Reviews - MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL (original) (raw)
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The Anchorite Four Vol. 1 LP
I like to go into a new album blind so I can manage any of the biases I have that will affect how I digest an unfamiliar band. Just to catch you all up to speed, this record here is actually a re-release of songs from the ANCHORITE FOUR’s debut CD from 2002. Now, if I had done my research prior to this, I would have known that Vol. 1 was just a product of its time. However, my immediate reaction to this slab was “Wow, the kids these days have really nailed that early ’00s emo/pop punk sound!” And honestly, that scenario would be much more impressive to me. Don’t get me wrong, this is a fun album. It brings to mind a lot of the Chicago pop punk bands I grew up around, like 504 PLAN and KNOCKOUT. But if I were to have heard this twenty years ago, it would have just sounded like everything else then. Regardless, if you’re nostalgic for this time period like I am, then you’ll love this. It’s not bad by any means, and the production is so polished that I still can’t believe this was recorded over two decades ago. I just don’t know if this will speak to the majority of MRR readers.
Blue Ray Explain This (Deluxe) cassette
Dark electronic post-punk band with ’80s vibes. I loved the combination of more classically gothic elements (like the choir-esque intro in “Downtown”) with the large variety of vocal types (distorted vocals in “On All Fours,” spoken word-style in “Downtown,” speaking while exhaling smoke in “Gimme”) that really keep you on your toes. The variety of dark elements they utilized really contributed to their overall sound. With electronic solos in a couple of tracks, they really shine in their cover of “Wicked Game.” They’re able to take the song, change it to their more upbeat and post-punk style, and create a song that leaves you feeling emotionally crushed.
Bola de Cristal Bola de Cristal cassette
Debut release from Seville’s BOLA DE CRISTAL. Ten tracks in the synth punk/post-punk vein, featuring mid-tempo rhythms of sturdy bass and drums, under squabble-y guitars that shimmer with chorus, enchanting synths, and beautiful vocals by Carmen Marchena. This reminds me of the hearty feeling I got from PHANTASIA, who I reviewed a couple years back. I’ll be excited to see where BOLA DE CRISTAL goes from here.
Brutalize …Can’t Relate LP
BRUTALIZE takes its name from the Scandinavian masters of lighting-fast metalized crust DRILLER KILLER’s debut record. Just like Cliff (the mentor of DRILLER KILLER and previously the heavy metal agitator of ANTI-CIMEX), these maniac lads proudly wear their influences on their sleeves. Brother band to deadly metalpunk outfit PHANE, the references are all there and the lesson is engraved in their minds. Fast-paced, noisy crust à l DRILLER KILLER, following the lineage of ’90s ANTI-CIMEX and TOTALITÄR, with hints of metal. Vocalist Pedro goes all out, belching nihilistic themes on top of the whirlwind of chaos. Twenty songs of brutal, misanthropic punk!
The Circulators Insufficient Fun LP
Insufficient Fun, the debut LP from San Francisco’s the CIRCULATORS, delivers some seriously impressive punk’n’roll barn-burners. Channeling the energy of bands like the DEVIL DOGS in my favorite tracks, they also incorporate a mix of ’60s pop and RAMONES-inspired rawness. The album has the gritty, rock’n’roll sound that could easily fit into the Crypt Records catalog from the ’90s, but somehow it doesn’t come across as a tired nostalgia act. These guys have serious potential, and I’m interested to hear what they throw at us next. Check out the TEENGENERATE-inspired “On the Loose.”
Crusty Hi Charge Crusty Hi Charge CD
A collection of wretched noise from Osaka’s CRUSTY HI CHARGE, before they changed their name to SAAG in the early 2000s. Taken from a self-titled cassette, a compilation, and a 7” EP, this is a neat little package that will satisfy any itch that can be scratched with rabid vocals and chaotic instrumentation. Definitely ahead of its time by about 25 years; if this came out today, it would be in everybody’s yearly top ten list.
