| CROP KNOX 'Rock And Rot' (pc34lp) LP 2004 The highly anticipated debut album from San Francisco's promising young punk outfit greets us with a blood-soaked shattered Gibson sleeve, and comes on shitty brown/green splattered vinyl. As far as looks go they could've just walked straight outta Punk Lives with bullet belts, spikes, mohawks and studs staking their claim amongst the local graffiti. I bet they hated posing for those shots. And the sound they create is as you'd expect. Full on raging anthems of pissed off pogo punk done at a breakneck speed but with little shots of finesse for good measure. But what im thinking and presumably you too, is can these kids create enough of an identity for themselves sound wise, to make em stick out from the legions of other similarly charged spiky tops? Well what you can tell by this 12 track prototype is there is a definite aura about the Cropknox. They've got something worth your attention that bands like the Casualties lack. They got a singer with a neat vocal who don't scream or grunt, but he could be way more imposing if he took more control. They got some really gifted guitar interplay that gets used to the max. And the rhythm section ain't here solely for decoration, they keep the vibe on a punk core level with a heads down conviction. But what they really need more of is... time! The 'Rock And Rot' live for today ethic is great in theory, but leaves em with a rushed release that don't do em total justice. They need more time to fester and fully harness their snotty El Cerrito anthems for a whole albums worth of material. They ain't quite managed it this time out, with half the tracks falling below the quality of their significant high spots. Talking of which 'No Hope In Sight' is a track with it's second guitar depth seeking probe showing a natural knack for good tunes. 'Bleak Society' also has a juicy guitar break that nods to Steve Jones and Mr Thunders in direction. But we had to wait for the end of side 1 for their penultimate track. 'Rebel Youth', (yeah I know that same old cliché rears its ugly spotty head again) but this epic comes complete with sprawling guitar signatures reminiscent of Blitz at their peak. The Cropknox have that Blitz feel in the song and chorus without it being a parody. Pity there ain't more tracks like this one, coz then they really would've stamped their blackmail brand on the arse of the current punk scene. But these are young punks in progress, they got the energy, they got a good label backing em and they're hungry to get their set out to a baying world of like minded American youth. So maybe naivety really ain't such a crime? They wisely make full use of their previous 'Just Can't Live' EP, coz that did boast some of the most outstanding tracks they've written to date. But this is a band whose throwaway lyrics about society ills can safely fall back on the solid duel guiitars to really propel this band forward. They end with a very good version of an old Riot City track 'East of Dachau' by the Underdogs, which works very well within this albums 21st century soundscape. I'm sure this is gonna sell well but for the band this must be a learning curve and time to work on and knock out that follow up killer album they merely hint at on this session. The Cropknox are currently touring the US promoting this album so why not check em out for yourselves coz we need a new solution! WORTH A LISTEN For more info go here CROPKNOX |
| SNOTTYNESS... Punk Rock Classic - World Contender - Worth A Listen - Average - Plastic - No Future |
| SENSA YUMA 'Up Yours!' (imb6013) CD September 2004 This is a surprise return for Stafford's (now Spanish based) Sensa Yuma. I thought they'd lost their scruffy merriment way back when? Coz last I heard they'd jumped ship to sweaty Spain in 98', and were just a moist memory in the corner of Stu-pid's eye. Especially after the disappointing release (if the reviewers are to be believed) of their debut album 'Every Days Your Last'. Apparently not! They have regrouped and tour spasmodically around the Euro squat scene with alternating line-ups for Euro/UK appearances. The buoyant mainman Stu-Pid Bastard is still fronting em, along with original bassplayer Minty Nigel for UK gigs. Which in itself deserves respect and shows staying power over a twenty year period! They are also completed by a bunch of Brummy and Euro punks from an array of other squalid outfits. Stu-pid in case you didn't know, has been in more punk bands than a bad haircut! But Sensa Yuma was his first and most enthusiastic band. His larger than life character in the UK punk scene is kept intact with a powerful kinda growly vocal that suits Yuma's creative style. They kick off with 2 of their most powerful tracks. 