Reviews

MRR #6 • May/June 1983

Adrenalin OD Let’s Barbeque EP

Excellent standard thrash from Jersey. The mischievous lyrics and ultra-dense guitar whoosh really set this EP apart. “Status Symbol” is all-around great, and “Trans Am” is a hilarious put-down of the spoiled rich brats who go cruisin’ in their shitty gas guzzlers. I’m definitely looking forward to their next barbeque.

Agent Orange Your Mother Sucks Cocks in Hell… EP

Great thrashed-out noise from Holland, with just the right amount of raunch and sloppiness. The driving music picks you right up and slaps you around the room. There’s a bit of heavy metal damage at the end of “Feminist,” and the extraordinary female vocals are kind of lost in the rush, but this EP is hotter than scalding water. “Nothing” is best described as awesome.

Agression Don’t Be Mistaken LP

Older-style punk, aggressively done with inflections of thrash, Oi, and metal to break the overall medium-tempo feel. The vocals are literally spit out, and the high quality production gives the power chording a PISTOLS quality.

Antisocial Official Hooligan EP

A well-done UK Oi 7″, the third from this band. It’s musically good, great production-wise, but lyrically confused, to say the least. There are good anti-police and anti-government songs, but the pro-violence “Battle-Scarred Skinheads” put a chill down my spine. For those who don’t care.

APF Brigade God the Tape

ANIMAL/ANARCHY, PEACE & FREEDOM BRIGADE from England give a diversified approach to the talent that exists in music and how to express it. Triumphant lyrical manifestos describe the actions and stupidity of mankind, its conquest for control towards idiotic destruction of the earth. 60 minutes of avant-garde, folk, and fast surges of variable musical styles.

Appliances SFB Waiting for the Europeans / Head Culture 7″

Better than their varied debut EP. Now, they have a denser, more rhythmic post-punk orientation. “Waiting” evokes Bauhaus in their early “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” period; the flip is equally powerful, and includes some eerie sound effects. Interesting.

Assassins of Hope Slowmotion Suicide cassette

UK grass-roots punk. Rumbling garagy sound onslaughts with cacophonous assailments of vocals, guitars, and abrasive cymbal shattering, detonating a very raw unrestrained echoing flavor. Featuring both male and female vocals, ASSASSINS OF HOPE boom out a rousting rigor of intense rhythms and savage lyrical exertions.

Atila International Sandwich LP

This is a concept album in which each song is a take-off on an ethnic musical style. All are artfully executed, and they vary in speed, energy, wildness, effects, etc. I find this LP extremely inventive, original, provocative, and listenable. Four stars to LA’s ATILA the hairdresser.

Attila the Stockbroker Ranting at the Nation LP

This is an extraordinary album, a marvelous example of the politically oriented ranting poetry coming out of England today. ATTILA is sort of a cross between Lenny Bruce and John Cooper-Clarke, in that his incisive political views are wedded to biting satire and sung/spoken in a dense (though comprehensible) English accent. There is a bit of funnypunk music here, manifested in exemplary songs like “Away Day,” “Hands Off the Halibuts,” and “Russians in McDonalds.”

Beast Love in a Dying World / Floating Dead 7″

If BEAST were English, they’d undoubtedly be big hits among the “positive punk” set (see UK section for more). As it is, they’re American and will probably be subject to well-deserved ridicule. If you add sax and a glossy horror image to a basic post-punk approach, you’ve got BEAST.

BGK Jonestown Aloha! LP

This Dutch band has evolved from the remnants of the NITWITZ into a more intense outfit capable of delivering many kinds of punk—classical, thrash, heavy metal punk, etc. All the tracks here have tremendous power, and some of them actually show an MDC influence. Very good indeed.

Black Black cassette

BLACK, now called BLACK FIELDS, present an enticingly raw and unrelenting garage sound that closely resembles a CRASS sound or LA’s YOUTH BRIGADE. Not thrash or chaos, but very energetic punches of staggering impetuous euphoria.

