Reviews

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!

V/A Underground Hits 2 LP

The second lavishly illustrated volume of Underground Hits again features a mixture of German and American bands, but this time around, the production isn’t as good and the two punk groups representing Germany (CANALTERROR and SPUX) aren’t quite as impressive. Still, it contains material from some excellent US outfits (the ANGRY SAMOANS, YOUTH BRIGADE, the MEATMEN, HÜSKER DÜ, the FU’s, GOVERNMENT ISSUE, and ADRENALIN OD), and represents another positive effort to unify the international scene. AOD’s unreleased tracks are hot.

V/A Kass 2 cassette

Eight Swedish bands appear on this compilation. Most of them play thrash, but some traditional punk and industrial-type outfits are also included. MOB 47, the BRISTLES, and P-NISSARNA come off particularly well here.

V/A Vägra För Helvete LP

A Swedish compilation album featuring a variety of punk styles performed by new and not-so-new groups. The bulk of the record consists of basic ’77-style punk bands (SABOTAGE 81, the LIVIN’ SACRIFICE, ADRENALIN, ROLANDS GOSSKÖR, HJÄRNDÖD, ASTA KASK, and DNA), the best of which are SABOTAGE 81, who produces some catchier-than-average tunes, and ASTA KASK, who have a driving, upbeat sound. ANTI-CIMEX, SUNE STUDS OCH GRÖNLANDSROCKARNA, and NYX NEGATIV present a more contemporary thrash attack, but the generally muddy production detracts from this collection’s overall power (as it did on the Really Fast sampler).

V/A Ingenting for Norge LP

An underground Norwegian compilation with four groups. ALLAHRM are a boring rock-oriented band with some traditional rock ’n’ roll elements (in “Vegspringar”); TEROR boasts a basic Britpunkish attack with a bit of edge and a loud bass; NORRRSKE BUDEIER have a female singer and a mid-tempo punk sound (except on the thrashed-out “Á… VÁ¦re”); and FADER WAR are full-tilt thrashers with an ultra-fuzzy guitar buzz and somewhat off-kilter drumming. Uneven as a whole, but it has some notable high points.

V/A 430 Años cassette

This tape features nine Sao Paulo-area bands—PSYKOZE, ULSTER, OLHO SECO, RATOS DE PORÁO, 365, HINO MORTAL, ETC, SP CAOS, and RUIDOS ABSURDOS—who do some proverbial ass-kicking. These recordings were done live and, unfortunately, the sound quality isn’t really very good (lots of vocals, but little clarity of instrumentation). As a result, it’s mostly the excitement and emotion that’s conveyed here.

V/A Belse Bop cassette

Three lesser-known Finnish bands share this tape. I’m tempted to say they are less well-known for good reasons, but I’ve been spoiled by the likes of TERVEET KÄDET. These bands—NUSSIVAT NUNNAT, LAPSILTA KIELLETTY, and KAUNEUS & TERVEYS—seem to be newly formed, as the predominant sound here is garagey. There are moments of experimentation amidst the punk and thrash mash, and given the price ($1 and I.R.C.), it’s a bargain.

V/A Ahhh… Italian Punk!! cassette

There are tracks here by nine excellent Italian bands, including CHELSEA HOTEL, SHOCKIN’ TV, TIRATURA LIMITATA, EU’S ARSE, NABAT, DARK RIDE, PEGGIO PUNKS, CCM, and ROUGH. Hey, pasta punx rule!

Zyklon B Independence and Anarchy / No Escape 7″

An older-style punk band from Canada, complete with wonderful fuzzed-out guitars and lyrics you can actually hear. I didn’t like it as much at first, but now I think both sides are good. Hey, they even have guitar solos!

Wardogs The State of Things cassette

This young Italian band presents highly dissonant, disjointed, and unmelodic thrash that is very well produced. The guitar seems totally weird, as it is so clean and smooth in contrast to the rest of the music, not to mention most punk guitar sounds.

