|
MUSIQUE
Chroniques
Prévenez-nous si vous voyez des liens morts, ou pour envoyer vos productions à chroniquer : Yann ; coinxxxcoin[at]yahoo.fr. Si vous cherchez à vous procurer certains de ces disques, écrivez-nous, nous pourrons peut-être vous aiguiller vers des distros qui les ont.
-
HAYMARKET Cd-r (Canard musique)
This album is quite different from the first one (see review elsewhere on this site). It starts off bad ; the first song has a fashionable, emo-crust sound and I don’t like the dual screaming/melodic vocals. But the second one is truly great ; it’s much more melodic with punk guitar riffs that remind me of THIS SYSTEM KILLS. Thankfully the rest of the record follows by the same line. It’s more powerful than the first album, there’s more guitars, with a fuller production. Both records sound ok in their own way. This is an advanced promo copy so I didn’t get to see the big booklet that goes with it. And the record’s sold for a cheap price. http://www.canardmusique.org (Y.B.)
-
MAGRUDERGRIND/ SHITSTORM split Cd (Fuck you)
Ouch ! Real powerful grindcore steamroller from the Usa. MAGRUDERGRIND are awesome, although they sound a hell of a lot like HELLNATION, with a little SPAZZ thrown in. Bloody excellent. SHITSTORM (cool band name) aren’t as good, but still kick some ass. Great Cd, with decent lyrics, too bad it’s only 22 minute long. http://www.hellmilitia.com (Y.B.)
-
HERO DISHONEST "juggernaut" Cd (If society)
This Finnish band put out a bunch of records, this one came out a few years ago and must be their second album. I had already heard some of their other records, and they were great. This is no exception ; they play tight, fast and powerful thrashcore with punk-Hc influences and fairly good lyrics. http://www.ifsociety.com
-
BURY THE LIVING "all the news that’s fit to scream" Lp (Prank)
20 tracks of fast, pissed, raw and distorted Hc from the Usa. Tracks alternate fast speedy Hc assault with mid tempo and slower, melodier parts with distorted/ noisy guitar riffs. Somewhat hoarse and "high pitched" vocals. Lyrics mainly deal with socio-political issues such as war between Israel and Palestine, Us commitment into many wars, friendship and backstabbing, the long gone spirit of skateboarding, religion and patriotism, living up to your ideals… www.prankrecords.com (P.B.)
-
BORN/DEAD "the final collapse" Lp (Prank)
New full length from this Californian outfit. Comes in a nice classy gatefold sleeve with an inner 8 page booklet. Pretty fast pissed punk-Hc, not unlike a slower/heavier CHRIST ON PARADE… Take a bit of DISCHARGE, EXTREME NOISE TERROR and FINAL CONFLICT with the heavier sound of HIS HERO IS GONE, hoarse and pissed dual male vocals, mix it all together and you get BORN/DEAD. Repetitive, catchy punk riffs with relentless crust attacks. Lyrics are dark and deal with being trapped and hiding behind barricades, worldwide pressure and nuclear terror, hierarchal domination, global devastation,… + one boring noisy track. www.prankrecords.com (P.B.)
-
DISKONTO "we are the people our parents warned us about" Lp (Six weeks)
Damn, I was quite sceptical when receiving this, thinking this would be yet another basic crusty Hc-punk record from Sweden. Boy was I wrong ! It sure is remiscent of old Swedish Hc- punk bands but this is really tight and fast relentless Hc-punk. They have matured a lot since the last release I heard from them. Vocals reminded me of SVART SNO’s singer, sung faster though and a bit rawer too. Lyrics are in Swedish and only come with explanations in English, which is both good and bad at the same time (I would have liked to read the lyrics, but the good side is that at least they took the time to comment their views). Lyrics deal with the punk scene, taking part in a stereotypical society, apocalyptic future, the support of foreign dictatorships by the western world, etc. Fans of fast Swedish punk should check this out. You’ll also love the "modern" artwork. www.diskonto.org (P.B.)
-
CONVERGE/ HELLCHILD split Lp (Deathwish)
Okay, this is already pretty old so I won’t spend much time on it. Fans already have it anyway. No lyrics included, nice artwork. 4 tracks each, including live songs from each band (they just sound like in the studio). CONVERGE = (metal)² x (µ-technical) x 20% atmospheric Hc + blast beats / (tight screamo - heaviness)². HELLCHILD from Japan use kind of the same formula ; tight heavy metallic technical Hc with grind-ish/raw vocals, sounding a bit darker, more metal and more basic than CONVERGE. http://www.deathwishinc.com (P.B.)