Black Flag Everything Went Black 2xLP

If you’re one of those people who aren’t wildly enthusiastic about BLACK FLAG’s current metal orientation, this should be like a manna from heaven. It might even be the last BLACK FLAG record you’ll actually kill to buy. The records include all unreleased material and feature each of their first three vocalists. Keith’s (“Johnny’s”) vocals may be the most distinctive, and Greg’s guitar tone might attain the most piercing extremes in the Dez era, but I personally prefer the almost ideal balance achieved during Ron’s (“Chavo’s”) tenure as singer. Enough bullshit, this is a mandatory purchase that demonstrates why BLACK FLAG once headed the US punk pantheon, so buy it and pin your ears back.

Blitz Telecommunication / Teletron 7″

BLITZ slips into the tarpits of new wave disco with this single. The problem is that “Telecommunications” is bad discoid synth-pop—uninventive, wimpy, and with no good melodic hooks. The flipside is more interesting, but it falls into the trap of being artsy. I’m not opposed to a change in direction, but BLITZ sure missed the boat on this one.

Blitzkrieg Animals in Lipstick EP

While I enjoyed the workmanlike Lest We Forget EP, BLITZKRIEG’s mid-tempo, hard-edged punk approach wears thin on this record. Their anti-vivisection stand on “Conscience Prayer” is well taken, but the tirade against Britain’s economic woes, “Land of Failure,” seems to be the only moderately exciting cut here. All in all, fairly generic.

Chaos UK Chaos UK LP

Wild, crazy, unrestrained maniac convulsions of savage feedback and chaotic harmonies. Raw unmatched strength monstrously screeches frantic fury at unrelenting full frontal thrashings. Features a new hard larynx vocalist, as this LP rates right up there with mates DISORDER.

Chaotic Dischord Never Trust a Friend EP

Rough-arsed ruckus of rambunctious chaos, ear piercing and boiling feverishly as it hammers bellicose grinding commotional attacks. If this is what VICE SQUAD does without Beki as a way to burn their mates, then flush Beki and continue with this explosive mayhem.

Destructors Forces of Law EP

“Neutron Bomb” and “Forces of Law” are both OK, the first being the stronger of the two. The mix is really weird—the vocals and snare drum are way up front, while the guitar is in the background. “Wild Thing” is… well, you’ve probably heard that song by now.

Die Toten Hosen Riesefieber / Niemandsland 7″

A pop-punk classic, especially “Reisefieber,” which sorta sounds like a male of LILLIPUT’s “Die Matrosen,” with its unbelieveably catchy melody punctuated by whistling. And dig those bagpipes! The flip is almost as enjoyable and memorable, so look for this.

Drongos For Europe Eternity EP

Strong production highlights these melodic mid-tempo punk songs. At first, they sound pretty generic, but for some reason they grow on you with repeated listenings, especially the title cut and “British Summertime.” Decent effort.

Electric Peace Kill for Your Love 7″

A one-sided neo-psychedelic record anchored by a basic rock ’n’ roll chord progression. What makes it interesting are some hot acid-damaged lead guitar parts and the harmonized background vocal chants Á  la BEAU BRUMMELS. I’m not wild about the lead singing, but it’s still a pretty sharp record.

Stripsearch / Emily XYZ Hey Kid / Who Shot Sadat? 7″

A split EP featuring two New York bands. STRIPSEARCH present a great garage punk sound with a blistering fuzztone guitar and female vocals. This marvelous cut is paired with EMILY XYZ’s weird quasi-poetic rhythm thang which I find rather unlistenable. At least both groups are originals.

End Result The Seven Year Locust Returns cassette

Experimental stuff with a vague punkish sensibility and some left field BEEFHEART-like effects. It might precipitate epileptic fits, but it probably won’t appeal to the more intolerant hardcore fans. Tough! The lack of fuzzy, distorted guitars is one of END RESULT’s more distinguishing characteristics.