Decider Thoughts & Prayers cassette
Not to be confused with the other active New York City-based DECIDER (a crossover thrash band) as I almost did when looking up this release—this DECIDER plays mid-tempo indie rock. Fortunately, I received the cassette, as I cannot find anything about this band online. Unfortunately, I received the cassette. While the opening track, or the fact the band does an incredibly castrated-sounding STOOGES cover, may trick some people into thinking that this is a garage-esque punk band, a vast majority of the songs on this cassette range from alt-rock revival to artsy, sing-songy, early ’00s-style indie rock to acoustic singer-songwriter fluff. Aside from the aforementioned, I can’t imagine anything on this cassette being on any sort of punk music enthusiast’s radar. This feels like a testament to just how few places there are remaining that will review cassettes as a viable music medium. This has absolutely no place being reviewed in Maximum Rocknroll.
Edgar Places We Live, Places We Die LP
Formed in 1994 and breaking up just a couple of years later, Long Island screamo band EDGAR, with members who went on to play in the STATE SECEDES and LAST DAYS OF AUGUST, reunited in 2019 before settling down to write a new album during the pandemic. The result, Places We Live, Places We Die, feels like a time capsule from 30 years ago, firmly mid-tempo and blending discordant and harmonic guitar lines reflecting the influence of ‘90s post-hardcore from D.C. Bob English alternates between intense scream-singing and…something I don’t know how else to describe other than “musical talking.” While his vocal highs aren’t as sweet as they were on the TETSUO split, he still delivers a strong performance, supported by interesting songwriting and solid musicianship from the band. The result is a satisfying, nostalgic listen for fans of ’90s-era screamo with a D.C. twist. Check out “Failing as Humans.”
Egghead. Dumb Songs for Smart People LP
This is the first vinyl release of the 1999 compilation put out by Mutant Pop Records on CD. NYC’s EGGHEAD plays simple, lo-fi punk pop songs about unrequited love, bad jobs, and growing up. No doubt this could have been a Lookout! release, as the songs stand up to the oeuvre of the MR. T EXPERIENCE, SQUIRTGUN, and the TEEN IDOLS. What sets this apart is the rough, rushed, underground sound and the feeling that they don’t take themselves too seriously, but are equally adept at crafting two-minute irreverent opuses.
Festa del Perdono Società Mentale EP
Post-punk, sort of dark rock/punk band. I was really drawn to the vocals on this EP, as they were sort of punk-style speaking, and borderline rap at times due to the sheer speed at which he was singing and speaking. My favorite track was “Pomeriggio Dorato,” as it had a more spooky and atmospheric intro, followed by almost ska-style guitar, reminiscent of “Ghost Town” by the SPECIALS. It also had a great bass interlude in the middle of the track. Overall, get ready to get immersed in a dark and wonderfully gloomy atmosphere.
The Grimly Pleased Give Some Kicks 10”
Fun and silly cowpunk with a slight psychobilly edge. I mean this in the best way possible, but this sounds like it fell straight out of a time capsule from the early ’90s. Reminds me a lot of THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, with the musical chops of TOY DOLLS and DEAD KENNEDYS. Seems to me like they use a lot of inside jokes in their lyrics, which I know can be a turnoff for those who value more substance in their poetry, but I’ve always enjoyed peeking through the window of someone’s world. Even when the jokes are a tad more cryptic, they’re written well enough to be relatable. Take their track “Thank You, Ben Morgan”—an ode to someone who I assume was once their recording engineer. “Thank you, Ben Morgan / Thank you for being so cool /Thank you, Ben Morgan / You didn’t even use Pro-Tools.” I don’t care who you are, that’s some charming wordsmithing right there.
Half Brick Half Brick cassette
“This is the Shrewsbury sound,” says a handwritten insert inside my copy of the handmade J-card of HALF BRICK’s second cassette. It’s fair to say this English market town has not spawned many other bands worthy of this claim in its thousand-year or so history, therefore let it be known that whirlwind herbert punk blare will ring through the streets as you shop for vapes and phone accessories. It’s pleasingly unclear what HALF BRICK is gunning for here, but it comes off to me as cats with a mysterious guy hardcore grounding trying their hand at _Bored Teenagers_-type late ’70s church hall punk crossed with ’90s turbo garage à la Crypt Records. The singer sounds like a tougher Billy Childish, the guitarist cranks out hairy solos for fun, and the lyrics “Give yourself a hefty pat on the back” (‘’Good Intentions”) are, I have a feeling, not as wholesome as they read on paper.
