Reviews

Pang Pang

Colère Unleashed LP

Hailing from Belgium is COLÈRE, with a pretty strong LP release in the form of Unleashed. I think it’s pretty cool—strong D-beat influence on some American-style hardcore punk tunes. Not quite as dirty as I think it should be, but overall I like it quite a lot. Usually I find covers on full-length releases as largely pointless, but they do a version of “Face to Face” by the FAITH that I think is pretty cool and they put their own spin on it. Their own tunes ain’t half bad, either. Not an album I’d necessarily go nuts over, but a pretty cool listen overall and I’d recommend it.

Negative Rage If You’re a Punk, I Don’t Wanna Be One & Sensitive City LP

These guys are punk as hell. Insanely badass punk/HC band that doesn’t seem to take themselves too seriously, as seen on tracks like “Ack Ack Ack” (URNIALS). In classic punk fashion, they aren’t afraid to call people out in tracks like “Local Rocker” or “Social Networking.” Besides the definite aspect of punk, they’re able to bring elements of sheer noise and chaos, as well as a variety of spoken word apathy and absolute disheveled screams. Because most songs clocked in around the one-minute mark, they pack a lot of good meat into this album; I was never bored. I couldn’t decide if this album made me wanna buy a guitar so I could smash it into pieces or to pick it up and play along. Either way is great.

V/A Never Mind 50 Years the Kids EP

Is this a tribute to Antwerp legends the KIDS? Or is it new recordings from the band in celebration of their 50 year anniversary? It’s both. This celebratory EP sees the mighty KIDS re-recording a couple lesser-heard tracks, including an old live number called “No Work,” giving fans something nice to add to the band’s long-dormant catalog. These tunes are mixed in with experimental covers from three other Belgian groups who have come to pay respect to these O.G. punk’n’rollers. HETZE offers a violent rendition of “Fascist Cops,” KOTSKAT takes “For the Fret” into the realm of minimalist synth, and COLERE adds new speed and fury to the classic “Do You Love the Nazis?” It’s a great excuse to revisit and rejoice in the KIDS, and it’s worth picking up for the first track alone.