Reviews - MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL

Distant Relatives Distant Relatives cassette

Rumbling bass, proto-punk song structures, and chilling vocals are just a few hallmarks on DISTANT RELATIVES’ self-titled release. From Chemnitz, Germany, DISTANT RELATIVES play an aggressive form of rock’n’roll that is difficult to categorize. I personally hear things like PATTI SMITH, the GITS, WHITE LUNG, EASTERN SYNDROME, and the ELECTROLYTES, but there is also a big 45 GRAVE influence. Needless to say, DISTANT RELATIVES rocks! The song “Mei Nü” is definitely one of my favorite songs as it rips with a quick punk energy, has a gnarly guitar tone that is snarly and grimy, and brims with a snotty attitude. Meanwhile, it’s hard to resist the swagger within “Done.” If you’re in for an album that meanders, but rests on genuine and unique rock’n’roll, then check this one out.

Disturd From the Darkside LP

I refused to listen to this band for a while because I hate their name and I knew I would like the band. I sure had that right. DISTURD give us some top-notch hardcore punk/crust. The music is magnificent, with elements of D-beat, thrash, and crust. If your musical tastes fall anywhere within that spectrum, this is a fantastic album to check out—play it at your next party, because this is some great stuff.

Extortion Threats EP

Australian powerviolence legends EXTORTION have once again blessed us with another tough-as-nails, full-throttle fastcore release. Actually, calling it fastcore wouldn’t do it justice. It should also be called tight-core, considering how unbelievably well-performed it is. As you finish the first song, which is just sixteen seconds long, you think to yourself “Whew, that was crazy. Surely it will slow down at some point!” Then guess what? You get sucker-punched into oblivion over and over by fifteen songs in a grand total of eight minutes. Every millisecond of Threats is jam-packed with raw, unadulterated aggression. The kind that you miss the moment you blink. It was one of my favorite releases of 2024 and after giving it about a hundred more listens, I’m happy to say that it absolutely still is.

Funeral Mess Following the Apocalypse cassette

Excellent ’80s US-inspired punk via Tbilisi, Georgia. FUNERAL MESS is listed as “mysterious punk” and includes members from a slew of good punk bands I was painfully unaware of prior to writing this. Songs range from mid-tempo to breakneck speed, the former of which I actually prefer, especially the rocker vibes of “Stay in Shock” and the melodic closer “Isolation.” Overall, it actually reminds me of a punkier T.S. WARSPITE, especially in the burly vocals. A great tape that is highly recommended.

Ghoulies Shafted by the Algorithm LP

How do these Aussies keep doing it? More fantastic DEVO-esque rock’n’roll madness from our friends Down Under; synth-laden egg-punk akin to ALIEN NOSEJOB, SNOOPER, and labelmates PRISON AFFAIR. What sets these folks apart from the others are the vocals. The guitarist, bassist, and drummer all share singing duties, and this helps foster a much more diverse-sounding record. Speaking of drums, whoever is behind the kit is a speed demon. Fast and tight as hell! I mistook it for a drum machine at first, but quickly perished the thought when I heard the nuances of the hi-hat hits. Ah, those precious nuances. Great stuff here.

Infra Vida Violenta LP

This is an absolute monster of a debut! Pummeling UK82 punk channeled through the explosive energy of Bogotá, INFRA has put together what will certainly be one of the top releases of 2025. I’ve been listening to these tracks over and over for the last couple weeks, and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. Killer vocals, fantastic guitar lines, perfectly tight drumming…it’s pure punk perfection. The bass playing on this record is bordering on actual lunacy. When the guitars cut out towards the end of “Prisión Mental,” and the bassist is going the fuck off? It’s absurd. They close things out with a cover of the SKEPTIX, which makes complete sense. Dig BOG PEOPLE or SAVAGEHEADS? Allow me to introduce your new favorite band. I can’t get past how good this is. (Circle) A+++!

