11.2
August 2004
11.2
August 2004
Review Team: (Ali) Ali, (CV) Chris, (DC) Dave, (EF) Ewan, (JW) Jamie, (JK) Jase, (JN) Jon Nash, (LC) Leanne, (LH) Leo, (MZ) Mez, (paco) Paco, (Russ) Russ, (Set) Set, (SC) Simon, (SN) Sneda, (SHY) Steve H, (SH) Stu, (WW) Will
RACAK/AK 47 split 7"
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acak I have heard before as I think we were sent a tape to review. From what I can remember, they've really improved. They remind be of Seein' Red a little, only a bit darker and with more 'throaty' (is that even a word??) vocals. I have not got a clue how to accurately describe AK47, which renders me fairly redundant as a reviewer, doesn't it? They are a hardcore band, heavy but not metallic, and quite good. There are two further nice things about this record. First, the lyrical explanations in English give good insight into the bands' political ideas, and they're pretty cool. Second, if you play it at the wrong speed it sounds like Charles Bronson. So, I'd like to start a new conspiracy theory, Charles Bronson never were a band, they were just other bands records played at the wrong speed. Discuss. (JW)
Schandmaul Records, PF 610 617, 10937
Berlin, Germany
RADIO FREE ISSAC (R.F.I) broken hearts and other mortal wounds CD
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.F.I are traditionally a four piece rock band from Croatia who seem to have a floating second drummer. There are two drummers on this record and it is one of its major redeeming features. This definitely can be pigeon holed into the post-rock category. This kinda sound isn't new to me but in Croatia people might not be as well exposed they are to this type of stuff. Its sounds horribly patronising but this is treading a well beaten path and there's very little little here to get your teeth into. "Broken Hearts and other mortal wounds" combines elements of the usual post-rock suspects. Mogwai, Godspeed.....and Explosions in the Sky are clearly present and "I'll shoot in the head and paint my walls with your brains" has a riff almost identical to "Quiet Victories" from The Shipping News record "very soon, and in pleasant company". To its credit it manages to emulate these bands well with rousing uplifting guitars and a rhythmic two kit attack but I'm not really convinced, or maybe I'm just bored of this sound? On the plus side, the artwork and packaging is of worthy note. It comes cased in a green and yellow screen printed style sleeve which is very appealing to the eye. (J.N)
RAJOITUS discography CD
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ollection of every recording ever released by this Swedish band formed in 1993 whose main interest seemed be 80's worldwide hardcore (mainly Scandinavian) and alcohol. Musically they are an unrelentless, fast and furious hardcore attack, full of anger and speed with lyrics in Swedish. Just to get you an idea of where they coming from they include 3 cover songs, by TERVEET KADET, KAAOS and UUTUS, all classic of the genre. The releases included here are "Hardcore attack 1995" 12" (1995), "Historia kusessa" 7" (1995), "Nyt on kuolemaa taalla" 7" (1997) and "Systeemiin naulittu" 7" (1998) in total 41 tracks that to be honest are a bit too much even for a fan of the band like me. Comes with a nice poster and nice cover, no lyrics though but if I remember well they weren't into flowers and peace but rather into requesting used underwear, masturbation, , anal-sex and hangover fucking ... so you get the idea. A great opportunity to get all their recordings in a disc since most of them are pretty hard to find nowadays. (Paco)
RANDY cheater 7”
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’m guessing a good proportion of people reading this already know that Randy are good buddies with and sound like the Hives. This record is even produced by their singer. Here Randy show us that their sound is more ‘77 driven, kinda with a Dead Boys influence meets British punk but still the garagey rock n’ roll sound. Cheater has a great chorus & the latter half of the song is great ‘77 stuff. Flip over for more of the same with the second song being a more straightforward singalong which would work well acoustically. Fun to dance to. (JK)
Busted Heads, Box 275, 901 06 Umea, Sweden order@bustedheads.com
REMAINS OF THE DAY hanging on rebellion LP
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his has the current ‘Portland sound’ down to a fine art, you know…heavy mid to fast paced punk, screamed dual vocals minor chord guitar progressions – think a more melodic, intricate, and dare I say it ‘accessable’ From ashes rise and you wouldn’t be far off the mark. [I even hear hints of Leatherface in there somewhere in some songs!] They incorporate a violin player too throughout kept pretty low in the mix mind you. This doesn’t have quite the crushing power of FAR or Tragedy but this is still head and shoulders above the imitative pack by nature of superior musicianship and really good insightful lyrics. This has been sitting round my house a while now [..I’m a slacker I know] and hasn’t had quite the listens it deserves, but I know this band have gained some well deserved popularity since releasing this, it’s certainly growing on me. Live they fucking destroy as was witnessed at the 1in12 a few months back …so I guess that’s a big thumbs up then? …Yep! (Russ)
Yellow Dog PO Box 55 02 08 , 10372 Berlin Germany
Remains of the day PO Box 5223, Portland, Oregon, 97208-5223, USA.