Jug Or Not EP
It took me much longer than it should have to catch the pun in this EP’s title, but JUG is affirmatively pummeling, and despite my smooth-brained density, Or Not is fitting for the group in both sound and spirit. Mid-tempo bummer punk that shares some DNA with LIFE STINKS, but you can tell they’re from somewhere much colder than San Francisco. Ah yes, Winnipeg. No palm trees in Winnipeg. JUG may not play fast, but the songs are never plodding. Better still, they have riffs that are both punishing and memorable. Four cuts that don’t overstay their welcome with a theme song to boot. An impressive debut.
Loose Lips One More Chance EP
Featuring members of the PRIZE, the CHATS, and CHUBBY AND THE GANG, I was definitely set up with high expectations and interested in what sound might win out in that wild game of rock, paper, scissors. Fans of any of those bands will be excited to hear these songs, and I think the classic punky power pop sounds of the PRIZE jump out first. One thing here which helps differentiate this EP from the sounds made in the members’ other projects was the splash of bar boogie, especially in the track “Told You So.” And while I don’t think these tracks vastly outshine their other projects or anything (at least in this first offering), I imagine they had a blast putting these songs together, and that energy definitely shines through. Would love to hear how this project might evolve further in the future.
The Maharajas Ride the Wylde Mammoths 10″
Garage rock has always been a genre that stands in tribute to itself. From the originators of jagged rock’n’roll in the ’60s covering standards to the various retro reinventions, what makes for good garage often comes down to interpretation. It’s fitting then that one of Sweden’s longer-running crops of the ’90s garage revitalization (is it revitalization if the genre never truly goes away?) committed an entire slab of wax to one of the heavy-hitters of the late ’80s. The WYLDE MAMMOTHS were a Crypt Records act out of Stockholm, and this is ten of their tracks from contemporary garage heads the MAHARAJAS. It’s a loving tribute, and it would have to be, with scarcely a hair out of place. It ties together garage rock neatly in cross-generational gift wrapping, from deeply chiming ’60s rock worship to the modern era. The WYLDE MAMMOTHS’ Pete Maniette passed away in 2023, and it’s hard to think of a better memorial than tracks like “Run From Her” being brought back to life in technicolor by as tight a band as the MAHARAJAS. It almost feels like a labor of love for true heads only, but really it serves as a beautiful entrypoint not just to Maniette’s body of work but the history of garage rock in general.
Rozz Rezabek 1979 Pop Session LP
Previously misattributed as a late recording from San Francisco first-wavers NEGATIVE TREND when released as the unauthorized The Pop Sessions CD by White Noise Records in 1998, these nine tracks are actually solo efforts from the band’s former singer, the now-legendary ROZZ REZABEK, recorded in 1979 after he had parted ways with the group. This official LP release from HoZac is setting the record straight. The set captures the brief, yet potent moment in time when punk had just begun mutating into the hardcore styles that would dominate its presence in the years that would follow, and the sound of these tunes fits squarely between that of the earliest incarnations of BLACK FLAG and the first CIRCLE JERKS LP. The agitated rocking of the genre’s early days was approaching its boiling point, and few documents capture the era as definitively as this. ROZZ’s raging vocals are authentically steeped in sarcasm and spite, and songs like “Never Say Die” and “Dead Wrong” would be iconic standards had they not been buried in obscurity and misinformed bootlegs until now. It’s a must-hear for all true obsessives and would-be punk historians.