-
CUT THROAT "s/t" Lp (Partners in crime)
One sided 6 track Lp by these Us folks, the other side being a (pretty ugly) etched side. They mix a DISCHARGE-esque structure with scandi-crust-punk riffs and solos and a modern, heavier sound. And honestly, there’s just something wrong, I couldn’t get into it. It’s not bad, just generic, seen, heard and done hundreds of times before, and the vocals are also very hoarse and well, it just doesn’t move me. Classic artwork you’d expect from a Japanese or dark crust band with skeletons and more. Lyrics are pretty much the same, dealing with violence & war, democracy, social control and a pretty nice one about voting ! If you like your Hc-punk repetitive and pissed, this is for you. (P.B.)
-
ANTICIMEX "the records 1981- 86" Lp/Cd (A2O)
Another great, impossible to find classic reissued… This Lp compiles all of the band’s classic records from their beginnings until their first long player. It has the anti cimex 12", the "anarkist attack" 7" which contains the rawer and punker tunes : pretty fast pissed disbeat Swedish punk that sounds like a mix of early DISCHARGE with faster Finnish/Swedish bands such as RATTUS, BASTARDS, etc. The "raped ass" 7", already faster and with a better producion, evolving towards a more metallic sound, introducing the first guitar solos and showing the band’s influences like EXTREME NOISE TERROR. Fast raw punk Hc. The "victims of a bomb raid" sounds pretty much the same, as both 7"s have songs with "basic" lyrics mainly dealing about war and its atrocities, and religion, both being a mix of E.N.T. and DISCHARGE but the latter being a bit more "mid tempo" and "discharg-esque" than the "raped ass". The 12" has a heavier and better production ; mid tempo to fast disbeat metallic crust punk with angry/hoarse vocals, more personal and darker lyrics. My main complain is that there is no insert whatsoever, the lyrics are printed on the sleeve, let alone the "anarkist attack" 7" and there are no liner notes, biography or anecdotes which would have been pretty nice from ANTI CIMEX… Fans of old Swedish punk should definitely check out this piece of vinyl ! www.newprejudice.eu (P.B.)
-
ANTICIMEX "demos 81- 85" Lp (A2O)
25 tracks taken from various demos of the Swedish kings of chaos, from their very first "anarkist attack" to their final one in 1985 (before the "criminal tap" mLp). Sound quality varies a bit but is in general pretty good, the rawest in production being the 1981 demo (which also sounds more punk, yet still fast, like RATTUS, KAAOS,…). Raw Hc-punk with raw vocals that sounds very close to DISCHRAGE, THE VARUKERS or such outfits, but with a more ferocious speed and a metallic edge brought by guitar solos. Some tracks are pretty close to EXTREME NOISE TERROR. Here again this comes without any lyric sheet, just pictures and band info + a small biography printed on the sleeve. Band members later went onto several “famous” bands such as DRILLER KILLER, WOLFPACK, PSYCHOTIC YOUTH, ASTA KASK… This Lp is mainly of interest as a document for old Swedish/Finnish 80’s punk. www.newprejudice.eu (P.B.)
-
BEHIND ENEMY LINES "one nation under the iron fist of god" Lp/Cd (Profane existence)
New full length by this Pittsburgh based band. The topics are still highly political and focus on George Bush… (now that Obama has won, what are they gonna do ? ;) ). 14 tracks of ferocious punk-crust influenced by HIS HERO IS GONE, yet keeping some originality and bringing a darker edge to its sound. It has a modern and metallic production. The alternate raw and pissed vocals bring additional power to the music. The cool thing is that the band has always included lyrics and artwork and I wish all bands and records would do so… amazing artwork and booklet (depending on the version you have, the PROFANE EXISTENCE version is like a huge picture book, while the euro press is a huge booklet !). Long and well written pessimistic and political lyrics dealing with power and controling the masses & the borders, surveillance and big brother, Bush politics, war in Iraq and the Darfur genocide, multinationals making profit at the expense of the poor, the pitiful inner governmental failure to deal with the New Orleans crisis, Christian fundamentalists and bigoted tradition… and it goes on and on… Fans of good crust/anarchopunk a la AUS ROTTEN, WITCH HUNT, NAUSEA,..., will not be disappointed ! http://www.profaneexistence.com(P.B.)