Liquid Images Liquid Images cassette

Seven tracks recorded over two years and cut to tape, and while I don’t know if they’re presented chronologically, there was a steady progression of songwriting on display here. About halfway through, I got hooked, and by the end, I was a total convert. LIQUID IMAGES play an aloof, cool-without-effort type of garage-y punk, that calls to mind the VELVET UNDERGROUND or even early STROKES at times. The track “Running Out of Time” reminded me a lot of WARM SODA, which was right around when I got hooked on this tape, and that sound held on throughout the wickedly strong B-side. Tetryon Tapes seems to consistently find killer and varied sounds to put out, and this tape was a great reminder to stay on top of whatever they’re offering. Fantastic stuff.

Moira Sign EP

Fantastic emo-metalcore out of Poland. Very reminiscent of where the punk scene was at in the late ’90s/early ’00s. It’s like a combination of HOT WATER MUSIC, CAVE IN, early RISE AGAINST, and even earlier KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. These kids from Eastern Europe really nailed that East Coast-meets-Gainesville sound. As always with these types of groups, the vocalist is front and center with a range that spans from brutal throat-screaming to melancholy, melodic wailing that would make Guy Picciotto proud. If my research is correct, this EP originally came out in 2018 but was re-released again last year by Refuse Records as a 7”. Doesn’t seem like it’s gotten a lot of attention stateside, so let’s change its fate. Go pick this up right now.

Neon Lies Demons LP

Electronic darkwave band. I loved how their slight tempo changes created unique vibes to each song, while staying cohesive to one another in a darker yet playful way. This album makes you feel like you’re being dragged into another world or realm. The distant sort of vocals layered with repeated bass lines and synths really created a nice electronic gloom. I also really enjoyed the track “Pretender,” which was more upbeat but still felt unique and non-repetitive. Loved these guys.

Poison Idea Young Lords: Live at the Metropolis, 1982 LP

One of the very first early recordings in their PDX hometown from the Kings of Punk POISON IDEA, who have been a true inspiration regarding ethics in expression and execution of hardcore punk for me. Fast-paced, bone-crushing blasts of hardcore punk fury on each track. Their everlasting legacy of uncompromised hardcore punk with an extreme punk ethos lives through this cathartic live record, released by their own label that was founded back in ’89. A tunnel of time feeling on this album, achieving intimate vibes as it’s a local concert. Pig Champion on guitar and Jerry A. on vocals will reign forever.

Robert Robert the Record LP reissue

After debuting with a four-song EP of spiky, agitated skronk in 1985, the New Zealand art-punk collective ?FOG rechristened themselves as ROBERT and self-released this LP the following year. It’s a primo exercise in sinister, rhythm-driven FALL-esque (Rowche) rumble, with Lindsay Fog’s grinding bass grooves positioned as the stabilized center against scratchy, razor-twang guitar and dryly caustic vocals—the deranged rockabilly beat and motor-mouthed speak/sing of the killer “Handbreak” is an especially Mark E.-coded pairing. “Godwalks” builds up some serious paranoid tension in just over a minute, with its spiralling bass/drums clang and increasingly unhinged vocals repeating lines like “The funniest jokes are the sickest” and “You burn in hell or you’re bored in heaven” to really drive the point home. SWELL MAPS-like sparks fly in the shambolic, lyrically Dadaist “Meatworks,” and “Scream” reappears from the ?FOG 7”, featuring vocals from Sam Swan of Kiwi DIY all-timers LIFE IN THE FRIDGE EXISTS and a bleak, spin-cycle flail right up there with their better-known ’80s NZ post-punk compatriots the GORDONS and NOCTURNAL PROJECTIONS. Totally wired; another top Bunkerpop reissue job.

Seudo Youth Nobody Gets Down Like… LP

SEUDO YOUTH from Los Angeles takes no prisoners with Nobody Gets Down Like…, a twelve-track, fifteen-minute explosion of chaotic, noisy hardcore. With members of G.U.N.N., the FREAKEES, ADVOIDS, and PEOPLE’S TEMPLE in the mix, you know this isn’t gonna be a polite listen. The tunes are raw, frenetic bursts of energy, drenched in a wall-of-noise production that buries the reverbed vocals just enough to keep things unhinged. Are they reinventing the genre? Probably not. But does it matter when the energy is this contagious? The kids should go feral for this, and I can already see the bodies flying at their live shows. Check out: “M*A*S*H.”