External Menace Youth of Today EP

Good basic Britpunk. Nothing here is quite up to the high standard set by EXTERNAL MENACE on the Total Anarchy compilation, but “Don’t Conform” has exceptionally heartfelt lead singing, and there’s a great chorus in “Someday.” Worth several spins.

Fallout Salami Tactics EP

More mid-tempo political punk from FALLOUT. The lyrics are extremely perceptive, and the songs start to click after a couple of listens, but they don’t exactly make you jump up and take notice. The music could use a shot of adrenaline.

Fhab 4 Dead Beatles / Sometimes I Don’t Know Why You Like Me So Much 7″

“Dead Beatles” is one nifty satire. It’s a raunchy garage punk offering with altered snippets of BEATLES lyrics, off-key vocals, and exaggerated psychedelic effects. The other song is faster, equally powerful, and just as funny. Extraordinarily brilliant, in my opinion.

Geza X We Need More Power!! EP

Another release by the wild Hungarian with the bizarre material and the searing production techniques. All three songs here are dissimilar—the title cut is a churning metallic anthem that builds in intensity; “Hungarian” is a ballroom satire with hilarious lyrics; and “Mean Mr. Mommy Man” is an arty but profoundly creepy song.

GG Allin Tasteless Animal Noise cassette

Old G.G. doesn’t give up, but then why should he? This unclear live recording doesn’t quite pack the punch of his studio offerings, but it does feature some imbecilic between-song raps by way of compensation. You’d probably have to see G.G. in person to get the full effect of his tastelessness.

God’s Gift Discipline / Then Calm Again 7″

“Discipline” is a great post-punk cut with a riveting drumbeat, a buzzing, distorted guitar, an irresistible chorus, and lead vocals reminiscent of the FALL’s Mark Smith. A super song, which isn’t even approached by the lazy B-side. The best GOD’S GIFT release yet.

Government Issue Boycott Stabb 12″

At last! This EP is classic DC-style punk, with strong production and strong material. The arrangements are original, with both fast and slow parts and lots of effects, but no power is lost. These guys had fun in the studio, and although they came out a different band, they came out with a great record. Play loud.

Hated 2:02 A.M. EP

The third and reputedly final EP form LA’s HATED. Once again, they offer fairly standard older-style punk with good lyrics. The production is a bit flat here, but I’m sorry to hear that they’re breaking up.

Headcleaners Extrem EP

This is an EP of HUVUDTVÄTT’s (the HEADCLEANERS’) first two half-sided 7″ers. Side A is HUVUDTVÄTT with Swedish vocals, very quick assaults of blistering thrash with two songs featuring a flute solo and a violin solo shrieking along with the speed. Side B is HEADCLEANERS with English vocals, still more flailing doses of intense speed. Great Swedish hardcore.

Hecklers Video Fright cassette

The punchy, evocative sound of the HECKLERS is really cool. Though eclectic—one can discern pop, thrash, rockabilly, and country influences—it’s got drive, imagination, and a well-defined rock ’n’ roll aesthetic. The occasional harmonica also adds distinction.

Icons of Filth Not on Her Majesty’s Service cassette

In the UK tradition of superb bands like the SUBHUMANS, ANTHRAX, and the DESTRUCTORS, the ICONS OF FILTH saturate the mold, storming forth with powerful clamorous drum blows amplified by brutal raucous vocals and outbursts of whiny guitar licks. Fast music highlighted by an artillery of anti-system lyrical content, which makes this quite an enjoyable debut.

Ism I Think I Love You / A7 7″

ISM’s annihilation of the PARTRIDGE FAMILY hit (“I Think I Love You”) couldn’t be more complete; manic velocity, unrestrained instrumentals, and vocals shrieked at top volume combine to create instantly unforgettable funnypunk. The flip is a bit repetitious, but it’s more than made up for by the vicious David Cassidy-Shirley Jones lampoon on the front cover. Hysterical!