RESISTANCE 77 long time dead CD
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fter their highly impressive track on Addicted To Oi! I was really looking forward to this but their new album is a bit of a disappointment. There are a few decent tracks early doors but then it gets a bit predictable. Lyrically it’s all a bit too bloke down the pub – one minute they’re singing about life on terraces and how they miss the “old times” then they’re going on about terrorists and how junkies mug old ladies – make your minds up. It’s proficiently played and the sound is good but it misses the mark overall. (JK)
Captain Oi! C/o PO Box 501, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP10 8QA, UK
SANTO CASERIO 7"
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here are parts of this record that I really love. Pretty good, introspective lyrics, some blasting, chaotic hardcore (like Reversal of Man with an old rocker pounding the drums) and some great technical musicianship. Rarely in my old age did I ever think I'd need to say this, but I think I'd actually enjoy this more if there were less melody in it! For a while I was thinking of writing a review based on the long overdue demise of emo-metal, but then I thought; 'This is actually pretty good.' Coming from someone who has spent the last few days listening to the Buzzcocks, asking for less melody may sound hypocritical, but SC are at their best when chaotic and powerful, and their best is pretty good. (JW)
Le Saboteur Records
SAYYADINA/NO VALUE split 7”
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weden’s SAYYADINA kick off with 5 tracks of super distorted D-Beat. This is the band’s third release and if you dig their earlier stuff you won’t be disappointed, great stuff. NO VALUE are from Tokyo, Japan and thrash it up with plenty of distortion andscreams. A kind of mixture of Latino hardcore ala LOS CRUDOS and the noisecore of MELT BANANNA. Highly recommended. (SH)
Putrid Filth Conspiracy,
PO Box 7092 200 42 Malmo, Sweden.
SEASICK bestie mensch CD
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esss! German thrash! This is awesome and raw as fuck…It’s people from DEEP END and BREADLESS ART, and have been around as Seasick now for 10 years. There’s some grinding going on, double-kick galore and nice down-tuned guitars with raw, throaty vocals. I can’t say much about the lyrics, which are German as there’s no sheet here, but with song titles like ‘Human madness’ and ‘Nazi bastard’, I reckon they’re on the ball…This fuckin’ rips! (CV)
Seasick/Mingo Leidinger
Hochwald Strasse 27, 66709 Rappweiler, Germoney
SEKASORTO luonnon puolesta CDR
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saw this wild bunch a while ago in the squat around the corner from my house, they were supporting the VARUKERS and every time they say "Anarchy" all the punk rockers looked at them putting faces like "what the fuck ??!" anyway, they were pretty good and really crazy first wave Finnish hardcore punk inspired with a strong anarchist message and a great fondness for cider ! definitely a great surprise seeing them live with their anarchist flags and great haircuts and jackets, just like if we were back in Helsinki 83.This CD is the re mastered version of their second LP that apparently was self released by the band back in 1991 and musically it's classic Propaganda 83 style, messy as hell but still compact enough to remind me of RIISTETYT and KAAOS. Classic abrasive buzzsaw guitars, all over the place drumming and out of control crazy vocals, basically the same elements that make Finland a unique place for thrash hardcore back in the 80's and that is still their trademark. I guess this review couldn't go by without mention that the band seems to have a really strong anarchist message in their lyrics, who sadly aren't enclosed in the copy I got to review. Actually SEKASORTO in the Finnish word for anarchy, disorder or chaos. Finally there are 4 extra tracks whose source I completely ignore and that they may be new tracks in a demo format as definitely they sound is slightly different and since the band is back together it may be the case. (Paco)