-
H.D.Q. "soulfinder" Cd (Boss tuneage)
With this release the complete discography finally comes to an end… 30 tracks, including the complete and final HDQ (Hung Drawn and Quartered) "Soulfinder" album recorded after some line up changes 3 years after the band’s beginnings. This also compiles the second BBC peel session, the original and unreleased "Sinking" session, plus a live track, making it a 30 track Cd. The music on "Soulfinder" is much more mature and melodic, yet remaining catchy and pretty fast. Probably gaining influences from the members also playing in outfits such as LEATHERFACE. Us influences from the likes of DAG NASTY could also easily be found. Lyrics were written in a personal way, yet dealing with social or political issues such as blind hatred and ignorance, friendship, trying to find a way through pain and hopelessness, expectations, feelings… The BBC tracks are probably a bit rawer, just like the "Sinking" original tracks that have been taken from a tape (the original masters being destroyed in a fire…) and hence lack a bit of the energy you can find on the "official" "Sinking" Lp though they are still pretty fast and melodic. Comes with a full-colour booklet with pictures, discography and liner notes. This band probably made me discover melodic Hp punk and get involved into the scene, this is worth checking out (though you might feel a bit nostalgic ! :) ). www.bosstuneage.com (P.B.)
-
INSTIGATORS "dine upon the dead" Cd (Black fish)
He, he… finally… another reissue not to be missed in my opinion… Uk Hc classics from the past "hugely influencial in their own quiet way" as said in the booklet… and boy is this right… Now, just like with RINGWORM, what could go wrong with a Cd beginning with "there is no god" shouted four times in an angry way ! This disc compiles the band’s 3 first releases. It is amazing to see how things worked out for this band who was made of people already much involved in the scene (does PEACEVILLE sound familiar to you ?). Let alone the music, the Cd is worth checking out for all the information in contains, all the liner notes from the band-members, and the biography/discography which is already a piece of history. Comes with great pictures too, showing the band’s energy and passion live. Musically speaking these recordings are probably the band’s rawest tunes though they already stand apart from most other bands. It was at the same time hard yet melodic, precise and fast with high-pitched and passionate vocals. The first Lp probably sounds a bit more punk. The first bigger change came with the first line up change when Andy Turner joined in (ex-XPOZEZ), bringing the band to another level. Positive political lyrics filled with rage, well written and dealing with religion and ignorance, war and power, animal rights issues, bureaucracy and dehumanisation… www.blackfishrecords.com (P.B)
-
DECADENCE WITHIN "reflections" 2xCd (Boss tuneage)
Another reissue from a major Uk band that seems to have fallen into oblivion ever since they split up… This record compiles all their early recordings which means the "shall we dance ?" Lp comp (also featuring JOYCE Mc KINNEY EXPERIENCE), the "speed hippy" 7", an unreleased 7", demos from "this lunacy" and "reality wake up call" Lp’s, rehearsal (raw sound) and live tracks… The early tracks (7"s, comp and rehearsal) already paved the way for the band’s unique style but also have huge remnants of old Uk anarcho-punk bands due to the dual male/female vocals, somewhat similar to some CIVILISED SOCIETY/ APPLE/ GODLESS songs. The "later" tracks (demo) being more metal, always well constructed, tight and heavy Hc. The band went through many alterations in their sound throughout their line up changes and the bands they played with, but always kept their somewhat unique sound and structure ; from pretty fast to mid tempo with a few guitar solos here and there… Lyrics were dealing with political issues and also a lot with animal rights/liberation issues (some band members being involved in hunt saboteurs group), nuclear power, indoctrination and unity, self respect, growing older, human relationships, feelings and sex,… Years later it seems amazing that such bands were still releasing demo tapes until the very end and after releasing several Lp’s… All in all a pretty nice document ! www.bosstuneage.com (P.B.)
-
UPFRONT "five by seven" Cd (Smorgasbord)
No new tracks here, as the title mentions, this compiles 5 of UPFRONT 7"s (meaning all of them in fact !) from their beginning to their latest + some unreleased, alternative versions. You have the "Live on Wnyu", the "Daybreak", "Changes", "What fire does" and the split with BUILDING. One of the good thing about UPFRONT is that they evolved with every release, from basic and classic old school SxE Hc to melodic Hc. And finally returning to their roots while keeping the melodic side when reforming in the late 90’s. So, the live 7" and "Daybreak" 7" show the band’s rawest and fastest songs (the live songs are nearly all from the "Spirit" era), while "Daybreak" already shows the forthcoming material while remaining very fast and old school. "Changes" marked the real turn of the band, leaving aside the old, raw and fast side to deliver tight melodic and catchy Hc, "What fire does" being quite a mix of the "Daybreak" and "Changes" records… a good mix between energic Hc and melodies. The band has always been underrated in my opinion. While information is given about recordings and songs, I find it disappointing that the lyrics aren’t included with it seeing they were rather well written, though personal, dealing with socially aware issues. www.smorgasbordrecords.com (P.B.)
