For review and radio play consideration:
Please send vinyl (preferred), CD, or cassette releases to MRR, PO Box 3852, Oakland, CA 94609, USA. Maximum Rocknroll wants to review everything that comes out in the world of underground punk rock, hardcore, garage, post-punk, thrash, etc.—no major labels or labels exclusively distributed by major-owned distributors, no reviews of test pressings or promo CDs without final artwork. Please include contact information and let us know where your band is from!
ANTI-SCRUNTI FACTION champions the grunge-o-rama attack on their debut LP. The lyrics and punky spirit of this band go a long way, but the sameness of the songwriting detracts from the album’s ultimate impact. I’ll tell you one thing: if the whole album were as hot as “Suicide Note,” an impassioned thrasher, they’d have dynamite here.
A 28-song release displaying the BALLS’ hard-hitting but almost pop hardcore sound. There’s a lot of attention on melody, vocals, and back-up singing, as well as many changes within songs. This can be annoying, but their overall power and unrelenting energy carries it off. Pro job, fine lyrics too.
Throbbing, pulsating, driving intensive post-punk with gnarly distorted vocals. Maintains the edge while striving to be different, yet somehow ends up like KILLING JOKE anyway.
The brain blows to smithereens as this nitro-charged speedcore whip hauls at 1000 MPH currents of wind-blown mayhem. Perhaps the best yet in non-stop, tight, aggressive zoomfests of energetic action that cleans the table in the chaotic fashion. Good lyrical content adds to the ferociousness of this rambunctious five-piece.
A good mixture of high-power HC, speed-metal, and melodic mid-tempo garage thrash bands. The majority of tracks are unreleased and a few are recorded live. Standouts include: DER RISS, RAYMEN, IDIOTS, DIE MÄNNER. Something for everybody on this sampler.
An all-European comp LP with the bulk of the bands hailing from Germany. There’s quite a range of punk/hardcore styles evident, though the thrash from Holland’s PANDEMONIUM and Germany’s CIRCLE OF SIG TIU stand out for me. Other bands include ENOLA GAY, TIN CAN ARMY, WUT, A.N.A.L., EKLATANT, and France’s VERDUN. Comes with a thick magazine that leads me to believe that most of the songs are politically oriented.
This next We Won’t/Don’t… LP is an international blow-out with the likes of D.O.A., SACRILEGE, VIRUS, DIATRIBE, OI POLLOI, DEATH SENTENCE, NIC TOCZEK, STONE THE CROWZ, POST MORTEM, A.O.A., CONFLICT, TOXIC REASONS, and tons more. Sound quality makes for a Bullshit Detector varied effect. Scant info included.
A new compilation made up of Finnish and English bands. The Finnish side has the likes of RATS, SANCTUARY, and DORIAN GRAY, doing mostly raw, pre-released material. On the flip, we hear a ballet-type rant by ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER, and ten great melodic thrashing cuts by the UK ICONOCLASTS, who with their catchy riffs and vocals are the standouts here.
A good German HC sampler featuring many under-exposed bands like MOTTEK, CERESIT, DIE RUSSEN, INTERSCHROTT, and many more. Sound quality varies but still the music is listenable and enjoyable.
Spit out that raging energy with 38 bands delivering a wad of good slugs. This two-LP French comp also features a few international acts. This collection will separate the spine into sections with the likes of S.O.D., PSYCHO, HEIMAT-LOS, SOLUCIÁ”N MORTAL, MELAKKA, BUTCHER, and more. For thrash-mongers and punk-harbours.
Some new Aussie bands show their stuff on this new comp. Excellent effort courtesy of: GASH, FILTHY TRASH, MIMOSA TRIBE, LONERS OF STENCH, and DEPRESSION. This is one diverse thrash compilation that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Recommended.
A compilation that features some well-established names in European punk and HC. With bands like the VARUKERS, NO CHOICE, RATTUS, and ENGLISH DOGS, you would think this would be a very powerful piece of vinyl. Well, it’s not, and most of the tracks are at the most average and leave no lasting impression. Nothing outstanding.