SEND MORE PARAMEDICS the hallowed and the heathen CD
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aah the 'Medics, Just as everyone in the world is coming to love them, every non Leeds fanzine, Kerrang, NME, every hardcore 'kid' in the U.K, everyone, it seems I'm now really bored of them. Having seen them well too many times in the last 2 years, loved the demo, liked the first album, and now with this 2nd album I think the joke for me just isn't funny anymore. Granted they're amazing fun live, but there's not a chance I'd sit at home and listen to these. If you've not heard them yet, then you NEED this record, for its slayer-esque thrashness, its flesh devouringly funny lyrics and over-all novelty value. All the kids who rave about these like they are the best band ever, just take into account - they are a piss take, stop taking things so seriously. Good luck to the boys anyway, it’d be amazing to see these guys annoying Top of the Pops presenters (Jimmy Saville?), screaming about how "only the taste of brains can ease the pain" and "2.4.5 Trioxin". (WW)
In At The Deep End Records, 82 Barlow Drive South, Awsworth, Notts, NG16 2TD. England
www.sendmoreparamedics.com
SEVERED HEAD OF STATE anathema device CD/LP
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nless you’ve been living under a rock (or are just getting into this kind of music), you will already be reasonably familiar with TRAGEDY; especially with their vigorous touring of recent times. You may not be quite as familiar with WORLD BURNS TO DEATH (although you soon will be, I suspect). Anyway, it could be said that if you combined the sound of these 2 rather good Texan bands, the result would be something like this. As coincidence would have it, that is exactly the fucking deal. Do I need to go on? Okay, I’ll slip in a few of those clichéd adjectives; blistering, unrelenting, brutal, blah blah blah…it’s angry punk rock okay! Get this fucking record dammit. (CV)
1012 Brodie St.,Austin, TX,78704, UsofArse
SEWN SHUT / SQUASH BOWELS split 7’’
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ewn Shut, who are on the A-side of this brutal little piece of vinyl, play blistering grind/gore and are from Sweden. There’s 7 songs here of crazy-fast duelling metal guitars over the top of whirlwind drumming and raw, growling vocals. Lyrics are political, centering mainly on issues of corporate environmental abuse and greed for oil. Nice gory art work with a cool logo too. 7 songs in 6 minutes. Totally awesome! Squash Bowels (Nice name!) are a sludgy gore/grind 3-piece from Poland. They play so down-tuned you can’t always make out what’s going on for the 3 songs here! Lots of grinding drums, with some really nice break-downs and insane 7-string guitar thrash insanity. Really, really good, but the vocals aren’t my cup of tea – very guttural pitch-shifted gurglings and there’s no lyrics sheet, but hey! Gut wrenching goodness! (CV)
SHOTGUN DEMOCRACY CD
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tracks of punk with metal licks and solos, plenty of sing-a-longs and hooks to rise it above a lot of the crap around. Think they are ex Dregs and Jeremy Beadles Hand, so this is an improvement upon the later just coz of the name. If you're familiar with The Mingers and The Dregs, Shotgun Democracy sit somewhere between or alongside those two. If you don't know them two, this is a decent punk CD available for £2.50ppd from...(MZ)