'War' really seethes with rage on the current aggro in Iraq, and the self explanatory no compromising anthem of 'Fuck The Government', which features Stu-pids no messin delivery taken to the brink. I also like the sussed lyrics in 'Band Heroes' which takes a clever look at band and performers in the punk scene. They do cover a wide range of subject matter on this album via divorce, relationships, City life and even the perils of wanking! 'Up Yours!' was recorded in Spain, but it feels like it came straight outta the confines of Digbeth, with a very English appeal. They even come up with a nifty cover of local inspiration Dead Wretched's 'No Justice'. Sensa Yuma play confident mid-paced punk rock with surprisingly less noise than I was expecting. If your into bands like Contempt with a dose of the English Dogs (both of whom Stu fronted in a former life) you'll like these blighters for sure. Songs like the skanking 'Mindless Violence' or the futuristic guitar appeal of 'Manipulate' see's em maturing into quite an interesting outfit. And unlike most of their bland UK contemporaries, Sensa Yuma seem to be exploring new ways to express their songs. Which is what we've been waiting for, for fucking ages!!! However the shitty keyboards on the lingering 'Waiting' gave em a plastic new wave feel. However for the most part they deliver convincing punk rock with tunes 'n' humour (see 'Luvin Hand' or 'Ear Damage'), and it's all wrapped up in a gritty crazy coloured veneer. 'Up Yours!' is a worthy release from a vet band who are still relevant today without becoming pantomime or stale. In fact it's probably the best release on Iron Man Records to date! Comes in the most hideous front cover image I've seen in a while, straight outta rotten.com's grisly gallery, plus a full accompaniment of lyrics and band info when you ain't heaving out the window. WORTH A LISTEN www.sensayyuma.net www.ironmanrecords.co.uk |
| BLASTMAT/ SECOND CLASS CITIZEN (Dagger Records) CD 2004 Blastmat have been around for 3 years and kick off this showcase split CD with heavy chugging guitars and those stop/start finishes. A sound that creates a mid to late 80's style of hardcore so epitomised by the likes of Suicidal Tendencies, but without the gang mentality and bandannas. These 8 tracks apparently appeared on Blastmat's recently self released 'Chopping Block' CD. In fact the 'Chopping Block' title track is way more like it with big beefy guitar riffs and a psychedelic lead break, but the strangled low mixed vocals are one dimensional and don't create enough interest to go along with Blastmat's superior and compact musical backing. They do have potential for improvement and have tracks coming out in various formats in Germany and the USA. AVERAGE. Second Class Citizens on the other hand are the newer band featuring members from Connecticut outfit Down In The Fifth, which don't mean fuck all to me? And strike me down deaf, dumb and blind, but they seem to have the same singer as Blastmat? Either that or it proves there ain't a lotta difference with this full on style of crooning. They are a real disspointment. The Gruff gorilla vocals get a better mix this time around much to our dismay and discomfort, but it don't do these Citizens any favours. Why people get into this style of plodding punk is beyond me? But I suggest if you do wanna trawl through the toilet bowl of this particular wing of punk, there are way better bands to choose from who do it with way more energy power and conviction. Second Class Citizen are merely second class in all fields with only a decent guitar sound to salvage from the wreckage. PLASTIC Both bands are still hunting for labels (don't give Second Class Citizen much hope!) to release their stuff, be it on compilations or otherwise. So check em out for yourself if you want some gruff hardcore without much else. Dagger Records PO Box 380152 East Hartford, CT 06138-0152 USA |
