted with affection and warmth and that really shines through. Brightly. This book represents everything I hold dear about punk rock: the right attitude, the unity, the understanding... no pretence, just honesty. A fantastic book.
Rowdys Press, PO Box 847, Elgin, TX 78621, USA
This book is available right now from Interpunk. Click here for more info.
E-mail Aimee: Possumwp@aol.com
Check out: www.punkrockmemoir.com

COMPLETE CONTROL - ‘REACTION‘ LP and ‘VICIOUS ONES’ 7"
Two releases of fast punk rock with a style fused between 80s/90s US and 70s / 80s UK punk rock. This is the tempo that gets me going, and it’s not Oi! at all which is a huge plus. Mostly, when bands blend the US/UK styles, they can get heavy on the Oi! which in turn can get heavy on my balls and I’m really glad to say that this is not the case here... this gets the blend perfect. There’s something very unique about COMPLETE CONTROL in the way the songs come together and the song-writing is quite particular. At times it reminds me of a more melodic BONECRUSHER or a rougher early PENNYWISE and even a hint of AGNOSTIC FRONT... it’s hard to put your finger on and that’s a really good thing. I highly recommend both these discs. The LP actually contains 3 out of the 4 tracks from the 7" but the title track is worth getting the 7" for as well. Both have great covers, great presentation and cool vinyl.
Slab-O-Wax Records
www.slab-o-wax.com

‘CONCRETE TO CANVAS: SKATEBOARDERS' ART’ - WATERHOUSE AND PENHALLOW
Being a skateboarder and an artist myself this is a very interesting collection for me because I come from the strictly punk rock side of skateboarding with high-impact, vulgar and aggressive graphics. This book brings together artists from all angles and backgrounds of skateboarding from the delicate, to the obscure to the totally wild and it’s a wonderful view into the customs and philosophies of different skate cultures. From the inconspicuous work of Rob Abeyta Jr with an almost Rothko-like feel to it, to the highly energetic and sketchy creations of Travis Miller. It’s intriguing to see the differing approaches just like the difference in skate styles. Some are very technical, some are unruly, some are graceful and some are strange and that’s reflected through both the board and the brush... after all, those are the tools of the trade! When you have transport and imagination there’s no stopping you personalising your city, the angles you view it from and the way you make others view it. I have met very few skateboarders in my life who aren’t artists. The same theories of composition apply to the board as they do to the canvas. It’s already built in and this wild creativeness has to explode out of the body whether it be through foot or hand. It’s really great to get too see real artwork by skateboarders in this book rather than deck graphics (which I love to see of course, but it’s a rare treat to see large works) because the deck graphics can be such a throwaway design and the shape of the deck can be restricting, so this is the unbounded and uncontrolled artwork which I feel is a very necessary collection because we don’t see enough of this. You can see what their bodes are capable of and now you can see what their minds are able to craft.
Laurence King Publishing
www.laurenceking.co.uk

CONFLICT - 'NOW YOU’VE PUT YOUR FOOT IN IT' CD EP
Having been a major force in the 80’s CONFLICT have returned on their own label Mortarhate records in conjunction with Go Kart to put out this 4 track CD EP- their first release in 7 years. If you are not familiar with CONFLICT- they have always been one of the most politically motivated anarcho-punk bands out there and still are today and have been called the most influential Punk Rock band ever along with CRASS. Of the 4 tracks two are punk songs recorded in a studio in London and the other two take a reggae turn and were recorded live in New York at the legendary CBGB’s. As always, the cover artwork is fantastic and this particular sleeve opens up into a six-panel poster of politically based imagery and riot depiction. The title track is my favourite and focuses on the foot and mouth disease epidemic that occurred across this country earlier this year- meaning literally millions of animals had to be put down. People who lived near farms had to wear wellington boots that had to be hosed down just in case the person wearing them had put their foot in it- see the double meaning... There is absolutely no doubt CONFLICT have an important role to play in today’s punk scene- This release should be in every kids player....I just wish it was a few tracks longer.
Go-Kart Records
www.gokartrecords.com

THE CONTROL - ‘GLASSEYE’ CD This is absorbed, deep hardcore with immense passion. It’s vicious. See, I hate most of the new hardcore I hear - it mostly does absolutely nothing for me, I’m strictly old hardcore and that’s why this appeals to me, because although it’s got elements of the newer sound (the good side of new) it‘s got that distinctive old sound running right through to the core - that’s a mix that fucking works.
Go Kart Records
www.gokartrecords.com

COUNTERATTACK - 'STEP ASIDE' CD
Robust street punk that reminds me of a mix between the WEEKEND BOWLERS and the TEMPLARS - both of which have interesting sounds and are street punk bands with a captivating twist, and that's how I'd label COUNTERATTACK too. This is not the mechanical, boring punk that you hear so much of all singing about exactly the same shit... this is distinctive.
Reality Clash Records
www.realityclash.com

