The Nikoteens Raw Power 1980–85 2xLP
A heavy slab of early German punk here. Formed in 1979, the NIKOTEENS’ debut Aloah-Oehh LP was released in 1983, and this double record set includes that album in its entirety along with a slew of live cuts and rarities. The band played a style of hardcore that was equal parts playful and powerful, playing blistering kängpunk rhythms one moment and suddenly breaking into an Oi! anthem the next. With rabid vocals over ripping guitars and merciless pounding drums, the studio tracks of the first album are crazy, sometimes hitting eyebrow-raising levels of frantic intensity. The bonus material is all over the map, showcasing the band in all their eccentric glory as they slide through a diverse range of modes and tempos in the various collected recordings. Altogether there’s over 78 minutes of music and it’s an entertaining ride, packed complete with a booklet of liner notes and photos.