| APOCALYPSE BABYS 'Alcoholacaust' (vera002) CD October 2004 This latest offering from the sons of Alfreton...Apocalypse Babys was very much anticipated here in the Wolf's Lair. The nuclear tots have been busy taking their spunky Ramones fixations to such far flung exotic locations as Italy and Glasgow most recently. And shock horror the US could be their next port of call...so watch out Yanks!? The Babys gawd bless em really don't know the meaning of defeat in the face of record company apathy. They have released this their 5th album on their own gorgeous Vinyl Vera label. And you know what, it's a very pro package indeed! Comes with full colour foldout lyric sleeve, plus various blindo band shots, that gives this record a certain bed wetting ambience. So who really needs record companies if you can put out first class product such as this? Answers on a postcard to the Alfreton's DHSS please. This new liquored up set however, don't exactly get us up on the tables quite as much as previous releases. The commanding production is spot on, their dry wit is still on show, but they don't give us anything really new from what we already know of the band. Fun punk springs to mind if your a new listener, but shows these gurgling babys can still write a decent record or two despite not being half as essential as their recent classy '7" Plus' CD collection. And those worthy tracks on here to keep your interest while ordering a pint are the rampaging axe attack of 'Guantanamo Bay' or the sinister delivery of 'Dirty Bomb'. Apocalypse Babys may not be pious enough for some hard-line punks, but they still ain't walking round the bar with their heads stuck in a pint glass, although you can be forgiven for thinking so. Even that smelly old punk rock institution called Charlie Harper gets a slap on the back with their 'UK Subs' tribute track. Which I'm sure is really touching in Tooting, but I find it a bit dubious when punk icons suddenly become senior citizens... or present dodgy wildlife documentaries!!! Asterix's vocals are more gnarly on this session, he seems to have given the smooth ballads neck, in favour of a moody skank called 'Reggae Maan', which incorporates a 'Nice N Sleazy' riff and even has some Carl Douglas ('Kung Fu Fighting') influenced backing vocalisations. But with 3 covers in this 13 song set, it does beg the question of filler? And when you get some really dodgy material like 'Lets Jump The Broomstick'...it's no thanks! They do finish on a boozy crashcourse of the title track that'll probably be another bawdy set closer on the bands up and coming live dates. WORTH A LISTEN APOCALYPSE BABYS |
| TEXAS TERRI BOMB 'Your Lips My Ass' (Prison079-2) CD May 2004 When I heard Texas Terri Bomb, (the latest conception from the relentless Terri Laird) had been signed to a couple of decent up 'n' coming labels like (TKO/US) and (People Like You/Europe). I was more than anticipating the raunchy floodgates to open up from this red headed, red blooded medusa. Had all those years of running with the pack finally paid off? Considering this Austin viper has had drug shit, personal shit, and every other kinda shit to deal with over the years. And single handily survived fluctuating band line-ups she deserves a break. She also deserves respect from every quarter for not quitting. The only thing she has quit by the way is drink 'n' drugs, giving her one directive...to ROCK! Her high regard in the scene is confirmed by the who's who of supporting characters on this disc of distemper. You got Wayne Kramer (MC5), a Dwarve, a Dickie and Cherie Currie (ex-Runaways), who duets on 'The Rocker'. Terri and her sleaze hounds are a classic case of a band who reach their peak, look set for some tantalising output, then suddenly die (literally). Maybe it's down to keeping apace with her huge Texan energy? She will not be silenced though, and looks set to burn up Europe like she did the West coast for the past ten years. However this album ain't quite the 'bomb' we were expecting to blow up in our faces. I still rate 'Oh Shit' her previous release as being her best so far. 'Your Lips My Ass' is in your face but contains some filler quota of rock that won't win her new fans. But just forget the average tracks for a minute coz this punk rock headcase, with a torso that's looks like an Indian inked pirate map, is still one of the most entertaining 'live fast, die hard' legends your ever likely to witness in today's fabricated punk scene. 'One Hit Wonder' the opening track is pure class and the best track. With it's multi-dimensional attack of the hardcore chorus and the dare I say it...alluring femininity of her purrs on a roll call of fame. The other big winner is the seething cover of the inspirational Dogs, 'Oh Yeah'. A live track that is attitude on fire. And thankfully gets a compounded studio recording and movie slot too. She also gives a nod to Iggy without whom her note perfect rendition of 'Shake Appeal' and Osterberg stage presence ain't complete. This is primarily a guitar album in the Thunders school of trash, but with Terri's deranged over the top growl, makes for a compelling partnership. She ultimately confirms her status as the badass bitch between the punk and rock universe on the bratty 'Never Shut Up'. Produced by rock guru Jack Douglas who captures Texas Terri Bomb firing on most cylinders, but still promising so much more! WORTH A LISTEN www.peoplelikeyou.de |