JAYNE COUNTY MEETS THE SHE WOLVES - ‘CALIFORNIA UBER ALLES’ 7"
Ms. County is un-fucking-stoppable. I remember when I heard ‘Rock N roll Resurrection when I was still in my mid-teens and it blew my mind. The voice is perfect... the sarcasm, the bitchiness... the inimitable rock n roll queen! Here County delivers a cover of the DEAD KENNEDYS classic with her own, inimitable twist and also ‘Shrink and Shrivel’, another County classic. County is and has always been unique. If you don’t know who ‘she’ is, you’re missing big.
Trash 2001 Records
www.trash2001.de

CRACKS IN THE WALL #2
I really like this zine because it's just so honest. There's no bullshit about it. It's just lots of fun stuff put together. It even states at the beginning that it is not a music zine, not a personal zine and not a political zine but a PEOPLE zine and I'd say that that is a pretty accurate description. Of course it does cover music, personal stuff etc but it is very different to most other zines. Very friendly and very fun. I definitely recommend this one.
Cracks In The Wall, 2 Tinkham Glenn, Wilbraham, MA 01095, USA

CRAP #5 - 1 Euro
A cool little A5 zine crammed full of funny little cartoons... definitely worth getting if you're into cartoon zines, but not one for you heavy article readers out there!
Crap Headquarters, v. Noremborghstraat 72, 5212 NE 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands

'CRASS AND OTHER PRE POST-MODERNIST MONSTERS' - GEE VAUCHER
Being a punk rocker and an artist myself, I have always considered Gee Vuachers work as absolutely crucial. There are only a handful of punk rock artists who can make that sort of impact on me, and indeed, the entire movement and Gee unquestionably dominates that handful. From art college work, through the Crass splendour and right up to recent pieces this book is such a comprehensive collection of truly vital art that has the power to question, educate, affect and highly impress. This is necessary viewing. This is a beautiful collection.
AK Press Distribution, 674-A 23rd Street, Oakland, CA 94612, USA

CRIMINAL CLASS USA - 'ECHOES IN THE STREET' CD
I bonded with this album straight away which is really, really rare for me. They just have such a great, full sound. I usually find that with loads of streetpunk bands it sounds very put on and contrived but that's not the case at all here. Very well played and the vocals are brilliant. Also, there's lots of guitars on here which is definitely my thing! I find that with a lot of streetpunk bands the sound can be a bit on the thin side but, again, not the case here at all... great unique sound, maybe a little like THE GENERATORS at times. Absolutely brilliant stuff right here.
GMM Records
www.gmmrecords.com

THE CROWD - 'PUNK OFF' LP
Boy oh boy, this is another of my top releases of the year. We all know THE CROWD are great, but this release... man, it's so, so good. THE CROWD are one of the few bands that have the ability to really get me moving and also to touch me - they have such great lyrics and the songs are so well written. I'm not even going to say anything else about this release - just get it and that's it. It's amazing.
Unity Squad Records
www.unitysquadrecords.com

CRUCIAL SESSION #1 / FREE
This here is 100% my type of zine. It describes itself as, ‘a raw, no frills skate zine done all cut and paste’ and that’s exactly what it is. Fucking great and it’s fucking free... I am really looking forward to the following issues of this great DIY skate zine.
Crucial Session c/o R. Rose, PO Box 2603, Madison, WI 53701 2603, USA

CRUCIAL SESSION #2 / FREE
Very punk rock skate zine here that’s fuggin excellent. I was really looking forward to this second installment after the standard that the first one presented, and boy did it meet and surpass that standard. You got Salba, Mike V and the Rats, reviews, skaterock article, punk rock photos and it’s all beautifully raw. Excellent, excellent stuff.
Crucial Session c/o R. Rose, PO Box 2603, Madison, WI 53701 2603, USA

CRUCIAL SESSION #3 / FREE
Yes, yes another great issue of this raw, DIY skate zine. Review of Stoked (the Gator movie), recipes, photos, Team Goon, Louisville trip and music reviews and it all rules. I dig this zine a hell of a lot. It's got everything right... cool attitude, fantastic DIY presentation, excellent content... it's free for Christ's sake!! I wish it was longer because I like it so much. Do yerself a favour and write to them.
Crucial Session c/o R. Rose, PO Box 2603, Madison, WI 53701 2603, USA