Shafrah بنات المدينه Bnat El Medinah LP
I really don’t know anything about this band other than that they play hardcore punk. A little melodic at times, and some real bootstompers at other times. I’d even go as far as saying that at least one of the songs reminds of the kind of hardcore that BOSTON STRANGLER is known for. They also play some fast hardcore and some well-thought-out melodic punk, kind of like what CHAIN CULT is known for now. This is a very enjoyable record and I’d love to see them live.
Skism Somebody’s Baby CD
In Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, he uses the conceit of prisoners chained up inside a cave since birth, who know nothing of the outside world. From inside their confinement, they see shadows cast by other objects passing in front of a fire. For the prisoners, who have known nothing else, these shadows represent their reality. For them, this is absolute truth, despite these only being replications, images of the objects; a poor rendering of true reality. SKISM is a shitty shadow on a shittier cave wall. It sounds like punk music that was written for a sitcom. To borrow a phrase from the great Bill Shankly, if SKISM was playing at the bottom of my garden, I’d draw the curtains. Shite.
Stiff Richards GFC / Empty Barrels 7″
Breaking the silence of Aussie garage punkers STIFF RICHARDS after a four-year hiatus following their 2020 State of Mind LP, this short and explosive 45” simply slaps. A catchy and rocking A-side leads into an uncharacteristically fast and ripping B-side, sounding like the SAINTS on speed and leaving you wanting more. Is the start of a great new era for these Melbourne menaces? Stay tuned!
Street Sweeper Don’t Wait EP
This is as straight-ahead and swaggering as rock’n’roll gets. Just pure attitude and energy, recorded simply and done absolutely right. In just four tracks, this Melbourne act showcases a knack for wild melodic rock that harkens back to when the EXPLODING HEARTS first gainfully won all our attention. Of note here is guitarist and singer Allan Stacey’s near croon, a singer who has plenty of attitude but isn’t afraid to belt it out with sincerity. There’s really not a trace of irony to be found here, which is always refreshing. The band leaves themselves nothing to hide behind, just tracks like “Out to Dry,” which revs its motor and has a brief but delicious hook that leaves me wanting more and more. Worth the shipping from Australia and then some.
Total Vacation TV EP
L.A. fastcore project with a DIY and have-fun hardcore punk ethos that could make you want to start a band with your friends. They won’t stop, because they can’t and they don’t want to. Mad and very energetic drive, cadences, and rhythm section. Versing on scene critiques, but also love and existence, achieving the status of an interesting EP—such great speed.
Träume Wrzask LP
Over the past couple of years (and thanks to writing reviews for Maximum Rocknroll), I’ve become very familiar with punk from behind the Iron Curtain. When the Wrzask LP by TRÄUME landed in my inbox, I was excited to say the least. Moments after pressing play, I’m reminded of ZBOMBARDOWANA LALECZKA, which is the ancestral band of TRÄUME. If you like hardcore punk, then you’re going to love Polish hardcore punk. A mutation all its own: Polish hardcore tends to embrace playfulness in regards to rhythm shifts and exploration of noise, so get ready for some new sounds. TRÄUME is amazing at shifting between eardrum-piercing noise to bouncing hardcore in no time flat and with ultimate finesse. If you like TRÄUME, then maybe also check out ZBOMBARDOWANA LALECZKA, IŁ-62, or CITY SKYLINE.
V/A Degenerates and Dickweeds cassette
Thirteen tracks from thirteen different artists around the world, compiled for this release from Nashville, TN-based cassette label Knuckles on Stun. Plenty of snotty, synthy egg sounds to be found here. If you’ve checked out anything from Under the Gun, Goodbye Boozy, or the Australian synth punk scene, you’ll easily find things to dig here. As these are previously unreleased tracks, not every one is a highlight, but highlights are indeed here and ready to be discovered. Early standout “Drooler” by GARBANZO is a fantastic GEE TEE-sounding ode to some beloved mouth-breather, and “Normal Afternoon” by MEDIA PUZZLE is a great one-minute sugar rush. This collection whizzes by quickly, given the nature of the sounds, and makes perfect sense for a cassette release.