| DERITA SISTERS 'Dead Punks Live' (K107) CD 2004 This has a feel that it could be the Derita Sisters farewell album, after a fucking multitude of releases over the past decade or so. But I wouldn't count on it! It don't seem that long since they had another live German set released. So I think Marky Derita is pushing the boat out on this one, but can you blame him? This band have been his life for so many years and he is the Kotumba label boss, so why the hell not? If you've got it flaunt it. The Deritas Sisters may not be headliners at Wasted festivals or fresh faced teeny punk poppers in the pages of Kerrrang! But they sure know how to blitz through a 38 track set of good and sometimes classy punk rock. However this mammoth 'Dead Punks' set can be a bit too much for one sitting without a beer in your hand. But it gives a good showcase of the latest line-up. Who seem in pace and time with the old one, but maybe not quite as absorbed in some departments. But who the fuck cares? Coz this is LIVE and in your face! And positively no room in their set for awkward silences. The Kraut crowd can't seem to get enough of this band. I wonder why that is? It may have something to do with fun! You remember fun don'tcha?, your supposed to enjoy it! In case you didn't know they're vet punks who send up punk as good as anyone around. But unlike most these Sisters have an obvious knack for creating some great blasts along the way. If they performed in a slack lethargic pace, they'd have probably given up years ago, but these are fuckin tight even when they're pissed. 'We Don't Pose', 'Born Without A Punk Rock Name' and '77 Forever' are fackin great tunes. Like most Derita songs, their better ones seem to be the less frantic and capture a band in full swing. Take for example the swigging 'Wino A Go Go' or the hilarious 'I'm Crowning'. They still entertain us and still the best pisstakers in the US punk scene, but more importantly they're still doin' it for all the right reasons. Comes with a professional live sound recording and packaging. We even get a sneak 5 tracks preview strapped to the end of other Kotumba bands. Who upon close inspection feature maybe one Derita or their offspring in the starting line. Check out the Ropey Slags or tour mates The Lurkers live set which is reviewed elsewhere on this page. WORTH A LISTEN www.kotumba.com |
| THE LURKERS 'Live Freakshow' (K105) Summer 2004 This is a pretty good live interpretation of the Lurkers as a trimmed down 3-piece who are currently touring Fulham and beyond. Featuring the only original member (the unpretentious) Arturo Bassick on vocals/bass. Now I dunno about you but I was dragged up on 'Fulham Fallout' their brilliant debut album. And I can tell ya straight...Arturo ain't the world's most outstanding punk vocalist! Although he does give a good account of his bands recorded legacy on this concise recording. His between song banter especially can't be faulted. But we are missing two vital lurking factors. Howard Wall's hypnotic vocals and Pete Stride's defining rifferama. Together these were something quite distinct way back in the late 70's. But don't blame Arty coz he wanted his old band mates to collaborate on further lurking. However they either declined or went AWOL? Leaving him to skulk alone with various new members in attendance. This set proves that older compositions such as punk classics like the frantic 'Freakshow', the compulsive 'I Don't Need To Tell Her' or the splendid 'Shadow' are still this bands bread and butter. However the Lurkers in 2004 are still worth checking out as this 21 song set gives us some later material. Best of which were the smitten 'One Day', or anthemic 'Red Light Girl'. Songs that are skilful enough to bear further investigation. The Lurkers are beyond the usual punk suspects doing the live circuit today. Simply because they ain't got a righteous attitude, they're merely out for a good time with you the audience as their fellow prowlers. I just wish they'd have a bit more edge coz the playing is spot on but missing that killer instinct the original line-up had. A stigma that'll probably dog em forever more. This CD finishes with a very open interview conducted with Arturo who spills the beans on everything Lurker plus live Lurkers video footage from Berlin and Dusseldorf where this gig was recorded in October 2003. Comes with a set of German Lurker lyrics and pix too. AVERAGE Kotumba Records |