Kaaos Totaalinen Kaaos EP

A blur of indecipherable thrashing noise. KAAOS seem to have caught the germ that RIISTETYT just got rid of—lack of integration between the vocals and the instrumentation. The amazing “Uskonsota” really tears up the pavement, but most of the songs get lost in the jet-stream, and the guitars should have been mixed louder.

Last Warning Last Warning ’81 cassette

Garagey punk with thrash and experimental overtones. The songs may be sloppy, distorted, and poorly-recorded, but LAST WARNING have plenty of spirit. I dislike some of their post-punk material, but this tape is worth a listen.

M.A.P. Kaasua EP

Not the more ferocious Finnish thrash, but rawer with a ravaging harsh guitar and bass sound. Has a crunching persona in its quality to be turbulent with the bulldozing power of boisterous insistancy. Features Walde, who now drums for TERVEET KÄDET.

Max Tash I Want to Do It / La Do Da Da 7″

I’m not sure why, but this reminds me of JEFF HILL’s old UK single, “I Want You to Dance with Me.” It’s basic guitar-heavy rock with a fuzzy synth and a spiffy sing-along chorus that’s damn hard to forget. The flip is a faster, buzzing version of the old Top 40 hit. Good no-frills music.

Meatmen We’re the Meatmen… And You Suck! LP

I don’t share Jeff’s fascination with scatological humor, but I really do like the music here. Side one is a remixed and remastered version of their Blud Sausage EP, and it’s powerful as hell. The other side, which features live cuts, is also of superior production quality. All in all, not bad for an “old man” like Tesco.

Misfits Evilive EP

Finally, a frightfully fast, fierce live dose of those fiendish ghouls, the MISFITS. Captured in NY and SF, this garroting performance shreds away the bloody flesh as razor sharp fangs glisten at the power and speed from beyond the grave that truly represents the MISFITS excitement. Look out for Die, Die My Darling and Earth AD.

Mox Nix We Won’t Be Controlled cassette

One of the most powerful new groups I’ve heard from SoCal. It’s head-on thrash meets SOCIAL DISTORTION. The production is great, and it doesn’t hurt that their lyrical commitment matches the intensity of the music.

Mystery Girls These Boots Are Made for Walking / Ego 7″

A weird mixture here. The geetars on the old NANCY SINATRA hit are restrained and tasteful, but on “Ego,” the MYSTERY GIRLS really cut loose with dirty rock n’ roll riffing Á  la JOHNNY THUNDERS. Cool as hell.

Nabat Scenderemo Nelle Strade EP

This is what the IRON CROSS EP sounds like on 45 rpm. The same drill press guitar is joined to gravelly singing and primitive production, a combination that’s light years ahead of crap like the BUSINESS. NABAT almost change my mind about Oi with this nasty entry.

Negative Element Yes, We Have No Bananas! EP

This is good and sloppy. Youthful exuberance, chaotic instrumentation, and half-serious, half-silly themes are the main characteristics of NEGATIVE ELEMENT’s entertaining debut. The guitar could have been mixed a lot louder here, but I’ll bet they’re great live. Version Sound does it again.

No Thanks Are You Ready to Die? EP

A five-song debut by this Metropolitan-area thrash outfit. Musically, it’s not exceptional, but it has a high level of intensity that’s enhanced by a tough female singer who spits out some challenging words.

North 2 Alaskans Gonks Go Beat / That Freaky Gonk Thang 7″

Far fuckin’ out, maan. This is a groovy psychedelic piss-take by a bunch of Nehru-jacked Aussies. The A-side parodies bubblegum psychedelia by loosely covering “Crimson and Clover,” the old TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS hit, while the flip treats that song in strange studio ways, turning it into a real mind-blowing flashback. Wow!

Offenders We Must Rebel cassette

An awesome Austin band that includes ex-MDC bassist Mike. Their music reflects that to a certain degree, but there is also a classical thrash/punk feel to this tape, not unlike MINOR THREAT and 7 SECONDS. It’s much faster than their earlier single, so watch for new vinyl this summer.