-
HERESY "20 more reasons to end it all" Cd (Speed state)
This is the final HERESY reissue, making the whole discography available again. This one is actually the reissue of the Cd that came out on TOY records from Japan a while ago, and that was nearly impossible to get. It compiles the band’s latest material like the entire peel session (13 rocking anthems), the "whose generation" 7" and the "live at leads" live 7". While the live tracks are more of a document (the sound quality being quite raw and average) the rest of this Cd probably gathers HERESY’s best produced songs (though it is said the "face up to it" Lp was abysmally recorded, I just love it !) and also their darkest ones. The band had matured from their first releases and tracks like "everyday madness", "ghettoised", "follow suit" sound way more brutal and crustcore (not unlike SIEGE…) than before. The BBC recordings also show the band’s ability to play fast and tight ! This "legendary" Uk band has influenced many upcoming Hc outfits without ever being matched… in advance of their time, mixing both dedication and fun with outstanding Hc tunes. Comes with a colourful booklet with biography, pictures, lyrics (and Japanese translation for this edition). Very well written lyrics dealing with conformism, peer pressure and consumption, sexual conditioning, squats, trying to overcome suspicion and pessimism… etc. if you don’t already owe this and are into fast Hc you may want to check it out… (European folks may check BOSS TUNEAGE records for the local pressing with additional info) [->www.speedstaterecords.com (P.B.)
-
D.O.A. “bloodied but unbowed” Cd
1978 to 1983, compiling tracks from their early 7"s and Lp’s “something better change” and “hardcore 81” (now available again !). These songs are a great document of the changes D.O.A went through at their very beginning with their various line up changes. It also paved the way for their upcoming releases. These are probably the rawest songs and the most hardcore ones they’ve written, although being highly influenced by metal and rock’n’roll. You get some info about the band’s line up and history. Lyrics are not included with the copy I received which is too bad because D.O.A. have always stood clear about their politics… www.suddendeath.com (P.B.)
-
D.O.A. "war on 45/ march to the end" Cd
Alright bands : stop releasing new records, we’ve got too many good reissues to deal with ! :) 18 tracks, compiling the classic “war on 45” 12" and some other obscure tracks from old compilations, singles and a couple of songs taken from more recent albums. Comes with a 12 page booklet with general info, an (impressive) discography (the band’s been around for 30 years !!), pictures, and lyrics. As you can guess from the title, lots of songs deal with war. But as usual with D.O.A. they are well written, political and sarcastic at the same time. The stupidity of war, religion being at the origin of many wars, modern day politics and general misery, world war 3… Musically speaking their earliest songs sound rawer and faster but have always been strongly influenced by rock. A couple of ska/reggae tunes and covers ("war"…). Joey’s Shithead unique hoarse vocals over tight catchy and energic Hc punk-rock… those not familiar with the band should check this classic release out. www.suddendeath.com (P.B.)
-
THE STUPIDS "Jesus meets the Stupids" Cd/Lp
By now the whole STUPIDS discography has finally been re-released, all in classy gatefold LP’s or luxurious digipacks enhanced with booklets and pictures, liner notes from the members, flyers and original artwork. This one includes extra songs from the bonus 7" that came with the very first pressing of the LP, one unreleased song and another one from the "sound waves" compilation, making it a 19 song Cd in all. For those who are not familiar with THE STUPIDS, they were amongst the 80’s Uk top bands such as INTENSE DEGREE, HERESY, RIPCORD, Dr AND THE CRIPPENS, HDQ and such outfits… While many picked up the fast trashy and crusty Hc sound, THE STUPIDS went for a more melodic Hc path, yet nearly always fast. This is their last album which somehow brought them back to what they knew best : powerful fast and tight Hc. Some songs here truly are Hc anthems (just listen to "skid row", "you’ll never win",…) . THE STUPIDS seemed to have found their mark with this album although they were more into a rock phase (bonus 7”, "slit your wrist", etc) ; the album is a nearly perfect Hc document. While lyrically speaking they stood more on the HARD ONS side than on the political and involved side of their time (songs about food, fridges, being a brat…) they were yet part of the Uk DIY scene. (Note : the Lp reissue does not includes all the bonus tracks, only the original "Jesus meets the stupids" songs). www.visiblenoise.com (P.B.)
-
H.D.Q. "sinking" Cd (Boss tuneage)
Another fine reissue from an old Hc outfit hailing from the Uk. 27 tracks compiling the complete “sinking” Lp, demo tape recordings, the first BBC session (for the John peel show) and the "underground rockers" compilation track. The whole HDQ discography is now available again with the 2 other Cd’s that came out recently. 20 years after, the music still remains as strong as before. This album shows a great evolution in the band’s style, evolving from the early “trashy” Hc tunes of "you suck !" to a more mid paced tempo and melodic Hc, definitely influenced by Us hardcore bands like DAG NASTY, GOVERNMENT ISSUE, etc… But the tunes remained catchy and powerful. Lyrics (provided for the “sinking” Lp only) were written in a personal way but dealing with socially aware issues, about general boredom, trying to find one’s way of living, being trapped in this society and not struggling anymore, stagnation and frustration… The Cd comes with a pretty huge booklet with plenty of information, liner notes, pictures, etc… that makes you feel even more nostalgic with the music. :) The sound on the demo is pretty good as well and the music appears even more raw and fast (not unlike some CAN’T DECIDE songs). A great Uk band that’s as good (if not better) as many melodic Hc classics ! www.bosstuneage.com (P.B.)