| APOCALYPSE BABYS '7" Plus!' (vera001) CD Summer 2004 Alfreton in Derbyshire may not be a hard-core punk bastion to most people. But this quiet unassuming outcrop sandwiched between Derby and Mansfield in the UK, deserves it's own sweaty deposit amongst punk rock folklore. For it's here local heroes the Apocalypse Babys reside and created this absorbing collection. '7" Plus!' shows off an excellent array of twenty cuts that spans the bands previous 12 year career. Criminally overlooked and dogged by unsteady line-ups, this prime time sounding punk rock outfit still managed to put out some remarkably high quality punk rock tunes to thrill the masses. Or maybe the locals down the Vic? The Apocalypse Babys are a band who sing about the real world of dole drums, council flats, cops, violence, and dreaming of the big break!!! The big break being something most punk bands secretly want, but shun! Coz they are either too sanitary to admit it, or just ain't got the talent anyway. However these Derbyshire lads really do have loads of pulling power in the hook department. A talent that should by rights be heard by a bigger audience. But like so many bands before em, they seem destined to be heard by so few. What they got here that is sadly lacking in the punk scene today, is variation in composition and execution. Their songs don't all dwell on oppression or getting the girl. They merely reflect a bigger picture called real life. They certainly don't sound the same either! Whether they're blitzin through the saturated riffing on 'Local Hero' , slowing down for the wife beating anthem of 'Jacqueline' or just waltzing through the cop corruption of 'Scapegoat'. Nope they can't be faulted! Fronted by the strutting mainstay Asterix the Brat, who's Elvis Costello meets the Jags vocalisations gives em an unworldly late 70's fixation. Also manages to give em their very own niche. Mixed in with a heavy dose of the Ramones and some Pistol packing riffs to boot up the power. Which can only make these guttersnipes the envy of the monotonous squalor that litters the current UK punk arena. The often copied but rarely captured spirit of '77 drifts through a lot of this bands songs. And gives em the distinction that lesser monotone proles merely dream of. But at the same time they ain't got a jaded feel either. '7" Plus' is timeless, it's now and it's a good time to check em out if you ain't already! Like Asterix spells out on possibly the bands finest offering, the impressive pop punk of 'Still Unsigned'... "Tunes, melodies, lyrics that people can understand". Forget EMI etc. coz most of the bigger punk labels selling us their wares are as deaf, dumb and blind, unless maybe you got a big mohawk and studs. So hey kids tune in to what's really going on. Don't wait till your 40 to discover what real punk was all about, coz there's a whole legion of sights 'n' sounds to check out now! And you can do know wrong in starting with the Apocalypse Babys coz they're a band who create crafty often humourous buzsaw tunes to sing along to without making ya vomit. This record will leave you boppin' till the next release which is promised along with a new line-up later this year. UK CONTENDER APOCALYPSE BABYS |
| VARIOUS Hardcore Drom The Early Days 3 Way Split' (CSR01) CD 2004 Like it says on the cover, 3 early days hardcore Connecticut punk outfits, who get repackaged on CD for their 21st Century offspring to devour. This 25 track compilation put together by Keith Graves (Blastmat) and former bassplayer of the White Pigs has done em proud. And the nifty packaging (lyrics/band histories) by Australian label Cold Sweat records is more than exemplary. '3 Way Split' dates back to when early 80's hardcore punk was a load more generic. This trio of bands have all got an axe to grind. But they do it to varying degrees of angst and success. The moody Target Cells kick off with some low-fi production but well worked out songs. You notice back then that speed ain't such a big issue as it is in some of today's pummelling genres. And Target Cells create atmosphere and tension without really putting their foot on the peddle. Slow numbers like the ultra depressing 'Matter' jostle for position with more chaotic outbursts like 'Shot On The Spot'. But for the most part they play mid-paced DIY punk rock with some pretty nihilistic lyrics that display a deepset angst aimed at the usual targets. They hint at an influence by local luminaries The Freeze, but deploy it without the formers knack for biting satire. Target Cells do tend to plod along at times, which may not impress some of you frisky guttersnipes out there. Sounds very experimental too. White Pigs are the