OHL Verbrannte Erde LP

Put this band right up there in the European thrash-king sweepstakes. With this entry, Germany finds itself well represented. Awesomely powerful music that puts their earlier stuff to shame. Also, any doubts about O.H.L’s alleged “fascist” politics are again disclaimed here—one of the band members has the Jewish star of David on his leather jacket. Good news.

Omega Tribe Angry Songs EP

I love OMEGA TRIBE. It’s fast with that masterful Penny Rimbaud production, but this band also has a pop element. For example, the great “Profiteer” is the epitome of catchiness, with handclaps artfully added; and “Another Bloody Day” is a ballad that includes piano, but it retains power. The lyrics are predictably unrelenting, so don’t miss this one.

Pagan Myth White Horses & Black Card / Corpus Delecti 7″

A neo-’60s band dominated by a psychedelic organ and irritating female lead vocals. Although both songs have good melody lines and rather nostalgic instrumental parts, something just doesn’t click. Haunting, but not particularly memorable.

Rapid Vapid School cassette

An unusual band. Amidst the thrash, there’s some post-punk influence, but not the lightweight, arty type. This tape features interesting, driving arrangements; tight, innovative playing; and a male/female singing combo that is very different.

Ruefrex Capital Letters / April Fools 7″

The first vinyl from these Northern Irish punky-popsters since One by One, their classic four-year old release on the Good Vibrations label. “Capital Letters” has a real heavy guitar sound, rawer singing than before, and very memorable melodies and choruses. Really great. The flip is slow and undistinguished, but I’m still looking forward to future RUEFREX releases.

Ruts Stepping Bondage EP

The earliest studio recordings by the late Malcolm Owens’s RUTS, made way back in ’77. And hot damn, the title track is a totally classic chunky punk rock song that ranks right up there with “Babylon’s Burning.” It’s a marvelous cut that isn’t equalled by the two songs on the B-side. The latter suffer from vastly inferior production, but are also poorer compositions. A must for fans of original UK punk music.

Sado-Nation We’re Not Equal LP

Wow! Raw female vocals and a manic instrumental attack charge a highly distinctive album of garagey hardcore. SADO-NATION has that rare ability to write songs with thrashy energy, without sacrificing their inherent drama, as on classics like “Don’t Bother Me.” I especially admire the trebly production. Very solid and exciting.

Sin 34 Do You Feel Safe? LP

SIN 34’s long-awaited debut album is finally here, and it’s been worth the wait. There are some serious songs and some hilarious ones, but the main difference between this release and their debut EP is the vastly-improved production. At times, these characters remind me of what the AVENGERS might have sounded like had they encountered thrash. Real neat.

Six Minute War Slightly Longer Songs EP

The third DIY EP from SIX MINUTE WAR, who’ve now incorporated a drum machine into their primitive mid-tempo material. The song structures are a bit more experimental, but a wistful amateurishness serves to lighten the doom and gloom. “Weathermen” is haunting and exceptionally appealing.

Sleeping Dogs Beware EP

Hats off to the first American band on the Crass label, formerly known as ARSENAL. Both the music and the record cover are important here. The former is offbeat and original, with lots of effects and superior lyrics; the latter is a well-researched expose of American imperialism with poignant essays. This isn’t hardcore, it’s the hardest-core. A must.

Social Disease Today EP

Pleasantly buzzy guitars liven up this three-track EP of mid-tempo punk anthems from SOCIAL DISEASE. “World at Ransom” is a moderately catchy composition with an intriguing riff, but the other tunes don’t rise to that standard, despite some wonderfully garargy production values. Above average.

Southern Death Cult Fatman / Moya 7″

More “positive punk.” Again, the heavy treated drums stand out, but this time the undistorted quasi-psychedelic guitar takes precedence over the bass. The singing is in that really awful New Romantic style that’ll appeal to new wave disco trendies. All in all, it’s OK post-punk, but certainly nothing to lose sleep over.

