Reviews

MRR #52 • September 1987

Active Minds You Can Close Your Eyes to the Horror of Reality… EP

One of the best EPs I’ve heard in awhile. Raging and enraged UK political thrash on one side, like CRASS meets old DISORDER and DRI. Side one consists of about a half-dozen rippers and rants, while the flip is one long song that goes through many changes/styles. Comes with insert and record want list!

Agen 53 Ich Wünsch Dir Für Die Zukunft Etwas Mehr Glück Junge Welt EP

Around since 82, this is AGEN’s first solo vinyl, and their sound harkens back to pre-hardcore days while there’s plenty of power here, there are plenty of tempo changes, hard post-punk sounds interspersed between the punkier parts.

Artless Boy With a Cunt 12″

I don’t know if it’s due to premature senility, living in Berkeley, or just plain spitefulness, but the older I get the more I find myself agreeing with Mykel Board’s views. Maybe it’s because the world sucks, and nothing the namby pamby peace punks do is going to change it. Anyway, here we have 6 raunchy but structurally diverse punkers and thrashers dealing with some of Mykel’s favorite themes, including self-righteous vegetarians and radfemme thought police. I almost died laughing when I first heard “Sisterhood is Powerful,” so I’d have to say this is a great mean-spirited record.

Bl’ast! It’s in My Blood! LP

A pretty bleak picture painted here. On one hand, BL’AST demands we not be led, that we awaken and fight, yet on the other hand they inform us they’re withdrawing into solely self-oriented gratification. Hmmm. The music is in the FLAG-rhythm hardcore we’ve come to know, tight and powerful lurching stuff.

Bösös Där Tiden Inte Stämmer / Lurad Ingen… 7″

The pop-punk on this 45 shows more of a vocal orientation in the melodies and background choruses, but the guitar sound is sharp and interesting. “Där Tiden Inte Stämmer,” a commentary on South Africa, is especially bracing. Fine record.

Chain Gang Mondo Manhattan LP

Weird. After four obscure garage singles in the late 70s, these guys resurface with a video movie soundtrack LP. They do punk, garage, funk, blues, disco — one of those wonder mysteries.

Cringer The Vinegar Tasters cassette

Some pretty hot stuff here, about half thrash, half slower melodic punk with rich guitar work. Lyrical sentiments are mostly in the “peace and freedom” category. This is AOK.

David Nudelman & the Wild Breed Sing Songs for Underage Kooks EP

From the same folks that released the insane Mexican Rumble compilation, a collection of all-Mexican 60s garage bands. Now this slice of life — basically Nudelman is touted as a genius or a madman, probably a combination of the two, and has this suburban garage band backing his ranting. Try imagining WILDMAN FISHER trying to front the LYRES while both parties are out of their skulls on PCP. A stone gas.

Distortion X El Topo LP

This album of gruff, terse hardcore contains more than a few moments of gritty diversity where DISTORTION X has a chance to demonstrate its wrenching, discordant style. Compositionally, this record lacks the good cuts it needs, but there’s good power and aggression here.

Extremes From Both Sides LP

77 style punk that only on two or three songs rises into a musically inspiring pitch. Lyrically caustic appraisals of both world politics and poser-punk problems. With a bit more cutting loose, this would make a real dent.

False Prophets Implosion LP

Produced by Giorgio Gomelsky (of YARDBIRDS fame), and “produced” it is. Horns, lots of very laid back instrumentation that serves as a backdrop for Stephan’s ravings, as well as lots of musical styles running into each other, lurching into punk and back out. I think too much of the power is sacrificed in the name of variety, but other’s less influenced by stylistic purity might buy it.

Garlic Boys Cocky Rock Boys flexi EP

Despite their hilarious name, this one is just mid-tempo pop-punk served up with solid guitars and rockish edges in the occasional lead breaks. “Cocky Rock Boys,” with its catchy vocal chorus, is the standout; the other two songs just sit there. Okay, but not mandatory.