Joe, 45 Ryanville Walk Bramley LS13 2OQ
www.shotgundemocracy.com
shotgundemocracy@hotmail.com
SHOTWELL / ZERO FAST split 7” EP
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nother split on Snuffy Smile, this time it’s Japan v USA. Zero Fast contribute two catchy songs in a J Church and Jawbreaker style. What I wasn’t expecting though, was for Shotwell to steal the show. Both their songs rock! Great punk rock in an Aaron Cometbus/early Lookout-Rancid rough and ready vein. Catchy, raucous vocals and angry lyrics. Superb! (DC)
Snuffy Smile, 4-1-16 Daita, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan
SKIMMER Still CD
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kimmer for me have always been one of those bands I could take or leave. Oh how I would regret that sentiment, as this album is BY FAR their best release to date. I can't really put my finger on what's different, apart from by saying that the songs are just better. This album has spent two years in the making and it shows, as the songs aren't just generic pop punk, they have actual substance and quality. The pace is there, the lyrics are great, the hooks work really well and it all adds up to another classic melodic punk record released of course by the mighty Crackle. Sorry to shoot off at a tangent but Crackle can do no wrong! It’s got to be one of the greatest U.K labels ever, and home to some amazing bands and amazing releases, rock on. (WW)
Crackle records, PO BOX 7, Otley, LS21 1YB, England
www.crackle.freeuk.com
crackle@freeuk.com
SMALLTOWN Years, Months/When The Oil Runs Out 7”
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remember phoning Sean Rugger Bugger a while ago and he happened to be listening to this at the time. He was raving on about the great Newtown Neurotics cover on the B-side and I thought yeah OK, but I’ll listen to the original if I want hear it… Anyhow, I get this to review and yes, the cover is great … but the A-side is absolutely fucking superb. It reminds me totally of The Strike in their prime a few years ago… a great song, gravelly vocals and a chorus to die for. A killer punk rock single. (DC)
Deranged, PO Box 543, Station P, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
SOPHIE NUN SQUAD
passion slays the dragon LP
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don't like this one bit... it tries too hard to be 'arty' and clever and full of irony but falls short of impressing the likes of grumpy old me. It’s a mixture of jazzy punk meets bongo influences funk hip hop done by suburban white people. Yuk. The layout and artwork on the cover is nice, but that’s about all I have to say about this. You can buy it off me for £3 if you want... (LH)
Narshardaa Records
www.narshardaa.com
SOUTHPAW trajectories CD
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his UK band has been around for a while, this being their third album, but I haven’t hear their stuff before. They’re very SAMIAM sounding with a bit of a TEXAS IS THE REASON thrown in. This isn’t the best thing I’ve ever heard but it’s a real grower. It replayed about 3 times whilst I was on a house cleaning escapade and it got better each time. More please! (LC)
Boss Tuneage, PO Box 74, Sandy, Beds, SG19 2WB, UK
SPITFIRE DOWN All I Ever Loved CD EP
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elf promoted as "old school HC...(with) crucial vocals, bitter lyrics, and big mosh parts". Musically fast, heavy with breakdowns and shouted choruses, the vocalist reminds me of CHAIN OF STRENGTH. Lyrically,they state that..."this is exorcism"...! Emo rantings about lost love and the bitterness and cynicism of breaking up. Great music however if you can get over the lyrics. (SHY)
8 Euros P&P / £5.50 P&P
UK from:
Dead & Gone,
Ian Wiles, 42 Glover Road,
Totley, Sheffield, S17 4HW,UK.
