Goddamn, this is one heavy and hateful record. Unlike many of their contemporaries, North Carolina’s STRIPMINES avoid easy categorization, opting instead for a mix of hardcore styles that is simultaneously simple and complex. Throughout the record, they balance fast, downbeat hardcore à la TOTALITÄR and crushing, mid-paced mosh parts like WASTED TIME to brutal and refreshing effect. (Both of these comparisons come from the Sorry State description, but they really are very appropriate.) What I like most is that the entire band contributes something unique that makes each song stand out from the pack. The vocals are uncommonly harsh, the drums are tight and rough, and the bass lines and guitar leads (especially on “Turn My Back,” which is probably my fave on here) are creative and unique. If you’re tired of records that go nowhere or recycle the same ideas, this is for you. Highly recommended. (Sorry State Records)
Record of the Week: STRIPMINES Sympathy Rations EP
13 05 2011Comments : No Comments »
Categories : Record of the Week, Record Reviews
Video of the Week: Les Oreilles Qui Saignent
30 09 2010
It’s not everyday that you come across a well-produced video zine, let alone a French “video psychedelic punk rock fanzine,” but that’s exactly what we have here, and for the most part, it’s is a fun and worthwhile watch. Les Oreilles Qui Saignent (“Bleeding Ears” in English) features footage from touring bands like GOVERNMENT WARNING, SURRENDER, SHITTY LIMITS, and the WANKYS, as well as homegrown French bands like DAILY O.D., who play catchy, female-fronted punk, rough and crusty hardcore from CHAOS ZZZ, noise-mongers WARNING/WARNING, and dis-core from STATE POISON (who, frustratingly, are filmed playing in front a DESTINO FINAL banner, but there’s no DF footage!) All of this is regularly interspersed with videos of bands from days gone by like the (French) DOGS, FLIPPER, and POISON GIRLS, plus riots, death and destruction, French news reports, commercials, Japanese horror films, and other punk rock stuff. The in-between footage gets a bit tedious at times, and this whole thing would be infinitely more enjoyable if it slimmed down to less than an hour in length. Nonetheless, there was clearly a lot of love and hard work put into this, and it’s a cool document of these bands and this scene, so if any of the above highlights sound appealing (and there’s a lot to choose from), do yourself a favor and check it out. You can download or watch the whole thing here, or order a DVD by contacting bskubich {at} no-log(.)org.
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Categories : Video of the Week