GBH No Need to Panic! LP

Lots more variety than usual on this release. There are some songs reminiscent of the GBH of yore, but they’ve slowed down their thrash on others, added a lot more melody, and even have a couple of non-thrash tunes. Can’t say if it makes for a better overall record, but they’re at least opening up.

Happy World Flowing Field LP

God these guys are great. After two 7″s and this, their second album, they’ve moved from blissed-out thrashers into a harder, less definable full bodied sound. Some of the structures here remind me an awful lot like some SST or Touch and Go band like KILLDOZER, SCRATCH ACID or DINOSAUR.

Jive Turkey Goodbye Johnny Ray EP

Rockin’ pop in an English mode, but made palatable by the guitar predominance and a novel sense of melody. The chorus on “True Blue” is wonderfully catchy, and the other two tracks hold their own with a mid-tempo, bouncy style; an obscure comparison, but the sound is very much like Australia’s KELPIES. Good.

Kyōakukyōjindan Kill Kill Kill EP

A five pointed star on the front cover, costs ¥666, released June 6 — hey wait! — this must be satanic rock! This is one of those cases when I’m glad I don’t understand Japanese; one side is a god awful drone with some woman screaming, the other side has three tracks in HC, pop-punk, and post-punk styles respectively. Poo poo.

Lubricated Goat Plays the Devil’s Music LP

The best of the lot — the best name and the best music. The “Goat” manages to make a hideous, noisy rumble that can make you hum along. Really weird, very much inspired by the BUTTHOLE SURFERS and the RESIDENTS. They go from harsh and painful to strange and fun but it keeps you listening throughout.

Murder Murder Suicide Christians 12″

An anti-Christian rage here, sort of like the first CRASS 7″ but set to a more post-punk mood. Nevertheless, it’s as biting and pointed. Both male and female vocals, nice harmonies on the flipside, though the dance beat on one cut and the “prettiness” on another make them difficult to handle until the guitar and drums kick in.

Napalm Death Scum LP

Hey, if you absolutely hate tunes in your music and vocals you can’t understand at all, this album’s for you. Very fast, very metal-influenced, very gruff and very political. Sorta like old DISCHARGE meets every modern speedmetal band.

Compos Mentis / Powerage split EP

C.M. are from New Zealand, play fast punk a la 78 on three tunes, all of which are socio-political attacks. You probably are aware that POWERAGE comes from South Africa (4 EPs out), and play highly political punk. The new drummer here wasn’t broken in when the recording took place, and it shows painfully.

Primevils Chicken Factory LP

After releasing one of the neatest garage singles of last year, “Saw My Name Written on a Tombstone” (included here), the PRIMEVILS went to record this album which showcases both sides of their musical styles. You get some fantastic, catchy instant-garage-classic songs as well as some slower, dirge-y drone songs. Great record.

Psycho Sin You Axed For It EP

Primitive production and an almost terrifying rawness make the highly distorted thrash on this one actually connect in a distinctive way — much in the way that TERVEET KÄDET did it years ago. The more experimental tracks, with lyrics over drums, are less effective, this is one unusual, interesting record. I like it.

Shellshock Self Defence EP

Terse, speedcore riffing energizes this fast, to-the-point trio of songs. The abrasive vocals are quite good, and the guitar work aims for original reworkings of the basic core figures we’ve come to expect from this genre. Verdict: a top-notch example of the style, though not exactly my cup of tea.

SM-70 Über Dem Jenseits EP

SM-70, hailing from W. Germany, opt for short, fast songs in a messy thrash mode. It’s a style that’s familiar, and you can bet there’s loads of aggro and a pummeling sound from track to track — it’s also, despite its effectiveness, a trifle too common to make a major impression. Still, it’s good.

Sons of Ishmael Pariah Martyr Demands a Sacrifice LP

Two years after the Hayseed Hardcore EP and some lineup changes, the Canadian SONS return. This is a great album of sociopolitical thrash and the lyrics are right on target. And yes, the cover of “Stairway to Heaven” is priceless.