-
THE JOYCE Mc KINNEY EXPERIENCE "love songs for Kirk" 2xCd (Boss tuneage)
And here we go for one more reissue… but a pleasant and long awaited one ! 45 songs on 2 Cd’s compiling their long out of print 7”, 12” and LP + selected compilation tracks from the “shall we dance” peel session and demos (and unreleased) !!! Comes with a huge booklet with pictures, original artwork, info, lyrics… Catchy, melodic, sometimes “poppy” Hc from the Uk by a half female fronted band that really matured with each of their releases. They remind me of DAN or SOFAHEAD with the sung female vocals. Clever lyrics dealing with social or political issues such as pollution and concrete buildings replacing the green and the fields, daily routine and how we never question work, whale slaughter, rape and harassment, global madness, hunger and suffering and how we eat the lies… It is sure hard to make up your mind about all those reissues but this one definitely deserves a listen/look. www.bosstuneage.com (P.B.)
-
JINGO DE LUNCH "the independent years 1987-1989" Cd (Rookie)
And one more re-issue… I was kinda excited when this was announced but in the end I’m quite disappointed with it. I thought this would compile all of the band’s releases from this era but on the contrary it’s some sort of sum up of their musical existence. No unreleased nor old demo tracks here… All you get is a panel of songs taken from their first Lp “perpetuum mobile” (which in my opinion is the best one, the more Hc anyway ; catchy powerful metallic Hc with awesome and unique female vocals), the nearly unknown “cursed earth” mLp (having the "left overs" from the "perpetuum mobile" session and a great BAD BRAINS cover + a THIN LIZZY one. The production is different and although some tracks are really as fast and energetic as on the "perpetuum mobile", it sounds slightly more rock and metal already), and tracks from the "axe to grind" Lp which is really slower and way more metal/hard rock oriented with plenty of guitar solos… + one compilation track. Now, the booklet is nice, with all of the lyrics (well personally written and dealing with discriminations and injustice, boredom and dealing with your own self, insanity and criticism…), part of the original artworks and information about the band. But here again, why not make the whole discography available again rather than just some songs from their “career”… (hence leaving aside the whole “BYE” Lp !!). It is cool for people to see how the band evolved, but sad that the whole “perpetuum mobile” Lp wasn’t made available again… www.rookierecords.de (P.B.)
-
MOTORNOISE Cd (Let’s go to war)
Excellent first (?) album by these old portuguese punx who know how to rock ! The great use of a saxophone gives them an original touch. They play powerful punk-Hardcore in the vein of POISON IDEA or AGROTOXICO. Great stuff ! Too bad so little work went in the booklet… http://www.myspace.com/motornoise (Y.B.)
-
VENGENZA/ SCOLD Cd-r (Kawaii)
I thought this was a Cd-r promo copy of a real Cd, and thought it sucked, until I realised it was meant to be sold as a Cd-r and compiled two demos by two far-off, old school, straight edge hardcore bands. It’s better like that. It would have sucked to be released as a real Cd because the production ain’t too good, and the music is fairly basic. Some effort went into the Cd-r as it comes with nicely designed, professionally printed cover and lyric sheet. SCOLD, from Malaysia, play typical youth crew straight edge and are female fronted. I’m not too fond of them, but the fourth, faster song makes me think of SECOND COMBAT and is pretty good. Their lyrics are decent. VENGENZA hail from Guatemala, which is cool, and sound incredibly like INSTED. I love INSTED, …but not copycat bands. http://www.kawaiirecords.com (Y.B.)
-
2ND CLASS CITIZENS Cd (Self released)
This is their first album from 2004. They’re from California and really have a typical American punk-Hardcore sound, somewhere between uptempo punk stuff (RESIST, CORRUPTED MORALS), street-wise hardcore (WARZONE) and old style Hc (CIRCLE JERKS, etc). This is ok stuff, with forced vocals and mostly personal lyrics, but it all lacks a little something to make it stand out from the crowd. http://www.myspace.com/2ndclasscitizens (Y.B.)