www.spitfiredown.net
www.deadandgone.co.uk
paypal@deadandgone.co.uk
THE STAKEOUT on the run LP/ CD
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o now I’m pissed off as I missed these guys live – I think it clashed with football and I got there too late to see them. This CD is ace. Totally great fast angry hardcore from Finland. In places this reminded me of early MDC, particularly the vocals, less musically which sounds bang up to date, fuckin’ in your face fast hardcore with maybe a touch of Out Cold meets someone more thrashy. I could definitely see fans of all types of fast stuff being well into this. Hopefully they’ll be (or already is) a European version. (JK)
Deranged, PO Box 543, Station P, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
STAN OSKARZENIA I co…. CD
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s soon as I put this on I somehow knew this CD was gonna last too long and I was right – nearly an hours worth of music on here. It’s difficult to describe how they sound – kinda mid-paced, kinda punky in a Social D way but occasionally adding a bit of a Euro ska beat which never really livens this up. The tempo and the songs are too similar all the way through to justify so much of the same thing (unless it’s a discography) and by the end I’m desperate for this to finish. Its alright, a bit bland in places and definitely too long. (JK)
Nikt Nic Niewie, PO Box 53, 34-400 Nowy Targ, Poland
THE STEAM PIG potshots CD
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rom Dublin, THE STEAM PIG dance between playing more melodic punk to faster, more aggressive punk. Musically very straight-forward tunes with lyrics that seem to deal with 'life' and social observations around them. One or two songs such as 'I Got the Clap from the girl from Crass' I am not sure whether they are trying to be amusing or making a point to. Either way, it made no sense to me. (SHY)
Jacinta Offshore Recordings, PO
Box 7674,Dublin 1,Eire
Punk Shit
Records
www.geocities.com/lardyboy1976/punkshitrecords.html
punkshitrecords@hotmail.com
STERBEHILFE / SHEEVAYOGA split 7’’
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terbehilfe are a 4-piece playing a noisy down-tuned mixture of styles, tending towards all-out wall-of-noise grind (with the odd slower, quiet bits). Welcome to “scarecore” from Germany! I find this a bit hard to follow sometimes (with a distorted production), but I reckon it would be good to see live, maybe after drinking meths! Total headache! Hailed as ‘strangecore’ by the Czech label (Hyenyzm), Sheevayoga play interesting, slightly jazzy grindy stuff that’s good, fast, angry-sounding and nicely structured. Their intelligent, introspective lyrics are shouted rather than throaty, and are sung by all 3 members of this Czech band. Altogether, quite an original sound that’s definitely worth checking out (see mp3 address). Not that strange at all really! (CV)
Danzigerstr.11 72654 Neckartenzlingen Germany
Viki Wojtanovsky, Poste Restante Ostrava 20, 72000 Czech Republic
STIGGAN ANDERSSON Paasta Irti 7”
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ive tracks of interesting melodic, almost folksy, punk rock from Scandinavia. Its difficult to make comparisons but for some reason this reminded me of the DEAD KENNEDYS but actually sounds nothing at all like them. I liked it though (SH)
Roku Records, Poroelontie La3
96100 Rovaniemi.
THE STRUGGLE hopeless nights 7”EP
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he Struggle from Boston, USA play tight fast angry punk with that upbeat bass sound which tends to be present on all punk of this sort. Musically side A sounds a lot like Indicator from Leeds, not that a lot of you will know them yet, which is to say fast angry snotty well played punky stuff. The sound is too muffled so you can’t really hear the guitars enough. Songs about life on the streets and how shitty modern life is. Could do with some variation to keep me interested – a decent debut. (JK)
FNS, PO Box 1299, Boston, MA 02130, USA
SUPERYOB ghetto blaster CD
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ow we’re talking. Had the pleasure of seeing this lot live on their rare trip up North and was suitably impressed. So much so I bought their CD and I’ve played it non-stop ever since. Frankie Flame is their singer and in places he mixes singing, crooning and anger to great effect. The guitar sound is amazing – really crisp and harks back to the glory days of Oi! – think Rejects mixed with Business (with some Chas N’Dave in there for good measure). Overall the songs are so damn catchy and memorable. They’re named after Dave Hill from Slade’s guitar so that’s another bonus. If you are remotely Oi! this should be at the top of you shopping list. Diamond! (JK)
£8 ppd from Superyob/Underground London, PO Box 26535, London, SE3 9WS, UK
www.superyob.com superyob@uk2.net
TEAR IT UP taking you down with me CD
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t’s taken me quite a few listens to get into this. I wouldn't say this is their best work by any stretch and the slower songs are definitely the standouts. In fact I’d like to hear more in that style - very Black Flag. Some of the fast stuff doesn't do that much for me. Originally this was gonna be a 7" and it kinda shows. There's a live set on the end (dunno if its on the vinyl or not), which is quite old but I guess it'd be daft to put the same songs as live versions as well. For me Tear It Up were a great live band and they put out pretty good records, too. Is it just me or is all this fast hardcore stuff getting past its sell by date? (JK)
Havoc, PO Box 8585, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA
THE ELEVENTH HOUR wear your heart on one sleeve and your balls on the other CD Demo
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ot to be confused with the
Boston band of the same name, as I found out after doing a bit of research on
the net and reading lots of unnecessary rubbish about the other band. Anyhow I
finally found the band’s website after several hours of googlewhacking, hey it’s
sure as hell more pleasurable than reviewing stuff like this. After a quick scan
of said website I can’t really find anymore information about the
ELEVENTH HOUR than the meagre amount I already have on the demo slip cover.
