Reviews

Manic Ears

Bad Beach Cornucopia LP

Musically, pretty good sounding mid-fast tempo punk and HC, but when the vocals kick in, it’s a whole new thing. Unless you’re into the latter day TSOL “singing,” these voices may really bother you. Different? Yes. Annoying? Yes.

Civilised Society? Scrap Metal LP

This powerful and interesting English band plays pounding, mid-tempo music with catchy riffs, loud drums, and a great combination of male/female vocals. All together, this record has a lot of the same qualities as Holland’s FUNERAL ORATION. Lyrically, it’s also right on cue.

Civilised Society? Violence Sucks! LP

Musically, this is a big change from their first LP. Their sound is now in a crunching METALLICA vein, heavy on the power, while still maintaining their intelligent lyrical outlook. Although I like this album, I was expecting a little more creativity from these guys and girl, rather than the pedestrian speedmetal fare.

Concrete Sox Whoops, Sorry Vicar! LP

100% speedmetal for the SOX now, and it’s pretty good, probably their most solid release. Sounding comparable to METALLICA and the ACCUSED, they have maintained their intelligent lyrical outlook, questioning religion, inequality, greed, oppression, etc. My only gripe is the slightly trebly production, but that’s minor. This is swell!

Chaos UK / Extreme Noise Terror Earslaughter split LP

This exceptional album features a load of dynamic uptempo thrash by two accomplished outfits. CHAOS UK, in possibly their best work to date, wins by a length for their thick vocals and layered guitar attack, but ENT have fascinating arrangements to recommend their side of the LP. A thunderous, exciting release.

Ripcord Defiance of Power LP

Straight forward thrash with simple three chord riffs, rapid fire drum beats, loud bass, and harsh vocals, all which is put together at 100 MPH with a stop and go structure. This makes for 15 aggressively enjoyable songs, with the nice added touch of diverse lyrics which deal with subjects from farting and skateboarding to war and vivisection. Good stuff.

Desecration / Subverse split LP

We forgot this one last issue, but don’t you miss out. DESECRATION (AZ) hits hard with a dozen songs reminiscent of the new UK thrash acts (HERESY, RIPCORD, etc.), with excellent caring social/political words. Canada’s SUBVERSE keeps up the momentum with a harsh, abrasive thrash sound with hoarse vocals, also possessing good sentiments. A great introduction to two of the hottest up-and-coming HC acts.

Vicious Circle Rhyme With Reason LP

A long LP by this Aussie band, who have a pretty well-developed sound, mixing different influences into their punk tunes without losing sight of their roots. Most noticeable is the guitar work, which really holds things together. Lyrically, they deal with both personal and political subjects in an intelligent, well thought-out manner. Good.