34 Trolley Relaxation 12″
34 TROLLEY is the new solo(-ish) project from Jarrett Dougherty, the drummer of SCREAMING FEMALES until their recent demise, which I am only bringing up here because the hype label on this 12” namedrops Dougherty’s former band rather prominently. I never really got the appeal of SCREAMING FEMALES, and for anyone who feels similarly, it’s a connection that could likely serve as a deterrent rather than an enticement. These four songs, however, are absolutely my kind of shit—loose-limbed mutant funk, Downtown 81 done 2024-style, riding the 99 Records express train direct from LIQUID LIQUID to ESG. Möbius loop bass lines and dead-stare disco drums carve out some extended, rump-shaking minimalist grooves, punctuated by quick slashes of Andy Gill-esque guitar and Brittany Luna’s sparse, sung/chanted vocals that mirror 34 TROLLEY’s guiding musical principles of economy and repetition with lyrics pared down to only the most direct calls to action. There’s some subtle, slinky vibraphone texture, there’s brief blasts of sax and trombone and trumpet, but the rhythm rules everything, from the caustically danceable and defiant “Go Ahead” (a pseudo answer song to BUSH TETRAS’ “Too Many Creeps”), to the percolating, nearly eight-minute roundabout of “Relaxation.” Instant hit.
Acute 2006–2018 Discography CD
ACUTE is not one of the Japanese bands that is totally blown-out-sounding. Think tight, more in the vein of BASTARD or LIP CREAM, mixed with DROPDEAD and Japanese melodies. However you want to describe it, I’m lucky I wasn’t listening in my car or I would have had a bunch of speeding tickets. Black Konflik does it yet again and gives us a fantastic discography CD.
The Berserk Demo 2024 cassette
Fast and furious ’80s USHC-inspired punk from Philly’s the BERSERK. This demo is really well-produced and sort of sounds like ELECTRIC CHAIR at times and WARTHOG at other times. Track three, “Born Berserk,” has some great guitar work, and the following track “Reviled” is absolutely vicious. Based on the strength of this tape, it’s safe to say the BERSERK are ones to watch.
The Boys Alternative Chartbusters LP reissue
Their second album, from 1978, is one of the greatest pop records ever. It also just so happened to be a punk record. These songs are as catchy and infectious as they were the first time I ever heard them, which was many years ago. If you’re not familiar with this band, do yourself a favor and check it out. While you’re there, listen to their self-titled debut album. I’m serious. If you do nothing else today…this one’s got some bonus cuts including the holiday classic “Silent Night.” Here’s a fun fact: the band put out a number of Christmas singles under the name the YOBS. Get it?
Cutters Psychic Injury LP
Full-bore hardcore from Melbourne, CUTTERS’ second full-length Psychic Injury is a dynamic and textured wrecking ball of an album. Featuring fifteen tracks and clocking in at thirty-five minutes, Psychic Injury is on the longer end of hardcore records; fortunately, the band provides enough variety to keep it interesting. Ironically enough, the song “Doomscroller” is about losing your attention span thanks to social media, so clearly the band is aware enough to keep it fresh. Highly recommended for anyone whose patience hasn’t been completely eroded by the internet.
E.V.A. II EP
As soon as I looked at the album cover, I was hooked: badass gothic imagery. Their music built off the artwork to create a new universe where you’re utterly immersed in their post-punk/gothic music. The long melodic vocals at the start of “El Fuego” made me feel like I was wandering around an abandoned church or graveyard, in addition to the darker and more ominous feelings in “La Muerte” (a fitting title). Similarly, I enjoyed the simplicity of the titles, being only one word, as it didn’t take away from the complexity and layers of the music. At times, the vocals had a droning quality reminiscent of Siouxsie Sioux, which is an immediate thumbs up from me. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this.