Stretch Marks Who’s In Charge? EP

A strong Canadian release by Winnepeg’s STRETCH MARKS. The material ranges from thrash to classical punk, and it has some heavy metal guitar embellishments. I think it’s real entertaining, especially the hilarious “Dog’s World.” Don’t miss out.

Tee Vee Pop Touching EP

Jagged post-punk with some poppy vocal elements. These Danish women are sort of reminiscent of British groups like DELTA 5 or the early PASSIONS. The music is angular and the guitars have that nice raw quality which alone makes post-punk bearable these days. Good first effort.

The Barracudas Mean Time LP

Like their previous releases, this album evokes the ’60s, but their earlier fixation with surf music has been replaced with a folk-rock obsession. There’s some great material here, especially “Grammar of Misery,” “Shades of Today,” and “Eleventh Hour,” but there’s also quite a bit of chaff. If you like FLAMIN’ GROOVIES, you’ll go for the BARRACUDAS.

The Blood Megalomania EP

The BLOOD may not be geniuses, but their debut A-side rises from the morass of Oi-punk and delivers a breakneck attack on religious excesses, complete with classical piano intro and flailing guitar riffs. While it’s good, the two tracks on the B-side are completely unnotable aside from their fast tempo and hard guitar sound. Still, it’s quite recommendable.

The Damned Generals EP

If you’re put off by the glaring deficiencies of the latest DAMNED album (Strawberries), this 7″ might be closer to your liking. The two B-sides are unsatisfying, but “Generals” could be the best pop song this band has delivered in a couple of years; a good emphasis on piano and guitar, along with politically credible lyrics, combine to create an arresting, well conceived track.

The Del Fuegos I Always Call You Back / I Can’t Sleep 7″

Cool, maan. “I Always Call” is a hopping psychedelic rockabilly blast that’s beyond all criticism. Imagine Sky Saxon and Tav Falco in the same band, and you’ll get the idea. Despite the quintessential ’60s punk vocals, the flip is an incredibly boring blues number, but the A-side is mandatory.

The End Starwhores cassette

A live tape from this Chicago-area band. Their material is basic garage punk with some heavy metal guitar riffing and fairly thoughtful lyrics. They have too much or a rockish bar band quality, but their songs are occasionally excellent (especially on their earlier demo). Time will tell.

The Faction Yesterday Is Gone EP

The first release by this South Bay band. It reminds me a lot of CODE OF HONOR, with the instrumentals going from thrash into reverse gear, and the vocals mixed way up front to accentuate the strong lyrics.

The Gonads Delilah, the Punk Epic EP

The unmistakable Max Splodge touch adds a dimension of class to this third funnypunk single by the GONADS. “Lager Top” and “Sandra” are the kind of rowdy songs, complete with an abrasive guitar sound and Oi choruses, that make for great beer-time fun, if very little else. Gary Bushell’s presence here may be this EP’s biggest drawback.

The Killjoys This Is Not Love / In Your Light 7″

This band has not relation to the great ’77 punk group that released “Johnny Won’t Get to Heaven.” It’s a newer pop group that’s very similar to dozens of bands from the pop-oriented ’78-’79 period. It is a bit enjoyable, but it would need a heavier guitar attack and less mundane vocals to really be recommendable.

The Mob Let the Tribe Increase LP

After two serviceable singles, the MOB must be congratulated for compiling a subtle yet affecting album’s worth of political pop ditties. This record may be inconsistent melodically, but the fourteen songs here have strong lyrics component and a simple instrumental approach reminiscent of the early MEKONS. This may not be thrash, but it is the kind of material that definitely grows on you. Good stuff.

The Vacant I Know cassette

Garden-variety thrash from the Sacramento valley region. There are some sparks of originality, and “Tim’s in the Marines (And He Can’t Get Out)” is done in such a regimented, repetitive manner that you can fully understand his plight.

The Varukers Album Demo

Outrageous cranks of nitro-injected rapid explosions surge jarring uncontrolled vigor into charging intensity. Fast, powerful chords of raw persistence push the VARUKERS past their first two releases. A dynamite demo—if only a record company would decide to use it.