CRUEL FACE - 'EU AMO DESGRACA, PER ESSO ADORO MUITO TUDO ESTO!' CD
Murky, ferocious Brazilian hardcore that pounds and mauls yet keeps a stern melody. Flipping between mechanical speed and neat rhythm the gloom is deepened. I've said it so many times and I'm going to say it again just to stress this point - Brazilian hardcore is the best. It is unmatched and distinctive. Take heed if you are into brutal hardcore with an exclusive approach. Brazilians are the kings of hardcore... life out there must be chaos!!! This is great, so do yourself a favour and get as much Brazilian crust/HC as possible.
No Fashion HC Records
www.nofashionhc.com

THE CRUMBS - 'LAST EXIT' CD
Yeah, raw punk rock n' roll, breathe it in. This is the shit that gets me, clenches me and doesn't let me go. I've been so anticipating this release for another dynamic dose of THE CRUMBS attack and boy did I get assaulted. I'm still bruised now but I keep going back!
TKO Records
www.tkorecords.com

THE CURB SLAPPYS - ‘SIX HIT MEDIA BLITZ’ DEMO CD
OK, this is textbook NFT punk rock. Remember real skate/punk?? This is not about impressing anyone, this is about flat out raw, unprocessed punk with not a hint of bullshit, like it says in the sleeve, ‘no re-takes, straight up, no flim-flam’. The CURB SLAPPYS are to Factory 13 what the BLACKLIST BRIGADE are to NFT... 2 raw companies and two fucking raw punk rock bands that will never bow down to any bullshit trends. Write to either Factory 13 or NFT and get a copy of this CD... you need this to wake you up to the reality of this situation.
Factory 13 Skateboards
Factory 13

THE DAMAGED - 'SMALL TOWN HELL' CD EP
Here at NFT HQ we are big fans of The Damaged and their debut EP only goes to prove how consistently good they really are. I can honestly hold my hand up and say that there is not a bad track on here in fact they are all extremely good. From the off The Damaged deliver original foot stomping punk rock combined with some superb melodies. This is set to a backdrop of lyrics dealing with the frustrations of every thing around them from where they live to their own personall weaknesses. The title track begins with an almost ACDC style riff but then kicks into a very cool journey describing the claustrophobia of small town life and this follows into perhaps the best track on the EP ‘Seven Hours to Go.’ This song just rocks as simple as that. It has a powerful chorus but not in an Oi! Oi! Dropkicks or Business way but more of a subtle, epic way without becoming bloated and unnecessary. It is a sign of a talented band when the pace of the whole EP varies without altering the quality or ferocity intended. The Damaged are able to deliver songs that feel powerful and strong even if they may not be played at a blistering pace from beginning to end. Certainly at the beginning of ‘Patriot,’ ’Wasted Silence,’ and ‘Leave Me Alone’ the melodic intro’s add a real touch of class to each one of these songs. With out doubt a real gem of an EP making The Damaged a very exciting prospect.
www.detriments.com

THE DAMAGED - 'VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCE' CD EP
This is a real gem of an EP from Massachusetts’ THE DAMAGED. Recorded in the same studio as ‘Do or Die’ by the DROPKICK MURPHYS ‘Victim of Circumstance’ takes on a much harder edge but still maintains really good melodies delivered mostly by the guitar and solidified with vigorous, powerful vocals- a combination that makes for a intense package. Of the 6 tracks 5 are all extremely solid songs but it is the second one ‘Out of Today’ which really takes THE DAMAGED a step up. With an amazingly melodic guitar intro to the bruising chorus this song fucking rocks. Not by coincidence it is also going to be featured on NFT’s ‘Suburban Life Sentence’ compilation. All in all, an excellent slice of sincere, unyielding punk rock.

DARLINGTON - 'EUTANIZE ME' CD
DARLINGTON are exceptional. Very melodic but with quite aggressive and opinionated lyrics and in that sense this reminds me of THE CROWD or even SCREECHING WEASEL but not so much musically. There's even a hint of the NILS in there... maybe it's the production with the vocals right in the front. It takes a real talent to be able to write in this fashion, to get the balance completely perfect because I can tell you that there's nothing sissy about any of these tracks, yet it's not 'tough' crap. It's just complete openness and honesty. The lyrics are so well thought out and it's almost as if he is talking straight to you... the lyrics are loaded. The opener 'Fuck 'Em' is just a bullet! That's pure resentment: 'I'm gonna Fuck You Up!' and listen to the rest of the lyrics and you'll get it. This is no empty random hostility. Songs about love, skating, music... songs about life. The wonderful Spanish 'Como La Flor' is a mind-blower. This record took 24 hours in total to record and mix and that is amazing. No previous rehearsals - just get it down!!! All that bullshit over-production... who needs that? This is what we keep talking about when we say raw rock n roll urgency. This is fantastic.
Disaster Records
www.disasterecords.com