Fashion Tips I Wish You Every Success LP
FASHION TIPS, from Newcastle (England, not Australia), released a lush debut tape in 2023 on which they more or less single-handedly revived early 2000s white belt sasscore, but in their own weird and indeed queer image. On this longer eight-song follow-up, they’ve changed that up again, spinning off in a few different directions—so not only is there more electronic danceability, with all-programmed beats and ADULT. coming to mind on “Quelle Surprise,” for example, there are also heavier, sludgier bass lines courtesy of Liam Slack. “Lunched Out,” from the 2023 tape, gets a do-over here, and makes as big a splash as the first time, with Esme Newman’s lyrics a rush of intriguing imagery. I saw FASHION TIPS play live in a cinema a few weeks ago and people were quick to shake their stuff in the aisles. Rightly so!
Golpe De Gracia Heriotzari Irrin LP
GOLPE DE GRACIA is about as subtle as a boot to the cranium. Heriotzari Irrin is a natural follow-up to their 2021 album, Ustela. The formula hasn’t changed—Oi! backbone with snotty punk vocals—which is precisely what I hoped would be the case. No unnecessary departure, but these ten tracks do feel more refined, like they are building on a foundation. This album hits hard with big choruses, killer bass lines, guitar that cuts like a honed razor…and no fluff or filler. Fans of IRMO and BETON ARME should be gobbling this down.
Hairy Patt Band Lane Avenue Breakdown cassette
Unearthing recordings from 1995-96, this tape showcases the homegrown strain of weirdo river rock emitted by Ohio legends the HAIRY PATT BAND. A dirt-caked lo-fi endeavor with song titles like “Mustache Ride” and “Dildo Lover,” this collection of tunes from the once-prolific duo shares in the bluesy, bastard rockabilly lineage of the OBLIVIANS, KING LOUIE’S ONE MAN BAND, and BLOODSHOT BILL. Six blown-out tracks including a soulful rendition of Harry Nilsson’s “Everybody’s Talkin’.”
Imperfect Youth 1984 Ministry of Truth CD
Funny story here—these guys were a thing in the early ’80s. Then they reformed in 2022, with the goal of recording a full-length of their ’80s originals (and a cover). That’s a cool story to me. And I think they’re from Wrexham! How can you not love them? Musically, it’s pretty straightforward melodic and catchy hardcore. Totally sounds like something I’d have been listening to in 1984. I don’t think this is going to blow anyone’s mind, but it sure is fun taking a trip down memory lane with them. Worth checking out.
Jaws 69 Jaws 69 demo cassette
Bloomington, IN-based solo recording project. Almost impressively lo-fi recording, to the point that I couldn’t tell if there were drums on one song and am still confused what the unknown instrument on a couple of these tracks is. Six songs (and an intro) of high-treble, hard-to-digest punk, much like Alex Kintner’s floatation raft, left deflated and bloody. I thought the premise of Jaws: The Revenge (Jaws 4) was confusing, but it seems a lot has transpired between the fourth and sixty-ninth installment, because even after two full listens, I am left at a loss for words to describe exactly what it was I just listened to. After the second listen, I left the tape spinning, playing its dead tape hiss for quite some time before I was greeted by roughly the last minute of “The Life You Dream” by JUDY COLLINS to close out the cassette. I’m not putting anything past the creators of JAWS 69, so I will not be assuming if this was intentional or not. Limited edition of fifteen copies.
Louse Passions Like Tar LP
Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, LOUSE plays an eclectic brand of post-punk that explores a variety of emotions and topics on their latest full-length Passions Like Tar. Songs that call to mind bands like the CURE, and BAUHAUS, but also post-hardcore like SPARTA circa Porcelain. If you’re in the mood for something that is a little less straightforward and saves space for a bit of jamming, then look no further than LOUSE.
Mommy Boys Monoton EP
Chaotic Berlin punk outfit that reminds one of ’80s street punkers from the same latitudes, adding some layers to their sound with economical synth effects and noise in the mix. Full of a defiant attitude and aggressive tweaks that end up with the feeling of a brawling pogo in a basement. Eleven energetic and furious tracks, urgent and histrionic, keeping the vibes of Deutschpunk at its finest. Recommended for connoisseurs who dig classic Euro street punk.