Twisted Nerve Five Minutes of Fame / Strange Sensation 7″

An unnotable amalgam of punk and post-punk influences, this latest single from TWISTED NERVE features a very distanced guitar sound reminiscent of late-period UK DECAY. Unfortunately, the material here seems monotonous, and an occasionally interesting effect doesn’t rescue the record from ordinariness.

Twisted Nervez The Return of Faith, Hope, and Glory EP

An unexciting band that shouldn’t be mistaken for Scotland’s TWISTED NERVE. This record showcases a basic punk-pop-rock sound, but lacks drive, hooks, and, ultimately, interest. Sluggish is the most appropriate word.

V/A Big City: Ain’t Too Pretty EP

Seven NYC bands cram cuts into this 7″er put out by Javi of Big City zine. All are either current, or recently split-up, and all thrash out to the max. The bands include XKI, the BETRAYED, ULTRA VIOLENCE, NO THANKS, the ARMED CITIZENS, FATHEAD SUBURBIA, and SAVAGE CIRCLE.

V/A Life Is Beautiful, So Why Not Eat Health Foods? LP

An excellent follow-up to the Life is Ugly… LP. I like all of the punk side, which begins with a great old BAGS cut, and continues with ANTI, SHATTERED FAITH, CHINA WHITE, M.I.A. (not the group on the Last Rites LP), ILL WILL, and a live GERMS track. The B-side contains some experimental stuff by Gary Kail, as well as the B PEOPLE, VOX POP, the MINUTEMEN, and POWERTRIP. Good variation.

V/A The Columbus Compilation cassette

Columbus, Indiana, that is. There are four bands here, KILLING CHILDREN being the most proficient and thrashed-out. The others—the PATTERN, ANDROPOV’S ASSASSINS, and studio group COLBY—are definitely on the garage side of life. They have that unmistakable Midwest flair, best exemplified by the PATTERNS’ classic “Burger Palace of Death.”

V/A Acid Visions LP

A compilation of ’60s Texas punk and psychedelic bands. There’s lots of good stuff here, including some real obscurities like the GREAT BELIEVERS, A-440, the THINGS, etc. If by chance you’ve already picked up Mindrocker vol. 4, then pass this up because there’s only a four-song difference, and the sound quality isn’t as good on this.

V/A Out Blow Out cassette

A great collection of San Diego-area bands. Some are current, some are long gone, some are punk, some are thrash, all are raw. The bands include 5051, CATCH 22, BATTALION OF SAINTS, SACRED LIES, the MORAL MAJORITY, the INJECTIONS, the SKULLBUSTERS, etc.

V/A You’ll Hate This Record LP

Sorry, Mykel, but at best (worst) this record is so-so. G.G. ALLIN is good, the FUCK-UPS are the FUCK-UPS, ART is interesting, and the experimental and pop cuts could have been a lot worse. Even the liner notes didn’t incite me to slag. The best part may be the plastic barf on the cover. (Note: half of the material here has already been released.)

V/A These Cats Ain’t Nothin’ But Trash LP

Three modern bands that revive the roots of punk. The MILKSHAKES have that early KINKS or Merseybeat sound; the STINGRAYS belong to the METEORS/CRAMPS school of psychobilly; and the CANNIBALS hearken back to the ’60s punk of the early PRETTY THINGS or maybe the SEEDS or maybe the SHADOWS OF KNIGHT. These aren’t just copies—they reflect the genuine spirit of those eras. Great record.

V/A A Country Fit for Heroes, Volume 2 12″

Like those from the first installment, the bands here haven’t released any other vinyl yet. And true to the No Future label, this is a mix of punk and Oi! bands. Some of them are mediocre, but CADAVEROUS CLAN and IMPACT make this record worth the £2.50.

V/A Destroy Clones cassette

This tape features ten bands from Italy, some of them punk, some fo them thrash, and most of them Oi. My favorites are FALLOUT and 5° BRACCIO, who totally cut loose. The WOPS and NABAT bash out some Oi, if that’s your cup of campana.