earliest of the three bands, and possibly the most interesting dating back to 1980. The name sounds very familiar, so I must've read about em somewhere in the midst of time? And It's good to finally put a sound to a name. They give us 7 aggressive tracks and live up to that name, which if your interested originates from a neighbourhood dog that crapped all over the place! Brian Ripthroat on vocals reminds me of a beer swilling Cal from Discharge, as he screams out the incensed diatribe on top a fitting backdrop of beefy buzzsaw guitars. They say in their liner notes their influences range from the Misfits, and Black Flag to Chaotic Dischord (snigger). They certainly continue on this path with an aggressive death and destruction angle. Standout tracks like the primary discord of 'White Pigs Theme Tune', or the harassed tale of 'Victim of Society' are worthy of your attention. But it was the impressive almost tuneful 'New Life' which is the best track on this record. White Pigs managed to grunt with intent in one shape or form till 1988, before releasing a batch of posthumous releases on various labels in their absence. Lastly Chronic Disorder who had close ties with Target Cells, come at us with a more jerky style. They boast an hyperactive snarly singer who does his best to keep in time with the persistent jangly soundtrack. 'Blood And Honor' is a good stab at the anti-war theme that was a lot more prevalent in the day. But Chronic Disorder ain't really got quite the presence or power as the former 2 bands. However they seem surpass themselves by delivering their best track called 'S.I.W.O.V'. Which stands for "self indulgent waste of vinyl". Whatever the title suggests this song alone was a big leap forward for the band, but sadly they never quite seized this opportunity again and quickly revert back to their deranged selves for the rest of their 7 tracks. 2 of which includes live recordings from CBGB's in 1984. A neat history lesson from the annals of American hardcore and not much too shout out about but worth a listen if your curious about how some of the more obscure outfits sounded. AVERAGE sorry dead link? |
| MERE DEAD MEN 'Lets Do It' (stepcd152) CD 2004 These scouse label whores must've had their gear out on every reputable punk label in Europe over the past 15 years, and now it's the turn of Street punk stalwarts Step 1 who do a great job on packaging. If you ain't already familiar with MDM then you should be thoroughly ashamed of yerselves. They've been around since the dawn of time (late crustacean period) and play their punk rock with a vintage sheen and a rock 'n' roll swagger. A style that makes em positively unique in this noise core era. They're fronted by the peroxide Mandy who stares out at us on the sleeve with almost Toxteth aloofness. She delivers her songs in a severe, no messin vein that'll leave schoolboys whimpering in terror at the foot of the stage, and the big boys cooing like baby's by the bar. She's partnered in crime by the token Brummie of the outfit, Rob. He supplys the chords, keyboards and the male vocal chords. They seem to be making full use of the co-vocals option on this 12 tracker, adding an extra texture to the songs. As always the faithful rhythm section of Richie (bass and extra guitar) and Mandy's other half Rag on drums keeps the punk glam wagon right on course as it hits all out assaults, or medium paced grinders, through to moody perspectives. MDM have a diverse range of subject material, stemming from their veteran days in the punk scene. But they kick off by paying homage to CBGB's on the opening 'Lower East Side', which despite a gritty intro don't quite work. However the gnarly 'Mr Angry' "Bang Bang your dead!" was a lot more like it. They slow it all down for the atmospheric come uppance of 'What Goes Around'. 'Ken' inspired by the sad plastic life of Barbie's side-kick in kiddy crime, was a suprise hit. Coming in with quirky 80's keyboards, and a tongue in cheek chorus. It's followed by some very British children's TV hits from the past 'n' present that makes up 'This Ones For The Kids'. 'We Were There Too' is an infectious poignant look back at the early days of the Liverpool punk scene, done in a teary eyed but defiantly stylish way. Even Billy Idol got turned down by a young Mandy! But the standout track for me has gotta be the quirky and compulsive 'Little Cars'... "playing shit music, all around the town". A great simple riff put to a jerky back beat gives this track great potential for a wider appeal, as it rips the piss outta the boy racers in a town near you. They go out with a bang on the last track 'Bad Girls', where mean Mandy delivers a no holds barred personal manifesto if she's ever riled up. Always good to see MDM still doing what they do best...playing British punk rock, so look out for em on tour playing a toilet near you very soon. WORTH A LISTEN www.step1music.com |