Right so we have three tracks of shouty hardcore that I suppose may appeal to
fans of HOT WATER MUSIC or the like. It’s maybe unkind of me, but really I just
cannot see the appeal of music like this, but I’m plainly in the minority here
as there seems to be a consistent trend for bands to produce hours and hours of
this drab, sometimes painful music. Next (SH)
THE
SADDEST LANDSCAPE
the sound of
spectacle LP
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K I’ve recently been on this training course about giving feedback and I’ve been told I must always start with the positives, then talk about how things can be improved, then end with more positives, the ‘Feedback Sandwich’ it’s called - here goes. The first thing that grabbed me about this LP was the front cover, it’s great! Dead arty and swanky. It features a photograph of a girl’s face that has been scrunched up and then unraveled on a blue background. It sounds simple, and it is, but I think its dead effective and really dragged me in. OK OK so this is not an art review, which is a shame, but remember I’m trying to talk about the positives here. So on to the music, now this is the part where I talk about improvements, OK between me and you I’m talking about short-comings, failings, unacceptable standards, alright let me cut to the chase - musically this reminded me of a lot of the mid 90s emo stuff coming out of San Diego, an era of music that I think is ace, which is no doubt why I was given this to review. Anyhow, my problem is that I’m always going to compare stuff like this to MOHINDER, ANGEL HAIR, SWING KIDS, maybe even HOOVER and you know it just isn’t going to live up to it. Sorry guys I just can’t get the groove on this. Back to the positives, the back cover features a ripped up version of the girl’s photo on that blue background, again I like it. More art less music next time please. (SH)
Narshardaa Records, c/o Springer, Wollsbergredder 9
24113 Molfsee, Germany
www.narshardaa.com
THEMA ELEVEN choose your beast CD
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nother release from Strilek records in the Czech Republic. I don't know much about this label but I'm really struggling with this one. There's a bunch of influences in here that stand out but its all pompous, overbloated rock songs like Helmet gone bad or Smashing Pumpkins when they decided they were all industrial sounding. I really can't find any redeeming things to say about it. It sounds like a crappy version of Tool, and they're not the best band. It's so intensely depressing and self absorbed that I can't find any joy in listening to it......so I'm not gonna.(JN)
Marek Haltuff, severni 770, 551 01 hradec kralove, Czech Republiic.
THEY STOLE A MILLION 7”
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his 2 track seven inch is the debut release by a group of Finnish lads. It’s quite good mid paced hardcore which I’d hesitate to compare to LEATHERFACE. It’s obvious that late 80’s UK hardcore is a big influence here and they play it well, with a very nifty A side. I’d certainly like to hear more by this band. (LC)
Rhythm Barrel Records, Puutarhakatu 44 as 2-fin 20100 Turku, Finland.
THRASH BRIGADE vatican terror attack CDR
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his is one of those records that genuinely benefits from being recorded in (Ben’s) shed. Take away the rawness and you might loose all the power and energy that makes this fuckin great. 8 cool tracks of complete mayhem, guitar wanking and lots of intense screamed vocals – totally enjoyable & the “I kick ass for the Lord” sample from Braindead for good measure. If this had come out in the 80’s in the States on a press of 500 limited copies it’d be worth a small fortune. Isn’t punk wonderful? (JK)
Phallus Bob, c/o Ryan, 17 Littlemoor Close, Cloughton, Scarborough, N. Yorks, YO13 0AN, UK.