Unicef Kakimassaa EP

Scraping tonsil bites of harsh vocal growlings overpower the raw early punk flavor that this new Finnish ensemble grind out. Not the “stereotyped” Finnish assault of chaotic thrash, but something musically more in the line of PERSONALITY CRISIS or SKREWDRIVER, building a vulgar progression of power thrusted into snarling hacks. UNICEF contains former members of LAMA, but this band is very different. A gargling release.

Dezerter Ku Przyszłości EP

After hearing the fairly traditional ’77ish title track from this EP by a Polish punk band, I thought it might be more of a curio than a record I listened to a lot. But the other three songs turned out to be tight contemporary-sounding thrashers with memorable vocal parts, instrumental hooks, and one picky lead (in “Wojna glupcÁ³w”). DEZERTER easily holds their own against the better Western bands, so I strongly recommend looking for their releases.

Cólera 1.9.9.2. cassette

A very “noisy” tape, as production facilities in the Third World appear to suffer as much as the people. CÁ”LERA are a very bass-heavy band with lots of buzzing guitar and clear vocals—even I can understand some of the Portuguese. Most tracks here are in the mid- to fast-paced punk style, and they have strong political lyrics.

V/A We Gots No Station cassette

This tape represents DC’s funky/arty/noise/psychedelic garage groups. The bands include HATE FROM IGNORANCE, BLOODY MANNEQUIN ORCHESTRA, CHALK CIRCLE, GREY MATTER, BLUE CROSS, the PSYCHODELIC TRASHCAN, etc. There’s a little something for almost everyone here.

Think Tank Think Tank cassette

A bunch of cool Fresno cats associated with the MANIAX, Blitz, and Stop Skate Harassment have put out this innovative little tape. THINK TANK combines unique post-punk arrangements, very thoughtful lyrics, and all-out thrash blasts in an effective, distinctive way. They even do a raunchy cover of the CLASH’s “1977.” Highly recommended.

Spark Plugz Spiders in My Pockets / No Problem 7″

This cool platter is kind of hard to describe. “Spiders” is a warpo trashed-out number with psychobilly vocals and a sporadic slide guitar; the flip is more of a traditional rock ballad that doesn’t quite click. Different.

Painted Willie Ragged Army cassette

I can’t help but think that this is what Rod Stewart would have sounded like had he gone thrash. I’m referring specifically here to Will’s high, cracking vocal delivery. He combines with Phil and Dave from SIN 34 to produce some quirky, unusual modern thrash.

Moral Disgust I Love College cassette

In about a year, these guys could put out a killer record. They’ve got their thrash licks down, but need to develop their distinctiveness a bit. Also, the lyrics, which seem highly satirical, are pretty ambiguous. On a few songs, though—like “Power Games”—you can see how intense they might become.

Trotskids Je Sens Mauvais 12″

The TROTSKIDS play quite a bit faster than most of the new French skunk bands. They have the same heavy sound and irresistible soccer chants, but the accelerated tempo adds a lot more punch and appeal, at least for me. Great stuff that I strongly recommend.

S.H.Draumur Listir MeÁ° Orma cassette

Garage-quality recordings don’t really add much charm to post-punk bands, but this guitar-bass-drum trio still manages to carry their particular form of expression across. They fare best on the “rockier” numbers, which remind me of BLURT without a sax; the slow, “painful” songs are less appealing.

The Squirt In the Name of God cassette

Even though this tape was recorded before they had a drummer—his tracks were overdubbed—it shows potential. SQUIRT produces some of the best Swiss thrash I’ve heard. It’s not quite up to the Alpine levels attained by other European bands, but it’s definitely worth a yodel or two.

Shanghai Dog Clanging Bell 12″

A new Vancouver outfit with former members of the SUBHUMANS. “Bawl and Change” and “The Closet” are terrific guitar-heavy pop blasts that’ll motivate you to bop; the other songs are clever rockish numbers that can be compared to English band SPHERICAL OBJECTS. Not bad at all.

Scapegoats Pogo Lebt! cassette

A German band that should not be confused with the Santa Cruz version that appeared on our Not So Quiet compilation. They have a total thrash attack with hot vocals, decent guitar work, and energy, but the drumming seems to be draggy or off a bit.