Slutbomb Attentäter CD

SLUTBOMB from Cincinnati claims to be “the fastest queercore band in Ohio,” and they’re not lying. Blasts of powerviolence link up with sludgy riffs to form a slow/fast wall-of-death sound that is as much old school thrashy hardcore as it is metal-injected punk. The guitar tones on this recording are some of my recent favorites (see “Blood of Monsters” or “Slippery Elm Bark” for examples), and sound sort of like an angle grinder running underwater. Debra’s vocal barrage is raw and articulate while firing off lyrics critical of all the things creating our contemporary global hellscape. All in all, this eight-song recording is a blast from start to finish while also bringing a fiery and crucial message.

Split System Vol. II LP

Second full-length from Melbournians SPLIT SYSTEM. Vol. II is all-boxes-checked riff-punk that doesn’t miss a pre-req. BLITZ playing some DEVIL DOGS. It’s street-walkin’ and sleazy. The beers fall out of the sky on “Alone Again” and “End of the Night,” with plenty of swagger left to go around. Give it a go.

Twisted Teens Twisted Teens cassette

I’ve long felt that punk music is a folk tradition. At its most essential, it is tied together as a living history that is accessible to everyone regardless of anything other than love for the music. That is exemplified in this stunning full length, which both rocks and rolls but also feels like a lived-in and educated slab of American music that draws from a rich and deep well (or rather several). If it sounds like I’m hyperbolizing I might be, but I think we’ll look back on this one for a while yet as a brilliant confluence of old and new that sings in its own language. Okay, so how does it sound? It has edges of bedroom punk with a tight rhythmic center (using conventional and electronic drumming), with great expressive guitar playing and a gorgeous pedal steel on most tracks. The music is heavily melodic, showcasing the full-throated and gritty baritone of the main songwriter C.P.N. Hollywell whose lyricism is clever, aching and fiery all in turn. Some songs lean heavily acoustic, particularly the excellent and wistful “Tic Tac Toe,” but this is not merely folk-punk as it will then zig-zag back through a kaleidoscope view of other rock traditions, often with riffs steeped in blues and country but also with some non-pentatonic post-punk structures. In a way, it’s hard to pin down the sound here, and that’s largely what makes it feel like such a bold new thing—all while still having its moments of plainly fuzzed-out, crunching geetar bliss. I don’t always get to effuse about an album, and I certainly have here, but this was handily my favorite release of 2024 (it was on my top ten) and demands your attention. Hopefully everyone will catch onto what makes TWISTED TEENS important and special.

Wild Billy Childish & The Chatham Singers Step Out! LP

New from British garage auteur BILLY CHILDISH, Step Out! is his fifth release with Chicago Blues outlet the CHATHAM SINGERS, comprised of his wife Julie and longtime collaborators Wolf and Jim. The prolific Mr. CHILDISH is right at home singing hard-nosed, harmonica-strewn stompers like the tough opener of the title track, and from here a smooth succession of numbers both melancholy and jolly unfolds. A punk veteran since the old days, BILLY has aged gracefully into an authentic bluesman while leaving distinct traces of his groovy garage past intact, and it makes for an enticing and accomplished LP. It’s worth picking up for his rough-hewn rendition of “I Just Want to Make Love to You” alone, the best version of the smoky standard since the MEAT PUPPETS. Dig that twang.

