Reason to Believe Reason to Believe cassette
Sing-along thrash not unlike early 7 SECONDS. Good personal lyrics and lots of raw energy. A band to watch for.
MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL
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Sing-along thrash not unlike early 7 SECONDS. Good personal lyrics and lots of raw energy. A band to watch for.
A pretty energetic release that ranges from CRAMPS-type trash to punkability to Robert Gordon/Jack Scott deep-throated ballads to classic punk. All songs are crazed in some way, be it by voice or instrument distortion, speed-crazed pacing, or just enthusiastic x 10 playing. Boss.
This record comes with a free condom to promote “safe listening,” and the material on this EP is fairly infectious, with some hard, up-front guitar work. The style, however, is distinctly ’79 flailin’, rockin’ new wave—the lead vocalist even has an English accent. Fairly good, I guess, but it definitely grows on you.
Inside this very elaborate package (full color jacket and comic book) comes a very hot album. Cross BLACK FLAG with VICTIMS FAMILY and toss in some BEEFEATER for spice and you have an idea of what this is like. Very strong.
Out of the Basque region comes this hot release. R.I.P. produce melodic thrash and punk with lots of catchiness, and, as might be expected from a band out of this controversial area, highly political lyrics. Comes with a huge foldout insert, translated lyrics, and lots of good music. Get this!
Thrash, punk and post-punk all rolled up in one band. Gruff female vocals are the unifying factor, as well as good production. Their third release.
Retardo punk rock from SoCal. In the tradition of ROACH MOTEL, ANGRY SAMOANS, MENTALLY ILL and others with an “I don’t give a fuck” freewheeling attitude. Their second EP, no progress, and that’s good.
Not to be confused with the NY band of recent vinyl, this band’s 7″ comes in a 10″ sleeve. And now…wow! This is a hot-shit rager, sort of along the lines of CAPITOL PUNISHMENT. Highly recommended!
Lame “deathrock” lyrics, but the music and female vocals work well on most of Side One. On the flip it’s pretty SIOUXSIE-ish, but on the A-side there’s plenty of punk power that cuts through the crap.
A German two-man band (drums, guitar, mouth) bashing out some fun, garage-y, sing-along punk rock. Sounds like some rad drinkin’ tunes to me.
Jangling pop-punk, which is a little on the “smooth” side—acoustic guitars, etc. Not bad, but could use a bit more grit and grind.
Some moderately powerful punk and thrash, nothing too out of the ordinary. Comes with a mini-lyric book. Words in German.
Unmistakably Ian MacKaye on vocals, teaming up with a member of industrial/dance band MINISTRY. Both tunes combine elements of each person’s forté, and it works. Post-EGG HUNT industrifunk punk. Lyrics seem interesting, but no sheet to clarify.
Yeah! Imagine early 7 SECONDS with a slight metallic tinge, add some well-thought-out positive and political words, and you got these guys: one fucking hot band!!
Very fast, tuneless ultra thrash like the first DRI LP. The slow parts are catchy, the thrash stuff is pointless. Sure, it’s really fast, but so is a blender.
These S.F. homeboys are akin to the CAMPER school by using acoustic instruments and a soft approach. Each of these three songs is different. The title track is an eerie, partially acoustic, witch thing. Then there’s a beer barrel polka song, and a psychedelic T. REX imitation. Almost interesting.
Two of the four tunes are too far on the pop ballad side for me, but the cover of LOVE’s “7+7 Is” is decent (a bit too clean), as is the atmospheric but rockin’ “13th Floor.” From Australia.
Musically, this is hot Oi!-ish punk with loads of power. Lyrically, they appear confused. They seem to have a leftist/anarchist viewpoint, but also a sexist and homophobic attitude. No one rules? Duh.
This latest ’77 re-release showcases Shane MacGowan’s (way pre-POGUES) early punk and punkabilly sound. Contains the NIPPLE ERECTORS first 45 and two excellent unreleased tracks, as well as the later NIPS’ two singles. Basic and fun.
Chunky garage punk with that charming raw quality. Lyrics run the gamut from personal stuff to silly sarcasm. Purdy good.
This second release heads more in the direction of BIRTHDAY PARTY blues. Both songs are okay, but fail to deliver anything memorable.
Pretty hot straightforward punk from this Bay Area act that no one hears about much. Includes some neat covers and nine originals. Fun stuff.
Pretty good mid-tempo punk with positive, optimistic words. A little similar to early DAG NASTY, but not as catchy. Worth a listen.
A lot more pop than in the past (at times even power pop), this release puts the accent on harmony and melody. Sounds like the BEATLES meet early punk with some thrashy energy. Lots of short, goofing around tracks, as well as their usual good production sound. Guess this signals the end of this label as an indie.
Fun, upbeat punk with a ’50s rock’n’roll feel to it. Lyrics are personally oriented. Hot rockin’ stuff.
England’s raging noise rockers, sort of in a BIG BLACK vein. Lots of distortion on vocals and the music itself, which is usually churning and powerful and eccentric.
A 50-50 ’77 type four-song job. No particular distinction here, decently energetic, passable hooks.
