Reviews

Mister Face

An Slua How Ya Gettin’ On​?​ EP

Irish fockin’ Oi! Enough said! This EP has everything you can ask for in an Oi! record: memorable hooks, melodic “feel-good” guitar licks, and a steady groove. What sets this band apart is their political views, particularly when it comes to veganism, which is an integral part of punk (or it should be). As someone who cares about animal rights, it’s really appealing when a band comes up with such views. Also, these four lads add a bit of post-punk influences here and there, making it even more special. Remember to eat your veggies!

Battery March Futur Pour Eux EP

Enjoyably knockabout Oi!-infused street punk from this band of Boston bruisers. Unfairly compared to DEATH RIDGE BOYS (Oi! for people who hate Oi!) in the accompanying blurb, this release fits nicely within the pantheon of American Oi!, replete with obligatory TEMPLARS-adjacent gruff vocals (without wandering into caricature territory). A surprise French number is also welcome, yet perhaps thankfully lacking the accursed saxophone by which our comrades from La République are inexplicably enamoured.

Freezeheads / Linda & the Losers split EP

On the A-side, FREEZEHEADS give us two tracks of RAMONES-y pop punking with classic chord progressions and repetitive lyrics, complete with some requisite “I don’t wanna”s. Flip it over, and LINDA & THE LOSERS is more of a noisy, LOLI & THE CHONES-type affair, with its simple snottiness and shouted vocal approach. Beer will no doubt be spilled on copies of this record at house ragers in the near future.

Phantom Pike Phantom Pike demo cassette

Nothing warms my cold Midwestern heart more than hearing good new punk music from Illinois, and Central Illinois no less. PHANTOM PIKE is a fresh outfit based in Springfield who take UK82/Oi!, add black metal vocals and some dramatic instrumentals, and dress it all up in chainmail. They call it “Skull Rock,” and you know what? It does fucking rock. Check this one out.

Sympos To the Dogs LP

I have to agree with fellow MRR reviewer Ben Marshall on SYMPOS: they were a joy to discover, have very strong first wave UK ’77 influence, and at times sound distinctly un-Oi! for an Oi! band. There’s no self-serious tough guy posturing to be found on To the Dogs, a refreshing change of pace indeed. The tracks are high-energy, catchy as hell, and at times remind me of ANTI-PASTI, UK SUBS, and ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE. I love this album, and highly recommend it regardless of whether you have a mohawk or no hair at all. Check out the title track, “To the Dogs.”

Lost Legion / Sympos split EP

This LOST LEGION / SYMPOS split keeps things simple, with each band tossing in two tracks and sticking firmly to what they do best. SYMPOS play straight-up, working-class street punk from Waterford, Ireland, pulling hard from UK ’77 without sounding like a tribute act. Their opener, “Welcome to Ballybricken,” is the high point on the record for me, ripping through two minutes of upbeat urgency that feels scrappy, direct, and genuinely fun. Chicago’s LOST LEGION, featuring Ian Wise of FUERZA BRUTA and Foreign Legion Records, counters with their brand of Oi! that leans heavier and more reflective. For me, “Stuck in One Place” lands hardest, a surprisingly catchy and (dare I say) danceable song with lyrics that wrestle with the feeling of being locked into a violent identity. No filler, no grand statements, just four solid tracks that balance energy, hooks, and hard-earned perspective.

Violent Way All Talk EP

From the ashes of the ELITE emerges VIOLENT WAY, refreshed and renewed to give the world a kicking. Some classic meat and potatoes Oi! from these Buffalo upstarts, and if you are a real American Oi! fan you’ll love this; willing to bet a couple of quid that these fellas had FORCED REALITY and TEMPLARS written on their pencil case at school.