This comp contains primarily demo tracks from the likes of AD NAUSEUM, STUPIDS, OI POLLOI, CHRONIC DISORDER, and a variety of less well-known bands, in appealing (and consistently political) songs. Very solid sampling of good bands.
Raw punk guitar and almost UNDERTONES-like pop-punk add up to enjoyable listening. Both tunes are very straightforward and it’s the simplicity and the power that are so catchy. Weird as shit language, though.
Well-produced eccentric pop punk. The B-side is a bit pop for me, but most of the A-side is interesting (save for some of the breaks, which get a bit “wavy”). Not run-of-the-mill at all.
I think maybe I could handle this super-produced punk-derived rock if it weren’t for the singer. He plays it totally straight vocally, sounding real mainstream, and that puts me over the edge. Maybe LOU REED or DAMNED fans could get by, though. Comes with a three-song flexi.
The A-side is decent but uninspiring ’77 punk, but the flip is a thrash ripper with cool choruses, though the lead singer doesn’t quite grab me—too clean sounding.
Grungy thrash with hints of Oi, Oi, Oi choruses but not falling into the sometimes wimpy character of a lot of Oi music. The good mixture of abrasive, distorted guitar and fast speed keep this record flowing smooth. Grade “A” thrash—good stuff!
This Swedish combo fails to enliven their mid-tempo punk format on their latest single. “Tragedy” is an uneventful ditty with lackluster hooks, and the flip sadly rates only as a mishmash of bad production and songwriting. SLAM has done much better than this.
A ten-song follow-up to their cassette (released in the US), continuing with ultra-simple and basic (primitive?) pop ditties. Well, the music is at least…but with song titles like “Banana Leaf,” “Chinese Song,” “Flying Jelly Attack,” and “Insect Collector,” I have a feeling these girls are not at all as sweet and innocent as they sound.
Medium/slow-paced but powerful, combining some of the better aspects of post-punk with the raw power of PISTOLS-type punk. Lyrically, the three songs deal poetically and philosophically with alienation, religion, etc. Good sound.
This Austrian band mines the same territory that the NOMADS do, and well-thought-out originals, but they do it on a less frantic level. There’s an overall enthusiasm that helps with the sound, but it might come over a little bit better if they’d work up a sweat.
Pretty cool and raw ’60s-type punk. Tight and powerful, with an obvious NOMADS influence, they rock hard and have a gnarly singer. Hot rock’n’roll.
While the FALL seems to be suffocating in their own style, MARC RILEY exploits the sound of his former mates and adds gusto to make a quartet of first-rate songs. Imagine Witch Trial FALL with an added dimension of life and catchiness, and you get an idea of what this fab disc is like. Get it!
If you’re a fan of that raw, early PISTOLS punk, as well as fast, well-done punk, you’ll want to locate this. Although it’s a live recording (good sound, though), there’s plenty of power and clarity, as well as excitement. Great guitar.
An above average neo-’60s disc that mixes Lux-type CRAMPS vocals with slightly more tight ’60s punk instrumentation. Maybe it’s the hot production, but the five songs here really stick out, including a cool cover of “Wild Man” and RED CRAYOLA’s classic “Hurricane Fighter Plane” (another CRAMPS rediscovery).
Thirteen mayhem raging tunes surface from the basement of this West German band. Vicious stop-and-go thrash compounded with several mid-tempo speed changeovers. The harsh bash/smash parts have a hard time keeping time, but the more melodic parts are quite enjoyable.
An English release that mixes bits of thrash with the sound similarities of GBH and ENGLISH DOGS, but with not the same amount of punch. Musically, it has a lot going for it, but nothing that makes it shine past the stack. Enjoyable and better than some UK releases, but needs that unique gusto to kick the brain around.
Two routine Brit-punk entries on their latest, but at least there’s rudimentary songwriting skill and punky energy in evidence. Adequate, though hardly up to the standards of their first two singles.
This is a 12″ reissue of PERDITION’s earlier release. Obviously, the catchy Britpunk musical style hasn’t changed, but the sound quality is a whole lot better.