-
SENSA YUMA "safe sound and insane" Cd (Mass prod)
These guys have been around for quite some time, right ? I believe there’s GBH members in this band, and yeah, they have that typical English flavour. What’s cool is that their songs are really varied ; some are fast punk tunes while others are slower and more original. There are lots of melodic lines but the songs always remain powerful. This is a great album ! http://www.massprod.com (Y.B.)
-
UTOPIA Cd (Trujaca fala)
Hehe, okay, these guys heard LA FRACTION and POST REGIMENT, and decided to start a melodic punk band. It’s awesome stuff and the female vocals are great too, but they really need to rehearse more and find their own sound. I still believe POST REGIMENT and LA FRACTION are better. ;) www.trujacafala.com (Y.B.)
-
A TOYS ORCHESTRA "technicolor dream" Cd (Urtovox)
Nice digipack. Italian pop band with really strong BEATLES, but also DAVID BOWIE and PINK FLOYD influences. Really well done, but definitely not the kind of music I listen to. www.atoysorchestra.com (Y.B.)
-
MOST PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO BE BORED "success in cheap prices" Cd (Bor land)
Portuguese noise, but not noise in the 7 MINUTES OF NAUSEA or FEAR OF GOD style, no, it’s noise that could be used for movie sountracks. Ambient stuff, you know ? Not really my style, but well done. http://bor-land.com (Y.B.)
-
PUNK’EURE #5 newsletter (in French)
Déjà le numéro 5 pour cette newsletter de l’asso PUNKAHONTAS, qui commence donc à être bien régulière. Y’a des chroniques, et des news. Le tout est très bloqué punk, alors si c’est votre came, vous y trouverez votre bonheur : punkeure@orange.fr (Y.B.)
-
DONDON "last warning" Cd/Lp (Schizophrenic)
Reissue of the long out of print Lp by these Japanese thrashers. This includes bonus tracks from "I will take no orders from anyone" and the "best run fast" compilations. It seems to me that DON DON was an underrated band from Japan and never really met the credit they deserved… maybe this reissue will change things a bit. My main complain is that this could have been a complete discography instead of a 35 minute Cd… especially seeing how outstanding their 7”ep’s and split with SCRAPS were. Anyway, this (the "last warning" Lp) shows the band’s later material which had slown down a bit and lost some of its rawness and energy to mature and gain in production. This is still 100% fast metallic Japanese Hc-punk in the vein of DEATHSIDE, BASTARDS, GAUZE,… Includes lyrics which are unfortunately (like a lot of Japanese bands) devoid of meaning or plenty of mistakes, making it quite hard to understand… dealing with leading your own life, city life, questioning existence and a few other dark themes… www.schizophrenicrex.com (P.B.)
-
FUCK IT ALL/ TOGETHER mCd (Crimechords)
Two bands from Russia. You had SICK OF IT ALL, now you get FUCK IT ALL, who actually sound like them a lot. You know, old style NyHc/ uptempo moshcore. They sing in Russian, which is damn cool, except they didn’t provide us with a translation ! ;) Both bands have a similar sound and are pretty good, although they could use more variety in their music. Musically, I enjoyed TOGETHER a bit more, and they write pretty good lyrics, too. http://www.crimechords.com (Y.B.)
-
CZOLGOSZ/ CRITICA RADICALA split Cd (Sept 6)
This is a cool split Cd featuring two original punk-Hc bands that are both really political : CRITICA RADICALA, from Romania, remind me of TERMINUS, DEAD KENNEDYS, HAYMARKET or even STRAWMAN. It’s good stuff. CZOLGOSZ have a slightly more typical American punk-Hc sound, but are original and good as well. http://www.czolgosz.com (Y.B.)
-
FREEDOOM "still remain" Cd (Puta punx)
I was expecting some fashionable emo-crust, but was surprised by how punk-Hc this sounds. This is the second album by this Portuguese band, and it’s good ! They would fit well on DISTORTION records from Sweden. Let me name a couple bands from the influences they listed on their myspace page : DISCHARGE, POISON DIEA (whom they cover), WOLFBRIGADE, TRAGEDY, MOTORHEAD,… Get they idea ? I would add AGROTOXICO and HAMMERHEAD, too. Good punk. http://www.myspace.com/freedoompunx (Y.B.)
-
SPES EREPTA "minutova terapie" Cd (Refuse)
Ex-members of the great band X-WING, from Czech, playing punky old school hardcore reminiscent of F.P.O., SEEIN RED, BLOODPACT, or NO TIME LEFT. Decent stuff, but this ain’t my favourite style. The lyrics are extremely political, and all this super-radical, manichean stuff tends to bore me. http://www.refuserecords.prv.pl (Y.B.)