| FUCK HATE PROPAGANDA 7 Track Demo CD 2004 This was a nice suprise that came totally FREE with the otherwise disappointing Initonit zine. I'd seen the band name slinking around the current UK gig scene for quite a while, and having never caught em live I liked their no compromising approach. Well as you'd expect this is 7 tracks of in your face dual screaming tirades and very angry rants. It's all spat out in a manic pace and with complete conviction. They produce a sound that can catch you off balance by throwing in some free form jazzy twists that adds a certain appeal to the in house intensity. No real standout tracks to write home about, but the intro to 'Dead 49-75' was an hilarious piece of agitprop theatre. The tracks just simply blur into each other like protesters at a Mayday riot. Fuck Hate Propaganda often sound like a bunch of pseudo intellectuals with music degrees letting rip their inner turmoil with astute lyrics attacking the Church, Government, Ghetto and Globalisation. Maybe we can just bear to hear yet another take on all this crap that effects our world and lifestyles, but at least these fuckers show signs of originality with their innovative deployment and styles that they create within each track. The playing is exceptionally tight and together and comes with big noise core blasts, together with intricate fretwork adding some effective little touches. Reminds me of some of the more early 80's melodic anarcho punk in places, then again they just let rip a big thrash workout to demolish all your preconceptions. I bet their gigs are sweat boxes of energy coz you can tell from this taster these are a band in prime crust mode fuelled on anger and anarchy. Pity it just don't gimme the urge to wanna play it on a regular basis. Comes with a full lyric sheet. AVERAGE No available link? |
| OPPRESSED LOGIC 'Ones That Control' (gun03) CD 2004 Welcome to the personified angry world of Oppressed Logic. 'Ones That Control' is the brand new album from the Bay Areas most unruly bunch of punks. Has it really taken em 4 years to put this out? Or am I just so out of touch!? When I last caught this version of Oppressed Logic they were busy completing a successful European tour. Then they went home and promptly broke up! But you can never keep an irate punk down for long. Punkaholic lead loony and founding member Mike 'Cyco' Logic has been hosting his own SF punk radio show, got a new woman in his life and in-between this domestic bliss, found time to play bass in other snarly punk outfits like Retching Red too...phew!!! Talk about keeping busy. You have to admire his conviction and focus on everything oppressive. Coz this hyperactive loco has now got hold of a brand new O.L. line-up to fuel his fury. He's currently breaking em in out on the West Coast of America. 'Ones That Control' under Cyco's tyrannical reign remains true to the original snotty idea, only amplified a few hundred watts! The resentment ain't subsided either, in fact this slab of hate is even more enraged than before. The band are also more intense, both in playing and delivery. Songs like the superb 'What Choice' with a searing Todd Dammit riff, really brands you with sulphur burns. The critical title track blows holes in the Bush administration with a rallying chant of "right right - ones that control, left left - manipulate the flag". Other tirades of note are the subpoenaed aggro of 'What You Say' or the grotesque Sept 11th number of 'US Attacked'. With Mike being an celluloid ego tripper he just couldn't resist spilling his guts out on the autobiographical scary 'Deranged'. He who laughs last, laughs longest so they reckon. Well Cyco Logic despite having to start all over again from scratch has left us with an impressive recording legacy here. However it's also a lot more accelerated in delivery which can work both to the bands detriment. Coz on one hand it's controlled rage, but on the other it's can just turn into a blur of spite and become monotonous. But on a positive note, Mr Alvilez can machine gun a lyric out with the best of em, and he's still a load more cohesive than the others fuckers playing this kinda breakneck hardcore. So with hate filled rants at religion, hippies and your inner demons you can't really argue. Plus this 13 tracker is littered with some well chosen entertaining soundbites, that are the best I've head on any punk record to date. So if you ain't already caught em on the gig circuit, get this fucker pronto, coz it'll manifest on your stereo exactly what full on rage can really sound like. Comes in stars 'n' stripes cover with lyrics and pix. It's available on the apt Blazing Guns Records. US CONTENDER OPPRESSED LOGIC |
