Reviews

Subversive

Reality Blind to the Truth EP

I can’t believe this is a new band, and not some undiscovered reject from 1977 that someone decided to put out now. Actually, the lyrics are politically strong (anti-NATO, etc.), but the music makes the first MEKONS single look real professional.

Section A Time Stands Still EP

One more plodding Britpunk record that makes me wonder how I got into punk in the first place. The title song has a passable poppy chorus, but the others are big zeros—no tunes, no intensity, no originality, no nothing. How much more of this shit do we have to hear?

Sewer Zombies Reach Out and… LP

I think this is the band that went to Guyana to bring HC to the “natives,” but instead brought back the “natives” to us. Really, though, this is a sloppy noisefest of thrash, much like many of the European thrashers. Great lyrics, totally pissed and flailing about. Enjoyable anxiety attack.

Sewer Zombies Live It or Leave It cassette

These crazed noise-makers were caught live at Miami’s Cameo Theatre in late ’85, and this tape brings it all back. Obnoxious distorted guitar and echoing vocals amount to just about all of this entire cassette. Sound quality is poor, but in many ways this adds to the character and helps the listener get a feel for what this band is all about.

Sewer Zombies Conquer the Galaxy LP

David says this is what can happen if you go too long between records. All I know is they’ve made the most radical change of direction since BAD RELIGION hurled themselves into the unknown and barely made it back alive. So, from a hardcore band they’ve become a WALL OF VOODOO synth/mood band. Only on one track do they use drums and guitar. Hope they get back alive, too.

Shonen Knife Pretty Little Baka Guy LP

SHONEN KNIFE, an all-female band from Japan provides enjoyable, and very simple pop and pop-punk on this LP. The endearing cuteness of the songs reminds me of a more poppish KLEENEX, with light lyric themes to boot (“I Wanna Eat Chocolate Bars”, “Ice Cream City”). Just adorable… Pretty good, too.