Nunofyrbeeswax / Top Down Diggin’ in the Dirt / Deep Thoughts split EP
With only two tracks on one side of an EP, NUNOFYRBEESWAX makes sure to leave their mark. They’re garage punk with a more unique edge. “Deep Thoughts” sounds more stripped-down in terms of sound, but in a great, punky way. I loved the tempo change in the middle of “André el Gigante,” which was much slower and led to a smooth transition into the fading out of guitar at the end of the song (not to mention, some sharp-witted lyrics). These guys are definitely worth checking out.
Outrun X Shadows Outrun X Shadows cassette
Inspired by his hometown Chattanooga’s folklore and the Corpsewood Manor murders, musician Ashley Krey has made an impressive solo tape including a delectable mix of goth, punk, and electronic wiles. There are some great spooky sound effects, guitar riffs, and samples, which stylistically remind me of GHOST a bit, given the whole dark occult schtick. I enjoyed the messy, raw-around-the-edges feel of the album, particularly in “Chattooga Black Mass” and “Through The Miasma.” To me, compositional similarities can be drawn to the MISFITS, and I do find “Gargoyles on the Chickenhouse,” funnily enough, to sound like someone asked Julian Casablancas to record a Halloween track with the STROKES. You can tell there’s a vision, a meaning behind the album that adds depth to its already subterranean aesthetic. There could be some improvements to recording quality, yet all in all, this is a great listen for those fond of haunted punk ballads.
Private Hell Wake Up Screaming / Dead Inside flexi 7″
Richmond’s metallic hardcore outfit PRIVATE HELL unleashes their latest 7”, which they self-released as a follow-up to their 2023 EP Days of Wrath. PRIVATE HELL dug deep into their metallic roots, shifting their sound to a more buzzsaw-oriented muscular approach with influences like OBITUARY, HELLHAMMER, and ENTOMBED added to their dynamic mood-shifting, powerviolence-like approach. Groove-oriented savagery throughout. The digital version of the EP adds an unexpected but well-chosen cover of JOY DIVISION’s “Warsaw” that sounds like it could be on any NAILS record. A solid return to action.
The Rebel Set Bummer City LP
It can feel trite to describe something as “fun,” but as soon as this record kicked off, I was having a good time. The REBEL SET plays surf rock filled with awesome organ sounds, tons of handclaps, and reverb-soaked guitar solos. The energy stays high throughout the eleven tracks that comprise Bummer City, and each individual track tends to fly by. I think the vocals could be a bit more dynamic, but that’s just a personal preference; heck, so much great surf rock doesn’t even have vocals, so it’s cool that that’s not the case here. Fans of garage rock in the vein of the MYSTERY LIGHTS and other Wick Records sounds will feel right at home here as well.
Sheer Terror UK8? EP
Long-running NYHC stalwarts toss a bit of a curveball with a tip of the (I assume Yankees) cap to their punk roots. As you may have surmised, this EP consists of three ’80s UK punk covers. It’s an interesting selection with songs originally by the PARTISANS, UK SUBS, and DISCHARGE. Tough to fuck up such great source material too badly, and with SHEER TERROR being a well-oiled hardcore machine, they pull it off adroitly. There’s not much deviation from the source material, but it is kinda cool to hear Paul Bearer croning a bit on “Blind Ambition.”
Skotos Αναχώρηση cassette
SKOTOS brings us a speedy little crust massacre out of New York City. Fast, raw, and drenched in distortion, this four-song tape is rough stuff in the vein of DISPOSE and HELLISH VIEW that will leave the ears ringing. Those who have acquired this particular taste will find it quite appetizing.
Success Second Edition cassette
Hardcore with a twangy guitar. This is tough-guy egg-punk right here. SUCCESS has successfully (no pun intended) extended the olive branch across the aisle to our chain punk adversaries. And people say bipartisanship is dead! Very quality stuff here. Fast as hell, super-short songs, and a vocalist with the energy of a rabid bulldog. Checks all my boxes, that’s for certain! Brings to mind a combination of ALIEN NOSEJOB, CHRIMPSHRINE, and early FUCKED UP. Lovely work here, and well worth a play.