Slow- to mid-tempo post-punk. Haunting and flowing mood music bordering on gothic, but not as trite. Weaving but simple melodies. The title-track is the star by far. If you’ve been following the bountiful post-punk bands from the East Coast, you’ll love these Brits.
Eccentric hardcore, ranging from FLIPPER-like dirges to weirdness that I thought only comes from Arizona or Texas. Pretty garage at times, too, on this five-song job.
Heavy rockin’ Aussie stuff with plenty of late-’60s and mid-’70s influences, and since the Detroit sound seems permanently ensconced Down Under, it should come as no surprise. OK.
Both of these EP’s are fairly crazed post-punk meets ’60s junk meets NAKED RAYGUN meets BUTTHOLE SURFERS meets BIRTHDAY PARTY etc., etc. I made the mistake of playing one record at 45 RPM instead of 33, and it sounded even better. Incredible production doesn’t hurt a bit either. Find these.
Thee MIGHTY CAESARS sound a lot like the MILKSHAKES on the A-side instrumental and a lot like ’62 UK R’n’B on their cover of JIMMY REED’s classic. Beat/surf/R’n’B stuff with a cool but simple trebly guitar lead. Basic crude and lightly produced rock’n’roll.
While I’ve liked a lot of their earlier releases, this one didn’t grab me. It’s really rock-heavy punk and post-punk that rarely cuts loose. On some of the slower stuff they do mount good power (“Lollipop”), but it’s not enough.
An interesting four-song effort, featuring an almost folk pop-punk sound like the NEWTOWN NEUROTICS. And; as with that band, you’ll find thoughtful lyrics and punchy delivery. Subjects covered are skinheads, glue, and standing up for your dignity. Fine-spirited punk.
Schmaltzy ’50s R’n’R meets DOORS meets simple punk—and I don’t think I like the results very much. Total noise it ain’t.
Actually, this is a 45. Both are fast punk with fuzzy guitar, a bit experimental sounding at times, but by no means groundbreaking. Decent.
Their first album contains three previously released tracks and eleven newies. And like their other recent material, this new stuff contains numbers that melt perfect simple pop melodies with a wall of guitar noise—a sublime combination only approached before by the VELVETS.
A three-song one-sided effort, this bands’ name translates as “A Whole Family Suicide.” Fans of fast-paced UK thrash will like this one, as it’s well-produced and crunches. Good debut.
This Swedish four-song EP is more than a little influenced by new speed-metal bands. However, the rough, crunchy production helps to overcome that avenue.
Melodic early British punk influence. Two songs, both with upbeat tempos and sing-along chorus. The vocals are done with a perfected slurring technique which gives this record a lowdown party punk feeling. Good.
Both sides are rockabilly-influenced punk, decently done but pretty country-fried. Definite CARL PERKINS influence.
Both A-side tunes are slick, mainstream punk (if that’s not a contradiction in terms), and are to be played at 33 RPM. The flip is a 45-er, though, and is thrashy, making it hard to believe this is the same band. That song rips, and the cover is also a grabber.
Containing both live and studio material, this tape demonstrates HEX’s powerful anti-state message as well. There isn’t as much bass as I’d like to hear, the sound quality is good and there’s plenty of powerful music, as well as chants, rants, interspersed sound effects, and literature. Concerns are predictable: bomb, anti-vivisection, politicians. Good chaps.
Fans of eclectic hard punk should appreciate this release. Combining funk, rock, and jazz influences. LES GNOMES have a punchy and herky-jerky sound which could have been too distracting had they not delivered it with such force.
In reality, just two songs, both highlighted by melodic punk Á la PENETRATION, complete with a clear singing female vocalist. Quite good, actually, with excellent production and simple but well-done mid-tempo instrumentation.
GIRLS AGAINST SEXIST HYPE aren’t fuckin’ around at all! Great smashing hardcore, sharp lyrics, powerful production—too much. Imagine a POISON GIRLS approach with thrash power, and you got it. Get it.
Rock punk with crooning female vocals, metalish rock guitar, and overall late-PENETRATION sound. Singer bugs me a lot with her “sweet” singing.