Spunky Boys Kids Are Alright EP

The rambunctious pop-punk on this record has a pleasantly tough power chord instrumental sound (abetted by sloppy, but good arrangements), and screamed vocals over the whole thing. The two songs on the A-side rock, while the one on the flip is less special.

Strebers Öga För Öga 12″

Echoes of ASTA KASK and 6-10 REDLOS reverberate through the eight tracks on this fourth release from this Swedish band. Melodic, driving pop-punk is the order of the day, and it’s handled with style and verve. Nice choruses, powerful instrumentals—a good showing.

The Accüsed More Fun Than an Open Casket Funeral LP

Mixed with the gore tunes, there’s a surprising amount of thoughtful tunes, though the onslaught of music doesn’t seem incongruous with sensitivity. Subjects include anti-pope, nuclear power, child abuse, religion. Musically, it’s standard Combat fare, tuneless speedmetal.

The Contras Ciphers in the Snow LP

Their name is meant to reflect their music (not their political) views, meaning a basic guitar rock band. The tempo is mid, a bit of pop and country meets an early punk sound. More often than not, they sound too clean for me. If they were really contra, they’d be today’s RAMONES, not the REPLACEMENTS.

The Dils Live! LP

For years, after they evolved into RANK AND FILE, the DILS disavowed their punk roots as vehemently as they had previously espoused punk ideals. Either they’ve mellowed a lot, or times are hard for R&F, but in either case Chip and Tony Kinman have allowed these recordings to see the light of day. Most of this LP is circa 1980, and shows their country sound creeping into the raw punk. The remaining tracks are from 77, but the sound quality here is really bad. This is a collector’s package more than a listenable selection, harkening back to 330 Grove, Barrington Hall, and the Mab. Try to find the singles.

The Exploited Death Before Dishonour LP

You gotta hand it to Wattie and co., they do keep the faith. Same old hooks, still pissed-off political lyrics, and still driving punk tunes. Lotsa thrash, some pretty repetitive, but they continue to add some variety as they have over the last several releases. On the other hand, he’s gotta keep doing this — I mean, can you imagine Wattie with a skate punk look?

The Gravedigger V The Mirror Cracked LP

One live side, on studio that is mainly outtakes from their first LP of years ago, as well as a cut with Paula Pandora. These are the San Diegans who went on to be the MORLOCKS, and they do your basic 60s punk stuff, all snarly and ultra-cool. OK music, very sharp cover.

The Joeys And Then I Kissed Her EP

I admit the thought of a RAMONES cover/tribute band sounds like a good idea, but this Australian configuration made up of some bigger bands there like the SAINTS and PAUL KELLY, doesn’t kick as hard as it should — so you end up with a limp shadow of the RAMONES.

The New Christs The Black Hole / Addiction 7″

Not quite as hard and loud as their other releases but because they’ve shifted their gears a little the sound here is less Detroit-styled rock and more slower, moodier that resembles the best of the FLESH EATERS and the GUN CLUB.

The Offspring I’ll Be Waiting / Blackball 7″

What a pleasant surprise! Instrumentally varied, kick-ass punk with personal lyrics, both tracks camping out in the same area as early material by the LEFT. What’s more, there are hooks, nifty guitar breaks, and more than a little arranging skill. Highly enjoyable, and recommended.

Thug Dad / Thug 7″

A noisy and confusing blast of electrical air that throbs and throbs like a bad toothache. The only thing I could come close to comparing it to would be CABARET VOLTAIRE’s “Nag Nag Nag” era. Great.

Totalitär Multinationella Mördare EP

TOTALITÄR, with a grinding HC guitar approach and a tasteful speedcore edge, pummel out five tracks on this one. The closest comparison I can think of is ANTI-CIMEX, and the vocals on this one manage to convey a real sense of urgency and power. Very strong release.