The Templars The Return of Jacques de Molay LP reissue
Another month, another TEMPLARS reissue, and a litany of close-cropped completists will rejoice as their scorching debut record appears on vinyl for the first time outside of a few limited pressings here and there. What more is there to say about this record? A bona fide US Oi! classic, with one boot in the Oi! camp, and another dipping a steel toecap into other less meat-and-two-veg genres; it was and continues to be a lot of fun. Fuzzed-out guitars, furiously barked vocals meeting nicely surprisingly bass melodies. The blueprint for a generation. If you know, you’ve got it, but if you haven’t, you need to give this a go.
Witch Piss Tape 2 cassette
It’s been a relatively long wait since Tape 1 from California’s WITCH PISS, especially considering their penchant for blazing hot and concise punk. I suspect it takes a little more than meets the ear to write tunes this dense and ferocious, though. Borrowing from the tight-but-chaotic bouncing corners of garage punk with throaty vocals laden over like gravel, it’s a winning sound that takes hold of your attention and doesn’t let go. It’s not quite hardcore, but I imagine it commands a room the way hardcore does at its most literate. Plus it’s just a hell of a lot of damn fun, with trebly rumbles of bass, just a kiss of synth, and riffs that will make you pogo like a fool. Just my kind of stuff, like bubblegum in a studded jacket.
Yellowcake A Fragmented Truth EP
Easily one of the most intense blasts of hardcore that I’ve heard put on record this year. The vocals are just as intense as the music and sound like they’re filled with passion, as does the music. It’s quite difficult for me to compare this band to anyone. Maybe they sound like a cross between DROPDEAD and ANTISCHISM, that’s intense! This record is making me seriously consider changing my already-written top ten list for the year. A fantastic record.
Некројаготки Мајчице Вештице LP
Deluxe vinyl issue with screenprinted cover of a DIY boombox recording from 1992. Why this dogshit recording is being lovingly reissued is beyond me, but someone is about to end up with a full box in their garage. There are ten tracks here, recorded by two Macedonian friends, that draw from and/or parody early grindcore, glam metal, hard rock, and worst of all, funk. The vocals move from hair metal wailing to raw and reverbed growling, while the guitar and drums never move beyond beginner level. Nearly every song starts with an overlong found TV recording, which gets old in the middle of the first one. The members may have fond memories and do sound like they are having fun, but fellas, this shit sucks.
V/A Palestine Solidarity Compilation, Vol. 2 cassette
The second volume in an ongoing series of compilations to help raise funds in solidarity with Palestine. You get 27 tracks from 27 different artists contributing unreleased demos, covers, and live versions of songs, so you already know there is great diversity of sounds to be had, and new gems to uncover from bands like SPREAD JOY, CITRIC DUMMIES, SICK THOUGHTS, URANIUM CLUB, and more. The content that makes up this compilation doesn’t matter that much, even though it is a great collection to be sure. But the content as a vehicle to try and help others is and should be the focus here.
Atomic Prey Atomic Prey 12″
Newly-formed band from the murky, damp and dark corners of PDX. ATOMIC PREY heaps out spacy, primal D-beat that orbits around the topics of modern ills and malcontents. The sound is cutting and agitated, I can hear the likeness of SIAL, MALDITA, and other hometown greats LEBENDEN TOTEN. Now just imagine all of that with a hell of a lot more reverb. There is some live Black Water footage to familiarize yourself with, which I have now watched far more than I would care to admit…a morsel until they get out on the road. Best cover art of ’24??
Bavure Demo 2024 cassette
I have to listen to a fair amount of demos as you may well imagine, and I sort of get a sense of what I’m in for within the first 30 or so seconds. Within the first 20 of this demo, I’d already started pulling a grimace of recognition, and considering whether the landlord would cover a spinkick-related hole in the wall as “reasonable wear and tear” come security deposit season. This demo from Lille-based BAVURE is a lot of fun, Oi!-influenced hardcore played at blistering speed, replete with perfectly moronic breakdowns. Real trogoldyte shit, Good fun.