Reviews

Lengua Armada

Mock Execution Reality Attack EP

Pissed off raw punk from the streets of Chicago by way, at least in part, of Singapore! Anchored by Thalib (of such Singapore luminaries as VAARALLINEN, SNÄGGLETOOTH, CHARGED C.B.H. and DAILY RITUAL), MOCK EXECUTION are another excellent addition to his already brilliant resume. The heart of the sound is early Finnish hardcore with all the quirks of tempo and delivery that entails, but there isn’t a slavish devotion to one particular band or even the style as a whole. Short, frantic solos are scattered throughout, a particular highlight being the one that ends “Protest Is A Way of Life” while mostly-barked vocals are augmented by group choruses. The recording is just right, a little boom-y and raw—perfect ’80s vintage sound that is especially appropriate for the closing KAAOS cover. Silk-screened covers and a very cut-and-paste aesthetic complete the package. Killer.

Panic Kids Falling With Style LP

PANIC KIDS are a Madrid five-piece who cite TURBONEGRO, RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS, and TURBO AC’S as inspirations, which is an ambitious wish list. Their sophomore LP Failing With Style lands closer to TURBONEGRO’s throttled sleaze than the full-tilt attack of the others, and the album lopes along in mid-tempo territory enough that the adrenaline doesn’t quite pump for the recording in the same way that it probably does in a bar. That said, the production is big and solid, the gang vocals and “whoa-oh-oh”s keep the party moving, and there are enough hooks to keep it interesting. Standouts include the opener “The Itches” and “I’ll Be Adored,” and a guest vocalist on “From Madrid With Love” delivers a classic hard rock performance that’s one of the album’s highlights. Their creepy baby-face mascot is unsettling. Limited to 500 copies.