Reviews

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Argument? Paintings EP

Weird, experimental, and nostalgic peace-punk from Berlin that comes across as completely earnest without taking itself too seriously. Playful basslines climb and descend, channeling the B-52’S as much as CRASS, while the blunt yet passionate lyrics remind me of NAKED AGGRESSION. It has a tough, artsy vibe, and vocalists taking turns, not totally unlike HUGGY BEAR. There’s something refreshing about hearing a band that doesn’t seem at all concerned with fitting in to a current trend, but is just having fun and doing what feels right. Definitely something to check out for anyone into peace punk, or looking to hear something sincere and unusual.

Current Affairs Buckle Up / Worlds In Crisis 7″

Just perfect. Two tracks of reverb-saturated, melancholic pop jangle distilling familiar sounds from SUBURBAN LAWNS, ALTERED IMAGES, and even at times SLANT 6 through a DIY punk filter into this finely crafted (yet charmingly rough around the edges) single. You’ll keep flipping this over and over, trying to decide which song is your favorite, but why choose? I just feel lucky to live in a time when I get to hear things like this.

Noxeema Last Gasp EP

Super sick scrappy punk that sounds like an outtake from one of those killer early ’80s Dutch comps, but also sorta like KLEENEX meets the RATS!? Katie B’s vocals are incredible, wild and snotty and dark and kind of reminding me of a punk-era GO-GO’S or wilder NEO BOYS or or or or even MANNISCH DEPRESSIV. “Close the Door” is the mix tape staple! A one-two punch followed by the killer “Time to Go” on the B-side. It’s a lo-fi pummel classique made by a collection of people who definitely feature strongly in your record collection, so you should just grab it ASAP!