Reviews

CNT Productions

The Ex / Alerta The Red Dance Package split 12″

Two Dutch bands join efforts on this four-song maxi-EP. ALERTA’s earlier material was extremely dissonant, but here they join the ranks of the SEX GANG CHILDREN/X-MAL DEUTSCHLAND school of new Euro-hits. On the other hand, the EX is now more aggressive than they’ve been in a while, even though they’ve always produced interesting post-punk. “Crap Rap” is a fast, thickly layered chant that sounds as if CRASS merged with the FALL, and I think it’s really great. An interesting and worthwhile offering.

• Reviewer Ruth Schwartz
• Label CNT Productions
• Issue MRR #12 • March 1984

Newtown Neurotics Kick Out the Tories / Mindless Violence 7″

After a two-or-more-year vinyl hiatus, the NEUROTICS are back with a stirring critique of both the reactionary Thatcherites (“Tories”) and assorted violent headcases. They’ve abandoned their earlier garage quality in favor of more melodic, well-produced sound, but without completely sacrificing their appeal.

• Reviewer Jeff Bale
• Label CNT Productions / No Wonder
• Issue MRR #2 • September/October 1982

Newtown Neurotics Licensing Hours / No Sanctuary 7″

Back for the fifth time with their distinctive sound—medium paced, ’60s fuzz guitars (almost folk-rock), plaintive vocals, real melodies, and personally outraged lyrics. This band is sorta like a punked-out cross between the old MODERN LOVERS and CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL.

• Reviewer Tim Yohannan
• Label CNT Productions
• Issue MRR #4 • January/February 1983

Redskins Lev Bronstein / The Peasant Army 7″

Left-wing skinheads put out a great pair of untypical songs that deal intelligently with important political themes. “Peasant Army” is driving and anthemic; the flip is rhythmic and bass-heavy, almost funky. Recommended.

• Reviewer Jeff Bale
• Label CNT Productions
• Issue MRR #2 • September/October 1982

The Mekons This Sporting Life / Fight the Cuts 7″

The A-side is from ’81 and is post-punk similar to that of their former sister band GANG OF FOUR, minus the funk. The ’77-period flip is a trashy, amateur treat which makes this 45 worthwhile.

• Reviewer Tim Yohannan
• Label CNT Productions
• Issue MRR #5 • March/April 1983

The Sisters of Mercy Adrenochrome / Body Electric 7″

One of the few recent post-punk records that I like enough to bother reviewing. Sure, it has the standard JOY DIVISION-clone vocals, but the drum machine’s hypnotic beat and the powerful psychedelic guitar in “Adrenochrome” are irresistible. The flip isn’t quite as good.

• Reviewer Jeff Bale
• Label CNT Productions / Merciful Release
• Issue MRR #2 • September/October 1982