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 Total Anarchy LP

Well, I didn’t know that “total anarchy” was a marketable commodity, but here it is. And the usual show, tedious punk-by-numbers in the grooves exudes the safe, commercialized form of “anarchy” that punk is increasingly coming to represent—all stylized form and no real content, all superficial slogans and no real ideas or action. The only cuts with any punch are the two by Death Sentence (both already released), one by CHAOTIC YOUTH (“Don’t Take Their Shit”), and one by EXTERNAL MENACE (“External Menace”). Otherwise, yecchh! Anyone want some cheap coffee-table anarchy?

B. Trug Lieber Schwierig als Schmierig LP

As the band themselves say, “Never mind the SEX PISTOLS, here’s B. TRUG,” because this is a really superb punk LP with plenty of garagey raunch. Most of their material consists of short blasts of buzzing noise that evoke an oncoming locomotive; the rest has a pronounced rockabilly rhythm and sounds like early demos of the CRAMPS must have once sounded. The abrasive recording definitely captures the raw power that B. TRUG must generate live. My fave new German release.

Kosmonautentraum Liebesmühn EP

If you’re lucky enough to find this 7″, grab it. First, you get the greatest funk bass line waaaaay out front; then the trashy tin-can drums come in; then a whiny, sloppy guitar and screaming vocals. If this is what they played in discos, I’d go. Play it often, and play it loud.

Chaos Z Ohne Gnade LP

“Ultra Hardcore” is what it says on the cover, and that’s what it mostly is—straight ahead thrash, much like DISCHARGE, with little variation. The songs have anti-authoritarian, anti-war, and apocalyptic themes, except for “Stuttgart über Alles,” modeled after the DK’s classic.

Cotzbrocken Jeden das Seine… LP

A mediocre, very primitive punk album. In fact, the poor recording and amateur musicianship are COTZBROCKEN’s only real strong suit. Since most of the material plods along and lacks any hooks, good production would only make these guys sound like any run-of-the-mill English band. Aside from the hoarse vocals and an occasional song with spunk (“KZ” and “Hey, Punk”), this can’t be recommended.

Kohu-63 Lisää Verta Historiaan LP

This band’s second 12″ offering sounds like a cross between LA thrash circa ’81 and DISCHARGE. From the glossy 12-page booklet enclosed, one can surmise that the songs are your basic anti-war, anti-police themes.

Lama Lama LP

Another excellent punk album from Finland. As we’ve already indicated, LAMA aren’t one of the young thrash bands, but an older-style punk group that started in ’78-’79. But that doesn’t mean that they sound like today’s boring English clone groups. They have musical muscle, songs with great dynamics, tightness, and they play pretty damn fast for a bunch of old-timers. Their new thrashed-out version of “Tavastia” is a classic, the high point of this LP. Rumors has that they’re breaking up. What a shame!

Nostrils Live with the London Symphony Orchestra cassette

A mixed back of songs recorded in ’81 by this now defunct Canadian outfit. A lot of older-style punk, some with good hooks, but rendered largely obsolete by recent stylistic changes. However, one song, “Malcontents,” is as powerful and driving as anything going, and makes me sad that they decided to call it quits.

Riot Squad S.A. Total Onslaught EP

Radical protest music from the belly of the beast. RIOT SQUAD are South African punks who play slow, catchy ’77 stuff, but their real significance lies in their very existence in such a repressive country. Vicious anti-apartheid and anti-government lyrics are featured on this EP, so let’s hope that these brave lads don’t end up in jail or dead. Incredibly inspiring.

The Neos Hassibah Get the Martian Brain Squeeze EP

An amazing, original, manic, tight, intelligent (and I could go on and on) release. And I thought their first EP was great. This one puts that one to shame. There may not be too many of these, as they’re financing it themselves, so buy as soon as you see it. Oh yeah, it’s got fourteen songs.

Stress* Stress* LP

Again, flat production and mundane material make for an unsatisfying German punk album. This record is positively laid back, the worst possible attribute for a hardcore release. Much of the problem here is no doubt due to the wimpy recording, but the songs themselves don’t show much promise, either. There are rare glimpses of potential, but they never develop into anything substantial.