THE DARYLS - 'BEER FUELED MAYHEM' CD
This is melodic, poppy punk rock that reminds me a lot of the NOBODYS and the DESCENDENTS rolled together. It's that side of melodic punk. The best side - not wimpy crap. It's funny and obnoxious, like the NOBODYS, SCREECHING WEASEL or the QUEERS - that kind of offensive humour which I like. Definitely poppy punk that I have time for.
Terminal Street Records
www.thedaryls.com

DAS OATH CD
This is my kind of hardcore right here - fierce, violent and rampant - not macho, not emotional just fucking vicious. 27 tracks on here making this a beautifully savage release. This is what defines hardcore for me, this is true burning spirit and the song titles are genius - ‘Colostomy Grab Bag’, ‘Sunny Shores Of Beirut’, ‘I’ve Been Trying To Fuck My Life Up For Years’, ‘Leeches On The Beaches’ ... fucking great.
Coalition Records
www.coalition-records.com

DEAD CHRETINS - ‘WEATAX’ CASSETTE
Shit is this raw... but as you all know NFT is all about the unprocessed! This is just a kick in the balls right from the photocopied cassette cover with a rip off of the DEAD KENNEDYS ‘DK’ logo and then you turn the box over and it says ‘No Songs Fuck Off’ - I instantly like the presentation and the hostility... then the music, low-budget recording with mistakes and all included but that’s the way we dig it here, you know, when it’s fun. This is a real ‘two fingers up’ release to all that over-produced shit these days and it’s welcome here...
Spunk P. PO Box 102, Cobalt, ON, POJ 1CO, Canada

DEAD KINGS - 'FOR ALL THOSE HOT BLACK CHICKS' CD
Sleazy Rock 'N' Roll that kinda sounds like a cross between early GG ALLIN and ANTiSEEN. Kind of metallic at times but that suits this heavy breed of rcok 'n' roll. It's brutal but a lot of fun too and that's why it reminds me of earlier GG.
Scat Boy Records

DEADBEAT #5 / FREE
The front cover of this issue is fucking brilliant! Nicely laid-out little zine here full of good shit. Pieces / discographies on the Dead Kennedys, MC5, Teengenerate, interviews with horror punks Death Becomes You, the story of No Balls Records, nice comic strips, a whole bunch of album/book/video reviews and show listings... very good stuff and its free so there's absolutely no reason why you shouldn't pick this up. This zine has just gone on line and you can check it out at www.deadbeatzine.com
Dead Beat Magazine, PO Box 460106, Ft. Luderdale, FL 33346-0106, USA

DEADLINE - 'MORE TO IT THAN MEETS THE EYE' CD
I've seen DEADLINE live on many occasions and I've always really enjoyed the show - they have a real singalong, fists in the air feeling to their songs and this is definitely captured on this record. This, in my opinion, is what proper streetpunk should sound like - the songs are extremely well written and they're not obvious and formulaic which can sometimes be the case with this genre. There's a really full, robust sound - that's really good production because I've found in the past that streetpunk, if not produced well, can sound really thin and tinny but that's not the case at all here - it's definitely vigorous! 'TV Dreams', 'Time To Go', 'Love Song' and 'Violent World' are all great tracks - as I stated earlier, the songs are not mechanical, so the record is quite varied. A strong release.
New Blood Records
PO Box 52, Gravesend, DA11 9ZL, England

DEAD ONES USA - 'ROCK ‘EM SOCK ‘EM’ CD
Fast, tough punk rock with a fantastic 80’s feel. This is real impulsive, hard driven punk rock and that’s what gets me. I need the urgency and the spontaneity, no time to sit around! This is pure energy and reminds me of the better days when there was get-up-and-go. Too many punks are too lazy these days... wake up!!
Swindle Records
www.deadonesusa.gs

THE DEAD PETS - 'TOO LITTLE TOO LATE' CD
There's ten people in this band - you can believe that generates quite the good chaos!! They have a sound very reminiscent of the RIVER CITY REBELS: a brass section thickening up the guitar chords rather than a ska sound. I like that sound they have, they do have a couple of ska-ish tunes which isn't my thing at all so I'm glad they keep that to a minimum, but in general I like the sound they have a lot. There are some really great tracks on here: W.M.C, Tokyo Crush, Boomtown Glory, Bad Attitude and Seen But Not Heard. THE DEAD PETS have a fantastic English sound mixed with a newer US-influenced type sound and it works well. At times it reminds me a lot of 'Let's go' era RANCID, especially the guitar lines. It's got a lot of balls and it's real fun at the same time.
Village Idiot Records
www.thedeadpets.co.uk

DEADWAIT - 'JUDGED BEFORE DEATH' CD
This is fucking boisterous, rowdy metallic hardcore that is just so hard-hearted and uncompromising. You can tell by the song titles that this takes no shit: 'Brutality', 'Fuck You And Die', 'Born Into Hate' et