-
WHAT IF GODS LIE "third world" (Despotic)
Yawn, more and more emo-crusties who listened to too much TRAGEDY or HIS HERO IS GONE. Oh wait ! This band ain’t too bad actually. Short and dark lyrics in both Spanish and English. http://www.myspace.com/despoticrecords (Y.B.)
-
JUVENTUD CRASA/ LA EXPERIENCIA DE TONITO CABANILLASSS split Cd (Discos de hoy)
I have already reviewed records by both bands before. This is the same : it’s cool punk/punk-rock/punk-Hardcore with melodic lines and sung in Spanish, but both bands lack something to be totally ’perfect’. Don’t ask me what it is. It’s really good stuff, but not really memorable either. http://www.discosdehoy.com (Y.B.)
-
BLATANT FINGER "eight for the road" Cd (89 records)
Cute digipack printed on recycled paper. Strong CRIMPSHRINE/ OPERATION IVY (minus the ska parts)/ PINHEAD GUNPOWDER influences here. Ad a little JAWBREAKER and some Oi stuff like DROPKICK MURPHYS for good measure. But where’s the bloody lyric sheet ? http://www.blatantfinger.com (Y.B.)
-
PULL OUT AN EYE mcd (Self-released)
Jaw dropping thrashcore from Belarus. This is totally excellent stuff, with an awesome production, good musicianship, fast yet varied rhythm beats, and a great DIY attitude. I wonder if I’ve ever heard a bad band from Belarus. They remind me of APPLESHOUT, NO REFLEXION LEFT, VITAMIN X. Comes in a nice digipack, with great lyrics tackling all the evils of this world. www.myspace.com/pulloutaneye (Y.B.)
-
GOLDEN DISTRICT "enter the district" mCd (Hardcore trooper)
New French New York Hardcore band, but real NyHc, not the metal thing that went afterwards. They remind me of early EARTH CRISIS, of STORMCORE, of BACKLASH. They’re Ok, but arrive 10 years too late for that style ! The lyrics are pretty good, but their english is a bit poor, they should sing in their native tongue, as I always say ! http://www.myspace.com/hardcoretroo... (Y.B.)
-
APPLESHOUT Cd-R (self-released)
I received the PULL OUT AN EYE Cd a few days before receiving this, and loved P.O.A.E. APPLESHOUT hail from the same country (Belarus), play the same brand of fast and tight thrashcore, and guess what, they share members ! This is great stuff. Good DIY thrashcore. The good thing is they just released an album that I’m dying to hear, and the sad thing is… they split up ! :( http://www.myspace.com/appleshout (Y.B.)
-
LOST GORBACHEVS "from neoliberalism to totalitarian capitalism" Cd-r (Let’s go to war)
Damn, not the kind of stuff I usually receive here. Let’s see ; this is "free-jazz", right ? But there are people coming from the Hc scene in this band, and you can feel they include a couple Hc influences here and there. This is all crazy instrumental jazz from Portugal, that could appeal to fans of SCRAWL, CAUSE FOR EFFECT, STANLEY KUBI, or even BERURIER NOIR (because of the saxophone). http://www.myspace.com/lostgorbachevs (Y.B.)
-
DISTRESS "progress/ regress" mCd (Self released)
More disbeat punk… yawn… but this time it’s from Russia ! And it actually ain’t too bad. 10 songs in 20 minutes, good sound quality, generic but listenable stuff. http://www.myspace.com/distressrawshit (Y.B.)
-
SUPREME COMMANDER/ ALIVE AT LAST split Cd (Bishop19)
When I received this I thought it would be some kind of NyHc/metal stuff, so I was pleasantly surprised when I heard the first notes. Both bands are very similar in style, and even though they do include New York Hc influences, they are both old school Hc bands. They remind me of stuff like OS 101, a slower HOGANS HEROES, STANDPOINT (MN), TOKEN ENTRY, maybe even a more powerful BLACK RAIN JACK. SUPREME COMMANDER (weird band name, but they don’t seem to be krishna nor christian) even do a decent cover of "new direction" by GORILLA BISCUITS. I wish they had put more work in the booklet, but this is a pleasant Cd. http://www.myspace.com/bishop19records (Y.B.)
-
EMPTY GRAVE "the dark" Ep (Absent)
A few years ago I was bored with Hc bands having big modern productions, but these days it seems everyone is going (back) for old style sounds, which is cool. EMPTY GRAVE are one more of those early 80’s influenced bands, along the lines of BLACK FLAG, CIRCLE JERKS, etc. They could use more originality, like adding thrashcore, metal, reggae, mosh parts, whatever, to their sound, but they’re good nonetheless. 5 tracks, with negative lyrics. http://www.myspace.com/emptygraverva (Y.B.)