V/A Die Deutschen Kommen LP

Five groups are featured here. FASAGA and COTZBROCKEN have a ’77 sound; Fluch have a CRAMPS feel; OHL are semi-thrash; and STOSSTUPP must stand 1″ tall and record in a matchbox. OHL rule this roost from a musical standpoint.

V/A Schiavi Nella Città Più Libera Del Mondo EP

Four hardcore bands from Bologna share this raw record. R.A.F. PUNK sounds like a cross between CRASS and DISCHARGE; STALAG 17 are a bit more primitive, with tremendously course vocals; ANNA FALK SS sound more like a typical Britpunk aggregation; BACTERIA make FLIPPER sound wonderfully melodic. A great EP.

The Fartz World Full of Hate… 12″

Not quite up to the standard set by their debut EP, but still excellent. Some of the thrashers run together indistinguishably, and slower metal songs like “Hero’s” and Black SABBATH’s “Children of the Grave” don’t cut it, but in general, the same qualities that made their 7″ so great—sneering vocals that could strip the paint off walls, raging instrumental power, and perceptive lyrics—are well in evidence on this 12”. If you play it loud enough, you can a) make the Silent Majority wilt with “Battle Hymn of Ronnie Reagan,” b) do agit-prop work on the R.C.P. with “Don’t Want No Gun,” c) put fascists on the run with my fave “Take a Stand (Against the Klan),” d) drive your nosey neighbors crazy with any of these 16 tracks, or e) manage all of the above. This record’s an all-purpose ass-kicker, so use it.

Minutemen What Makes a Man Start Fires? 12″

Do I really have to describe them after they’ve put out so much vinyl? No radical departures here, as their whole style is a continuing radical departure. You’ll know if you like them by now—I sure do.

Negative Approach Can’t Tell No One EP

Another Touch & Go Midwest classic along the lines of the FIX and the NECROS. All then songs are manic, even when they aren’t totally fast, but, uh… the lyrics will make you understand their name, because they’re sick sick sick of all this pressure pressure pressure or something something something.

Willful Neglect Willful Neglect LP

Too bad—the music is really tight and furious, and some of the songs are well taken, but this young band is plagued by the same lyrical problems that many other hardcore groups have in the area of regressive sexual attitudes. Punks have gotta get beyond stupid sexual stereotyping and homophobia. Those are the predominate values of the society we supposedly despise, so why carry them into our own? Fortunately, there are some positive ideas expressed here, especially in “Abort the Mission.”

Chron Gen Outlaw EP

CHRON GEN’s polished ’77-style pop-punk may not be very exciting to listen to, but their emphasis on accessibility and politically astute lyrics make this EP an above-average one. “Outlaw” draws an especially convincing point on fashion vs. content in contemporary punk, while “Behind Closed Doors” addresses the subject of abortion somewhat ambiguously.

S.I.B. The Third World War LP

An Italian band that occasionally sounds like the REACTORS or—dare I say it—a smarter VKTMS. A feisty Englishwoman belts out some modern rock material—punk, reggae, and post-punk. With such a wide stylistic approach, it’s not too surprising that S.I.B. don’t really excel at anything. The best songs here are examples of classical punk with real power, like “My Secret Life,” “Listless,” and “You.” A few worthwhile moments, but nothing earthshattering.

V/A Propaganda LP

OK, you’ve been reading in these pages how great Finnish punk is, so order this compilation of almost all of the best bands (save RATTUS, LAMA, KOHU-63, and a few others). That’s all the proof you’ll need. One band after another comes charging at you and demonstrates why this relatively small and out-of-the-way country is the tops in European thrash. Includes cuts by the BASTARDS, ANTI KEHO, KAAOS, NATO, TERVEET KÄDET, RIISTETYT, 013, MAHO NEITSYT, APPENDIX, SEKUNDA, and DACHAU. A must.