V/A Papi, Queens, Reichskanzlers & Presidennti EP

From Italy with interesting sleeve packaging, a 7-song sampler that presents bands from many free-minded European lands. Italian bands SOTTOCULTURA, KOLLETTINO, and 5° BRACCIO jolt forth a monumentous thrash attack of havoc. Speed merchants STROMSPERRE wail from Germany and KAAOS fire a split-second barrage from Finland. Also, there’s TOTAL CHAOS from the UK and a slower, more relaxed song by IRAH of Italy. Impressive.

V/A Sub LP

A good follow-up to the great Grito Suburbano compilation. CÁ”LERA return with more nifty punk sing-alongs; the other three bands—PSYKOZE, RATOS DE PORÁO, and FOGO CRUZADO—don’t seem quite as distinctive on first listen. For one thing, their basic thrashing power is so weakened by the poorly mixed guitars that it’s really hard to judge their potential power. It’s always better to err on the side of an overly loud guitar mix, but this is still an inspiring effort.

V/A Van U Wil Ik Zingen cassette

Another Dutch basement tape from Er Is Hoop, this one featuring three bands. TOTAL CHAOZ are a methadrine thrash group with a female singer; the PUKES are a messy, unformed punk band; and the ASPERITYS are basic punksters that do too many covers. OK for a first effort, but all these amateurish outfits were recorded a bit prematurely.

Violators Life on the Red Line / Crossings of Sangsara 7″

Oh no, the VIOLATORS have followed BLITZ down the path toward JOY DIVISION-clone material, with some imitation SIOUXIE vocals thrown in for good measure. I love the ’60s melodies on the A-side, but it’s sad to see all these recent punk bands adopting a slick, gutless sound. I vastly prefer their last 45.

Wards The World Ain’t Pretty and Neither Are We EP

Politicized garage punk from Vermont. The A-side has three good traditional garage punkers, while the flip contains seven much accelerated tracks that nevertheless retain an awkward garagy flavor. The lyrics are unusually thoughtful for this style of music. Recommended.

Whipping Boy The Sound of No Hands Clapping LP

This album features a lot of thrashers, but there are a few metallish and/or mood songs, and one bluesy thang. The lyrics are very provocative, covering nukes, parents, society, genocide, computers, and in-scene backstabbing. It’s even got gut-wrenching liner notes by Malcolm X (no relation to Geza). Go for it.

White Trash Wake Up EP

Another classic. A five-song thrasher that’s delivered like a one-two punch. The lyrics are good, whether political or just downright ridiculous. Check out “I Hate My Toes” because “they’re dirty, they stink… they’re ugly and pink.” Really hilarious.

Window Pain Green EP

Three slices of garage psychedelia from San Berdoo, all of them instrumentals. The songs themselves are too mellow and repetitive, but WINDOW PAIN showcase some nice textured guitar in “Mind Bender,” as well as a nifty fuzztone and mind-expanding energy lead in “Underworld.” They need Wheaties for extra energy, though.

YDI Out of Blood cassette

A 15-song tape that isn’t for sale. At times, it reminds me of Fresno’s CAPITOL PUNISHMENT, with its extremely gruff vocals and all-out thrash attack. Unrelenting and excellent, so wait for future releases.

Youth Korps The Quick and the Dead cassette

Like WHITE CROSS, YOUTH KORPS have that extra umph that thrash bands need to stand out in this day and age. Most of the tracks here are really intense thrashers, but there’s one anguished metallic cut that sounds a lot like BLACK FLAG’s “Damaged” (“Need a Fix”). This is real strong, so I hope they release it on vinyl. 

Zoomers Exist cassette

Clever, medium-weight pop with occasional psychedelic effects and annoying vocals. Some of the songs are subtly appealing, some are driving and straightforward, some are innovative, and a few artsy numbers are best avoided. A little better than the BONGOS, not as strong as the SHOES.