-
PRESHRUNK "fingers crossed" Cd (Enigmatic)
The artwork’s pretty shitty, but the music’s decent ; it’s Polish Hc-punk mixed with New York Hc. They remind me a little bit of 1125, and guess what, they play a 1125 cover song. Their lyrics are written in English and aren’t too interesting. This albums’s not bad, but it’s not very exciting either. http://www.enigmaticrecords.com (Y.B.)
-
KANSALAISTOTTELEMATTOMUUS "full spectrum resistance…" Cd (Musta lokki)
16 new tracks from these Finnish punks. Q : Who’s playing tonight ? A : KANSOTILETTU blah blah… the fuck if I know. That’s what’s charming about Finland for the rest of us European people… :) Now, this reminded me of a more metallic OI POLLOI (circa "fuam catha" era) and with a bit more Hc and mosh parts to it. The singer has a voice that’s very close to Dick’s one. Mid tempo to pretty fast Hc-punk dealing with war, destruction & pollution, government lies and terrorist attacks, alternative way of living with recycling, eco organic cultures, etc… anti fascist action, changing diet and refusing the medicines and chemicals imposed on us by corporations… Most lyrics are in English but come with quite interesting explanations (for a change !), all in all this isn’t a really original record but still a catchy and tight one. http://www.myspace.com/kansalaistot... (P.B.)
-
ACAO DIRETA/ IN THE SHIT split mCd (Blind destruction)
2 tracks from each band. I.T.S. : now this sure is way different from the first I.T.S. record I heard… less punk and probably more fashionable, bringing on a darker side to the music with really raw vocals (too raw ?), tight musicianship, heavy, metallic and fast paced punk-Hc dealing with global pollution, with chemicals in the air and modern disease, the stupidity of war… A.D. play their usual brand of tight Hc with a noisy feel to it, it’s fast and has some melodic dis-beat hints but something just doesn’t sound right with the production though (is it too clean ?). These aren’t their best tracks according to me, but they have evolved as well, with a louder, heavier sound. Lyrics are not translated so… they seem to be dealing with poverty, sadness and modern madness & pain. www.bdrecs.com (P.B.)
-
FLITOX "ce groupe est mort" Cd (Zone onze)
Yeeeeay ! With all the revival fashion, it was bound to happen… It is quite a good thing that this is made available again. FLITOX were probably one of the first French Hc bands along with HEIMAT-LOS. In a different style though, but they obviously stood apart from the whole French scene back then. They were way more creative and politically involved and probably paved the way for the new generations to come. My only regret (and a big one) is that once again, as they did with the "ultramix" first discography Cd (way back in 1990 I think) , this is not a complete discography… This compiles the band’s releases from 1987 to 1989, including the tracks from their "cet homme est mort" Lp, "Radio TV active" Lp + compilation tracks from "Hc evolution" and "beautiful music for beautiful people" ; hence leaving aside their 7"ep tracks and a couple additional ones… why not put out a complete discography once and for all ? The digipack is really nice, with a full colour booklet that includes pictures, some info and lyrics (you have to check the web for additional info…). Musically it is mid tempo to fast HC punk with pretty hoarse and melodic vocals. Some slight metal/industrial influences with a pretty clever mix of breaks and "cold" yet catchy riffs. Bright lyrics dealing with the military system (the atomic menace, consciencious objection, patriotism,…), the alternative scene and how we’re making the same mistakes on and on, the “boeufs” (French equivalent to white trash people or jocks…), how we become selfish and do not communicate with each others, and much much more interesting issues. Band-members went on to famous bands like AUSWEIS, TREPONEM PAL, and the band has been doing some reunion shows lately ! http://www.myspace.com/flitox (P.B.)
-
PEKATRALATAK "pour un jihad de classe" Cd (Self released)
Ultimate and posthumous release for these DIY French punk-rockers. This classy digipack contains 12 unreleased tracks plus a discography of earlier material (7", demo, split Lp,…) worth 20 tracks. It comes with a pretty huge booklet with a biography, lyrics, illustrations and various information about the band, the recordings and so on. Musically speaking, the band sounds pretty close to famous French alternative bands like LUDWIG VON 88 (more politically involved though) or BERURIER NOIR… both because of the choruses and the drum machine beats + guitar riffs… some tunes are catchy but all in all skipping from one song to another you pretty much get the same thing. Some tracks stand out though, bringing the music to a new level with more melodies, more speed… Lyrics deal with social issues and revolutionary ideals : capitalism and consumerism, police and state control and brutality, war, unemployement and why you shouldn’t work, T.V., animal liberation… pretty well written with a funny, sarcastic feel to them. All in all typical fast political punk rock… I’d say what is delightful is the very cheap price for such a nice release… (3 euros only !). http://actiondelarevo.free.fr (P.B.)
|
|