Reich Orgasm Future Pour Tous 12″

Still more skunk from France. The thing that differentiates REICH ORGASM from the pack is some extremely tasteful guitar frills inserted at just the right moments, but they don’t sacrifice any hummability in the process. I find this EP very enjoyable, but I’m beginning to wonder if this particular style is peculiar to French punk bands as a whole, or only to those on the Chaos Production label.

Rattus Finnish Hardcore cassette

This tape contains a lot of stuff off previous Finnish releases, plus other songs sung in English. Some of the cuts are in the funnypunk vein, but most have a truly killer thrash attack. These guys will be in the US soon, so find out why you’ll want to go see them. The incredible song translations are alone worth the price.

Rappio Harha / Kaupungin Kaunein 7″

RAPPIO’s 45 showcases the kind of punk that used to be common in Finland around 1978-’79, with its medium pace, poppy melodies, sung vocals, and hummable choruses. The twin-guitar attack and CLASH-style background singing make the B-side the superior song. An atypical ’84 release.

The Past / Zynthslakt 7 Låtars split EP

Two bands appear here. Rambunctious political punk rushes from the grooves of the PAST. Foot-stomping melodies, shot forth through whining distorted guitar and shrill vocal yells, are pumped in short doses of up-tempo bursts. ZYNTHSLAKT shares a similar quality, dealing more with a harmonious sound than a breakneck attack. Lots of variety, but still holding your attention.

Nighters Drop Down Dead EP

The NIGHTERS are one of the first Italian outfits to capture that irresistable ’77 punk style, and translate it into convincing ’80s hardcore. “Live It Anyway” boasts powerful guitar riffing and a hummable melody, but “Nightrise/Take a Look” is the winner here, with its especially energetic guitar work. Very stylish and entertaining.

Nabat Laida Bologna EP

NABAT’s second EP contains a bevy of aggressive Oi onslaughts with those delightful soccer choruses you can almost sing along with. The amazingly raw guitar sound and distinctive material found on their debut 7″ is somewhat lacking this time around, but I still enjoyed this record, especially the catchy “Potere nelle strade.”

Moderat Likvidation Nitad EP

This Swedish band is confusing. Their earlier Oi-influenced tape contained what might have been blatant stupidity. With song titles like “Anti-Fag” and KKK” and chants of “skinhead… sieg heil,” it was impossible to tell where they stood. But on this new EP, there’s a change, both musically and lyrically. Now, they combine sloppy thrash in the ABSURD vein and ponderous drones with anti-war themes, but the results remain mixed.

The Leather Nun Primemover / FFA 7″

I’m not too hot on the B-side, but the A-side is killer. It’s got a real heavy guitar that wrenches its way across the slow, tortuous course of the song, spitting feedback every which way. Added to that are IGGY/BOWIE-type vocals, and production that mesmerizes and pulverizes your senses. This Swedish band has been around for years, and this is their first American release.

Krunch Hello Bob EP

More great stuff from Sweden. The magnificent title song has a roaring wall of guitars and a staggered join-in chorus; the other three cuts are almost up to that exceptional standard. A mandatory purchase for fans of thrash.

Komintern Sect Les Seigneurs de la Guerre LP

Another French band with that English “skunk” sound. By that, I refer to the draping of soccer-style sing-alongs over a loud mid-tempo punk instrumental base. The title track and “Barcelone 1936″ are the best of the songs in that style; “Les Vauriens” is the sole fast cut, but it too has a chanting chorus. Good.

Kambrones Dédié à La P4 Army EP

LES KAMBRONES, named after the first French public figure known to have uttered the term “merde” (“shit”), have a chunky mid-tempo sound and the type of tuneful hooks that seem to be a characteristic of many French punk groups. But they’re more consistently fetching than the bulk of their peers, and all three of these songs will be running through your head after only a couple of listens.

Inferno Tod & Wahnsinn LP

Like VORKRIEGSPHASE, INFERNO rips out intense blasts of thrash enveloped in a wall of guitars, but they lack their compatriots’ tightness. In particular, the out-of-sync drumming often seems to hold back the rest of the band’s momentum. Still, the guitarist wails, and this nasty-sounding record has more than enough ass-kickers to warrant your attention.