Pretty lackluster stuff here: fast punk with sing-along choruses and not too much distinction. Slightly MISFITS-ish, but not as catchy. Average.
Catchy hardcore with a definite admiration for the DC sound. Buildups, tempo changes, breaks and heartfelt, seemingly sincere lyrics for all the “positive,” “unity,” and emo aware. Pretty refreshing in an attitude sense.
Jersey kooks will go nuts over these thirteen Garden State acts, featuring CRUCIAL YOUTH, CHRONIC FEAR, and more. Righteous punk tuneage from these loonies.
A good consistent compilation of HC and speedcore tuneage. Almost all U.S. acts; standouts include FEAR ITSELF, ATTITUDE, IMPULSE MANSLAUGHTER, and more. Mostly unreleased stuff, with a couple live cuts. Thumbs up.
A limited edition colored vinyl comp EP with AMQA, CONDEMNED, IMPULSE MANSLAUGHTER, SEA MONKEYS, and PSYCHO. Lots of gonzo thrash with slight metal bits. Not bad.
A comp of Yugoslavian punk acts, both past and present. Featured are KAOS, BLITZKRIEG, CRIST, and more. Most seem to have an energetic early punk sound. Booklet included.
An above average world comp featuring QUOD MASSACRE, DISARM, the WRETCHED, and more. Lots of scorching thrash and all profits go to various humanitarian groups. Booklet included.
A pretty hot east coast comp featuring CHEMICAL WASTE, AWARE, CRUCIAL YOUTH, and other quality acts, blasting out punk tuneage. Booklet enclosed.
A relatively solid comp featuring UK SUBS, GBH, and smaller acts like IRSTAS and BAD DRESS SENSE. Not bad, but did you have to include “Big Women”?
A pretty good comp here with DISORDER, QUOD MASSACRE, BARN AV REGNBUEN, FOLLOW FASHION MONKEYS, and more. Lotsa cool tuneage from around the globe. Booklet included.
Some pretty enjoyable sounds from Yugoslavia, ranging from ’77-ish tunes to all-out thrash. Includes QUOD MASSACRE, SOLUNSKI FRONT, and many, many more.
An above-average comp featuring acts from around the globe such as POWERAGE, SCREECHING WEASEL, POLITICAL ASYLUM, and more. Quite nice.
A benefit LP for a youth center in Germany, featuring German and Italian bands such as SPERMBIRDS, DUNKLE TAGE, SKEEZICKS, DIOXINS, JUMP FOR JOY, DISPERAZIONE, RESISTANCE, and more. Green vinyl.
A damn ferocious comp featuring IMPULSE MANSLAUGHTER, SHATTERED SILENCE, the UPRISE, and other fierce acts. Lotsa scorching thrash within.
I wish there was more info on the bands included on this Irish comp, ’cause they’re largely excellent. Lots of pop punk, garage, psycho surf, etc. Fans of UNDERTONES, CRAMPS, REVILLOS, etc. will enjoy the CANNIBALS, PARALISED PURPLE RAYS, PARANOID VISIONS, GOREHOUNDS, BARRACUDAS, etc. Rocks.
Big names are on this effort (7 SECONDS, ADOLESCENTS, CIRCLE JERKS, the BRIGADE, M.I.A., S.N.F.U., DOGGY STYLE, TESCO VEE & WHITE FLAG, C.O.C.) as well as medium names (LITTLE GENTLEMEN, VATICAN COMMANDOS, MAD PARADE, SLAPSHOT, 76% UNCERTAIN, LEMONHEADS, SHONEN KNIFE) and the newer names (BULIMIA BANQUET, PROBLEM CHILDREN, COPULATION). Tunes are both live and studio, of varying sound quality. Interesting notes: what does it mean when the BRIGADE rocks more than 7 SECONDS?
Sorry, no sperm here, but there is an okay comp with the WALLMEN, A.P.P.L.E., PSYCHIC VIOLENTS, and others. Moderately enjoyable, and a great title.
A pretty good selection of English acts, from CHELSEA to CONFLICT to the STUPIDS. Sound quality varies, but the tuneage and production is good.
An hour’s worth of East Coast HC and metalcore. Bands featured are PRONG, CHRONIC FEAR, PSYCHO, LETHAL AGGRESSION, and many more. Consistently hot powercore stuff, not for the timid.
A Philly comp featuring a variety of mostly mid-tempo punk and some thrash. Standouts include DEADSPOT, PAGAN BABIES, TONS OF NUNS, BLUE, SHE MALES, ANTHROPHOBIA, HOMO PICNIC, MCRAD, DAS YAHOOS, and more.
Can’t help it—this stuff just slays me. Wild, obscure white trash rock and rockabilly tracks from the ’50s and early ’60s. Although they all sound fairly similar the first volume has plenty of “outer space” songs that should please fans of the LEGENDARY STARDUST COWBOY. Yowsa.
A pretty good buffet of tuneage here from experimental punk to scorching thrash. Standout acts include PSYCHO, BOURGEOIS DISEASE, and CANCEROUS GROWTH. Worth investigating.
A pretty hot comp of Yugoslav acts who play it mostly hard and fast. Standouts are 2227 and GENEV DELRET. Worth looking into.