Ruido De Rabia / Ultimo Gobierno split LP

This duo of Spanish bands demonstrate a remarkable similarity to Finnish bands from 82 or so. U.G., with their ultra-fast, messy thrash sound, is reminiscent of that first BASTARDS EP; R.D.R., with more extended song structures but the same general style, recalls the first EP by RIISTETYT. Altogether, rather like a blast from the past, and recommendable for the U.G. side.

V/A Future-Now! Presents flexi EP

This flexi comes with the first issue of Future-Now! UK zine and features one song each by HERESY, STUPIDS, and DEPRAVED (now called VISIONS OF CHANGE). All three songs are great, each with its own style of thrash, all backed by high energy and good intentions.

V/A New York City Hardcore 1987: Together EP

Seven highly moshable tunes here, all showing some kind of searching attitudes. While there are still traces of the NY “hard” attitude, there’s much more of a human quality that’s replacing the naive “unity for unity’s sake” approach. Bands include YOUTH OF TODAY, SICK OF IT ALL, SIDE BY SIDE, BOLD, WARZONE, SUPERTOUCH, and GORILLA BISCUITS. Pick it up, and hope that as these bands mature they will prove less mercenary and display more emotional depth than the previous wave of NYHC.

V/A Not the Comfy Chair cassette

A six band comp which features the catch punk of ALLIGATOR PARADE, HALF OFF’s powerhouse thrash, and GOV’T THRASHER’s hot noise. A hot consistent tape.

V/A Shin Kankakuha Omunibus, Vol. 2 flexi 8″

NEW DRUGS, the 5.6.7.8’s, SHUFFLE, and another band whose name is in Japanese present cowpunk, SHIRELLES/DOLLS-style early 60s stuff, and 77 punk. Weird mix to say the least, though the SHUFFLES’s “Working Class” has SHAM catchiness.

V/A Raw Cuts, Volume Three: German Underground LP

This selection of neo-’60s bands covers Germany. Bands like LEGENDARY GOLDEN VAMPIRES, the CHUD, BEATITUDES, SHINY GNOMES, and more drop all over the turntable for your delight. Nothing too raving here, just fifty mike doses.

V/A Step Forward #1 cassette

Three bands share this tape: BACK TO BACK (CA) who have a hot clean thrash sound, YOUTH UNDER CONTROL (AZ) playing positive HC with energy, and LAST OPTION (AZ) dishing out fierce thrash with personal lyrics. Live records with booklet, great stuff!

V/A Waste Sausage LP

A grand collection of Australian sludge/noise bands. Great names too — BUSH OYSTERS, PURPLE VULTURE SHIT, LUBRICATED GOAT. Also includes the last track ever by the now defunct GRONG GRONG.

V/A Where Birdmen Flew LP

One track each from thirteen primal Aussie punk bands, most being off 77 era singles and most being hot! VICTIMS, RADIO BIRDMAN, ROCKS, NEWS, PSYCHO SURGEONS, RAZAR, LEFTOVERS, X, THOUGHT CRIMINALS, SCIENTISTS, and more. As many U.S. bootlegs claim Australian addresses, this release claims a U.S., but don’t be surprised if no one’s home.

Moto-Stillbirth / Victims Family Live at the Cab split cassette

First off, you get 70 minutes of MOTO STILL BIRTH recorded live at Jake’s last show. They’ve been around forever and yet no one seems to know who they are. They mix thrash, metal, punk, and even a little reggae and remain politically aware and totally incoherent at the same time. Plus 20 minutes of VICTIMS FAMILY, including three non-LP tracks.

Viktimz of Society Wicked Rock Music is Killing Our Children LP

VIKTIMZ pride themselves on their highly sarcastic, “fuck-you” lyrics and high-velocity thrash attack. A variety of topics, from abortion and nuclear war to martians, is covered with adequate musical punch and fair production — but the attitude is the main attraction here.

Vultees Kick It Out / Live or Die 7″

One of my favorite young, unknown Australian bands. They have the same kick and drive of a group like the HARD-ONS but they’re not as goofy. More somber in the style of the GUN CLUB or DREAM SYNDICATE.