Incharge / E.A.T.E.R. Chaos split cassette

INCHARGE come forth with a powerful strength of bitter thrash mixed with an early raw punk sound. The songs are crude and hard-hitting, but lack a certain posture to keep them standing straight. The music is high-speed and the vocals are slow, which makes it all the more confusing. On the other hand, E.A.T.E.R. continues their banzai assault with songs in their own language (unlike their EP). Two of Sweden’s up-and-coming bands.

Frites Modern Veel, Vet, Goor en Duur LP

This is a magnificent album, one of the best thus far in 1984. First of all, the extraordinarily powerful sound whacks you across the face, then you realize how superb the band is and how well-crafted the songs are. Most are in the hook-filled fast- to medium-paced vein (like “Als je Haar…” and “1000 Aspirines”), but there are also a couple of adrenalin American-style thrashers (the satirical “U.S.A.” and “Bedankt”) and some slower, older-style numbers (like “Een Droevig Verhaal”). The potential hinted at on FRITES MODERN’s earlier 6 Met tape has been fully realized here.

Fottutissima Pellicceria Elsa Fottutissima Pellicceria Elsa cassette

The sound quality isn’t the greatest, but the music more than compensates for that. F.P.E. are hard to describe—they’re thrashy, jazzy, damaged, crazed, and real intense. If the MEAT PUPPETS met MDC in a Chilean secret police torture chamber, the result might sound like this.

E.A.T.E.R. Doomsday Troops EP

Not to be confused with the ’77 U.K. punk band EATER, this Swedish group (ERNST AND THE EDSHOLM REBELS) floor down on the acceleration and rapidly hit fast, lightning doses of 1000-m.p.h. thrash mayhem. An outrageous display of burning speed and mind-boggling turbulence, combined with chaotic chops of lyrical expression. Don’t be fooled by the hilarious intro to the title cut—this EP hauls its load fast and furious in the new Swedish tradition.

Dead End Where Do We Go From Here? cassette

Some very original-sounding noises can be found here, with clean, snappy production to boot. It’s punk all right, but with so many quirky musical interjections that it seems surprisingly new. Great musicianship, with no loss of edge, musically or lyrically. Highly recommended.

Les Cadavres Le Temps Passe, Le Souvenir Reste EP

More well produced mid-tempo punk from LES CADAVRES. Most of the songs here have that chunky skunk feel, but the standout track is “Mort Á  l’avance”, with its accelerated tempo and singalong choruses. Powerful, but not quite as catchy as KIDNAP.

Civil Dissident Fourth Rate American Thrash

Impregnated by an orgy of thrash from across the world, Australia shoves forth one of its first high-speed rocketing barrages in the form of CIVIL DISSIDENT. Wild, uncontrolled quickness charges into a screaming fracas of blaring guitars and brawling drum snacks, stinging sharply with missiling vocals and catapulting this nitro-packed projectile head-on to chaotic dilapidation. This rates up there with the current crop of torpedoing intensity that fills this brain’s excitement.

The Bristles Ban the Punkshops cassette

Mix some skunky melodies with abrasive Swedish thrash and you end up with the BRISTLES, who continue to produce high-powered potential mind bombs. Their latest tape release is a step up from their debut EP, all the way around. Storming out the maniac mayhem with blitzing guitar distortion and lots of boisterous activity, whether chanting or slowing down the speedy pace, this fires a full round of quaking thrash. “Don’t Care About Me” is a quick laugh riot.

Bluttat Nkululeko EP

Another great release from BLUTTAT. It’s got a roaring wall of guitars, intense male/female double vocals, full-throttle thrash momentum, and perceptive political lyrics dealing with topics like South African apartheid policies. Don’t listen to this if you’re the overly sensitive type, because it rips at loud volume.

Bill of Rights No Rights, No Chance EP

A good debut effort by a new Vancouver band. Not surprisingly (coming from D.O.A. land), they have a chunky, older-style punk attack and an extremely basic approach. “Decide” is an especially fine number with a chorus that sticks; the other cuts are less memorable.