| EXTERNAL MENACE 'The Process Of Elimination' [DSR-1-01] CD 2004 Very impressive 22 tracker by the Scottish punk veterans. This is a memorable well executed piece of late 90's punk rock! Their songs mirror reality from off the sprawling housing estates of Strathclyde and from the pissed off kid in the street's point of view! Also with an eye on the world of crooked dealings, fucked up governments and self belief. Which has always appealed to me, especially if it's backed by some sussed lyrics and attacking angst-filled rifferama. A cliché maybe in punk today, but still essential! Sneddy the rhythm guitarist and dual vocalist is still the only original member from their late 70's Coatbridge conception. No mean feat and he proves his main-man status by being responsible for all the standout tracks on this platter. From the fast anti-killing stance of 'Standin on the UK' to the atmospheric 'Rude Awakening', that slows everything down to an addictive skanking beat with good rhythmic bass work. Ain't much of a skanking punk fan meself, but when bands like External Menace, and godfathers of this style The Ruts have enough suss to pull it off, instead of those irrelevant jokers who litter the scene today with puny attempts, it's fuckin great! So good in fact this comes close to the heights of the Strummer/ Jones epic 'Armageddon Time'! But these Jocks ain't aping no-one, they deliver their own brand of punk in a credible way. However they do give a nod to Joey, Johnny and Jimmy while passing. Sneddy's vocals come complete with an uncanny Strummeresque quality. And you can tell he's seen it, and he means it. Which ain't taking nothing away from his younger counterpart Welshy. Welshy's been a real fan of this band from day one, so to take over when original vocalist Wullie got killed in a car crash was a dream come true. He repays them in kind with high energy vocals which suffer from an unhealthy enthusiasm giving the band a healthy shot in the arm. And he can write his own songs too, steering the driving riffs and hooks to their final destination. One example of a good collaboration is on 'These Pricks Are Wrong', which kicks in with a bleak view of life on the street by someone who has been there, instead of just reading about it! External Menace have got on this collection their own inventive sound. Which ain't no mean feat when you've had over 25 years of punk to contend with. I like the way they can expand their sound and ain't scared to break it all down to basics with some well arranged dropouts. It's a great asset in punk rock to strip it all back, before building back up into the inevitable crashing chorus's or big finale! Their blitzing simpler numbers are just as effective as the slower ones. The fast paced 'Don't Conform' is a prime example of crowd participation at gigs. And inventive touches Iike on the intro to 'Bullet Of Persuasion' that starts with a crackling transistor guitar riff humming away in the background as footsteps shuffle along the corridor with the ring of can getting pulled. Welshy asks Sneddy for a light? Before Sneddy reply's in red light brogue "Welcome to Jazz club!" This scrap of theatre sets the scene for a view on the gritty slice of standing up for your rights. Another amusing tirade precedes 'In this Time', by some madman nicked from a film who introduces us to the cutthroat world of here and now. It's followed by the outstanding 'Killing Me Asylum'. A song inspired by Sneddy's day job painting the local nut house. This is another interesting high standard skanka track from their bunker of riffs. The apt 'Seize the Day' is given another airing with Welshy's vocal taking on the original "you're sussed, you suck, you slimy little fuck" which I think is a corker of a line. As this classy album finally draws to a close having been given a decent reintroduction courtesy of Dr Strange, you'd think you'd had yer moneys worth. But no, we also get 7 bonus tracks, dating from the bands impressive 1997 'Seize The Day' EP and 1998's split single with Recharge. Both of which continue with high energy numbers and moody slower themes. Comes with a full lyric booklet, plus the bands history written by Welshy. Look out for External Menace on a US tour this summer in-between sporadic live sightings in the UK. UK CONTENDER www.drstrange.com |