V/A Underground Hits 1 LP

One side is all American bands, including BLACK FLAG (their first EP), BAD BRAINS and SACCHARINE TRUST (previously released material), and the ANGRY SAMOANS (one oldie and two unreleased cuts, including the infamous “Poshboy’s Cock”). The German side contains four strong hardcore bands, including TOXOPLASMA, RAZZIA, CHAOS Z, and the NEUROTIC ARSEHOLES. This is a great idea for linking international punk scenes. Bravo!

Atila Atila 2 EP

More demented experimental punk from this bizarre fellow’s band, though the punk element is only pronounced on “Guncontrol” and “The Army Is Calling.” “Africa” has, as might be guessed, strong African and reggae influences, while “Star” is a slow psychedelic piece. Interesting, but not for everyone.

Beast Possessed / Wolfbane Nite 7″

The long-awaited return of ex-CRAMP Brian Gregory. Does his new band also feature primitive punkabilly? Unfortunately not. Instead, we get an atmospheric post-punk sound complete with haunting female vocals, a sax, synthesized sound effects, and a squeaky clean guitar. The horror themes alone remind one of the CRAMPS, so listen to this before you buy.

The Crucifucks I Am The Establishment cassette

One of the finest underground bands I’ve ever heard. The CRUCIFUCKS have more going for them than any group could ask for, including amazingly sharp lyrical barbs, insane Jerry Lewis-style vocals, sheet-metal guitar, innovative bass and drum interaction, and unique overall arrangements. The tempos vary, but every song is brilliant, especially “Establishment” and “Hinkley Had a Vision.” Mark my words, you’ll be hearing a lot more about these guys in the very near future.

The Dream Syndicate The Days of Wine and Roses LP

The first album by this Southern California band lives up to and exceeds previous expectations. The sound has been polished since their first EP, but you still won’t find a better metallic guitar attack anywhere. New favorites for old fans are “Halloween,” “Until Lately,” and the title track. A “punk” record.

Cracked Actor Nazi School / Judy in Disguise 7″

This New York outfit pounds out a stirring anthem directed against the stupidity and regimentation of our “educational” system (along with a mouldy JOHN FRED cover song). It’s medium-fast older-style punk rock with great lyrics and catchy choruses in the early SHAM 69 vein. You’ll flunk unless you give it a listen.

Green On Red Death and Angels 12″

The third release on the Down There label is by transplanted Arizonans GREEN ON RED. Like ex-labelmates the DREAM SYNDICATE, GREEN ON RED play intense neo-psychedelic music. While the DREAM SYNDICATE use guitars to propel their madness, GREEN ON RED use keyboards and guitars together for a more textured sound, sort of like TELEVISION meets ?.

Killer Pussy Teenage Enema Nurses in Bondage EP

After reading the hype about this Arizona band, I expected to hear great garage punk. Instead, I found wimpy new wave music with cutesy-pie female lead vocals. The uptempo “Pump-Rama” and the title track are OK songs in the B-52’s tradition, but the only things really interesting about KILLER PUSSY are their name and their trashy lyrics.

King Kurt Zulu Beat / Rockin’ Hurt 7″

This is weird. “Zulu Beat” has conga-style drumming, XTC-type vocals, a bass run lifted from any number of ’60s psycho-punk songs, a restrained sax, and a couple of instrumental rave-ups. The flip pretends to be noisy rock ’n’ roll. Nothing to lose sleep over.

Lockjaw Shock Value EP

A new hardcore band from Portland. The material ranges from thrash to garage punk and their sound, while not terribly original, is nice and gritty. Unfortunately, the lyrics are really stupid, being sexist (“Devil”), violence-prone (“Pop Your Head”), and, despite their protestations, racist as hell (“Go Back”). These guys could be good after a few consciousness-raising sessions.

Really Red New Strings for Old Puppets EP

Five new songs in REALLY RED’s very distinctive style. After four 7″ records and one LP, if you don’t know what they sound like, you’re really blowing it. Great driving, rocking, hypnotic songs with political lyrics as sharp as they come.

Ribzy Invasion cassette

Five songs by this San Jose group, consisting of two women and two men. Great snarly vocals in the snotty tradition of ’60s punk and Darby Crash. The arrangements are snappy and the sound is distinctive, maybe as a result of their five-string guitars. Look for a record soon.