THREE MINUTE MOVIE the film reflects a dramatic city CD
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really enjoyed this release. I was expecting the dreaded emo but got a nice pop punk release with lots of siren guitar leads and chugging riffs galore, much in the vein of someone like J Church or even Blew. I bet they rock live too. Snuffy Smile comes up trumps again. (DC)
Snuffy Smile, 4-1-16 Daita, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan
THE TIM VERSION / BAGGAGE split 7”
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nother cool release from Snuffy Smile. THE TIM VERSION are from Florida and offer us two gravelly, melodic punk tracks, a bit like AMERICAN STEEL or GRABASS CHARLESTONS. The other side is snotty Japanese pop punk and on the whole this is a great record. (LC)
Snuffy Smile, 4-1-16-201 Daita, Satagaya-Ku, Tokyo, 155-0033, Japan
TO WHAT END? the purpose beyond CD
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wesome postcrust from Sweden. Post in that it is both progressive in its songwriting approach and kind of crusty overall. This has got six people out of loads of well known Swedish hardcore punk bands in it. Have you heard Kriegstanz? It's like that but less angsty. The lyrics appear to be taking a positive direction in the midst of this shitty life, as in this snippet from 'Bye cruel world' - "you said you were nothing only alive in your dreams. But I saw a shred of life in your tears so I knew you were lying." See? That's pretty positive thinking. It's dark scandinavian hardcore with plenty of melody. You're down the front, your fist is clenched. You are pumping the air. (SC)
CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY RECORDS
PObox 1421,Eau Claire, WI 54702
www.cahrecords.com
TRIGGER the SO3 Recordings CD
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hey thank God like all the best rappers do, this is so called 'heavy' rock with female vocals from Eire - influences from Steve Vai, Smashing Pumpkins, Jimmy Eat world, AFI they say - if those references tickle you then check it out. Doesn’t do owt for me. (SN)
TROPIEZO unificando la amistad CD
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exican pressing which compiles the discography of this Puerto Rican band that includes their "El fantasma antillano " Cd (2003), split 7" with OPUS DEAD (2002) and "Desenmascarando a los heroes de la hipocresia" cd (2001) plus 2 demo tracks from 1999. Musically they sound like SIN DIOS with worse recordings, fast hardcore with social issue lyrics of protest. A bit difficult to listen to the 40 songs in one go but then again I guess it's a good way of introducing the band to the people in Mexico for a fair price.No lyrics enclosed but if you speak Spanish they aren't difficult to understand. The thing that I can't believe is that they have samples of Torrente !!!!! the idiotic arm of the law !!! (Paco)
www.xnuevaesperanzax.tk
decisionpersonal@yahoo.com.mx
xwarriormex@hotmail.com
TRUTH IN MY HANDS too fast for love CD
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he first few bars sounded like Heresy so I thought I was in for a real treat but that was just a fluke and they quickly descend into fast 80’s sXe hardcore. It’s well played and the production is great but I’m really struggling not to say that I’ve heard it all before. That’s not to say its bad – far from it – but nothing new. If you’re a fan of fast hardcore then you may wanna check this out. (JK)
Step Ahead, Via Sassari 98, 09032 Assemini, (CA) Italy
2000 DS crowzone CD
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always thought 2000 Dirty Squatters was a nice funny band name, I'd presumed they'd split up long ago as I've not heard them mentioned for over 5 years. This doesn't come with any info so I don't know whats going on there seems to be dates on the insert of 90,92, 95,97, so this could be some sort of comp but I checked my old singles + couldn't see these tracks. The style here is a sort of mid paced sludgey crust metal which doesn't particularly grab me, I prefer there older more straight punk + faster stuff. (set)
hard to read address seems to be? : Scrap Records, 17A Stoneleigh Street, Notting Hill, London, W11 4DU, UK
TYCKER DU? close to it/ no leaves left 5”
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was given this back from the original reviewer as he couldn’t play it on his turntable, which is one problem with 5”s. Another is that you can’t fit much music on them – so little in fact that it easily took me longer to unwrap the countless layers of packaging than to actually play the a-side – I wonder if this was intentional. A clever little diversion me thinks. They’ve set out to mimic Husker Du with their artwork and their sound quite a bit too – “close to me” definitely has that sound. But like 95% of all imitations they somehow never quite manage the full effect. “No leaves left” is more melodic but still in the Mould (HA fuckin HA!). Decent but I can’t imagine I’ll spend time unwrapping it and carefully manoeuvring the stylus onto the record very often. (JK)