X2000 Gótico Tropical LP

Swedish band with a singer from Colombia who paints a bleak picture of South American life as “the land of tropical gothic, of danceable stabbings and gore capitalism.” Straightforward and raw chorus-laden guitar downstrokes are accompanied by classic one-two tupa beats that plow through every track. Start to finish, that simple beat is there the whole time, but it works in its driving primitiveness. There are occasional spidery guitar leads that lend a darkness to the unstoppable punk attack, like on the memorable “El Linaje” and the raging “Morbo y Fascinación.” The shredded vocals match the vibe and deliver “the most macabre tales of blood and abandonment.” This is some expert dark pogo shit for the grimmest punks.

Zephr Past Lives LP

Oh man, I’m a sucker for when the whole band sings, and they hooked me from the first tune. This record has a very No Idea Records feel. Through these songs, you can also feel that these folks like each other and have a lot of fun hanging out. I think they are actual friends. For fans of RAGING NATHANS, GRABASS CHARLESTONS, RADON, a little bit of HOT WATER MUSIC, DEAD BARS, a little DILLINGER FOUR, and so on. You get it.

V/A Asphyxies LP

From the esteemed archivists at Cameleon Records, Asphyxies is a striking collection of tracks focused on three different French bands from Dijon spanning the late ’70s and early ’80s. The first five tracks are from STAND BY, whose “Aristocracy” is so strong a tune that it was selected as the opener for both this record and the label’s more comprehensive Thesaurus, Volume 7 2xLP. The band’s sound is a fantastic take on rockin’ ’77-style punk with a raucous edge, and this brief sampling will leave ears of a certain inclination wanting more. Next up is SUSPECT DEVICES, who blend power pop and new wave elements into a decidedly punky stew. Listen to the sunny “Civilisation” with caution, as it has serious potential to become an unshakable earworm. Finally, a duo of rough-hewn tunes from BOXON deliver straightforward rockin’ with a dark undercurrent in contrast to the more polished approaches of the two previous featured acts. This sharply curated comp is a great listen, impressively confirming suspicions that there’s still amazing stuff lurking beneath the surface that has yet to be culled.

Alement Banished Sphere 12″

ALEMENT is among the best current North American crust outfits. Howling devastation of the highest order, they’ve been honing their craft for a decade, and 2024’s Banished Sphere lands like the realization of those efforts. Think MISERY and AMEBIX as reference points for sure, but the metallic churn is special—“Surreal Wisdom” as a perfect example, while “Ritual Perdition” owes as much to Metal Blade-era SLAYER as to AMEBIX. Vocals are like a desperate warning and the riffs churn, repetitive pummeling spread out over six apocalyptic movements. This listens like a fully-realized recording (and release), less common in this era of streams and tracks and extremely welcome to these ears.

Blanket of M Fever on Front Street… CD

Not to be confused with M BLANKET, BLANKET OF M plops out a bouncing live album that leaves you with a good understanding of what the band is all about. Although they hail from Tyler, TX, there is a heavy East Coast and WESTON sense to their pop punk that comes off more on the non-live tracks on their Bandcamp page. The slower tunes have a definite RAMONES vibe with a side smile to the MISFITS. I usually hate live punk recordings as they tend to sound horrible, muddy, and the band, overall, is far, far less interesting than in their recorded material, but this stands out. Great crowd sounds with tons of tight friends, a few inside jokes, and probably jumping around and such. I would most certainly go check them out if they ever played within 40 minutes of where I live.

Caving Grounds Northern Desolation cassette

“Slow Violence” starts with a sample of socially engaged writer Rob Nixon explaining the concept of slow violence as the heaviness of a sludged-out riff creeps in and takes over. In essence, CAVING GROUNDS is a hardcore band, but they fire in many directions, and sludge is the main one. It’s all about the atmosphere with CAVING GROUNDS. A bone-crushing blend of fury and riffs for the more adventurous ones out there.

The CTMF For Your Love EP

I love just about anything that Billy Childish touches. No lie. I can see how some people may go the opposite way. I just like that sound. If you’re waiting for me to say that this is some sort of an exception, it isn’t. Like most of his stuff, this one’s got a very ’60s garage rock sound to it, starting with the choice of a song to cover. I don’t find the YARDBIRDS cover particularly innovative, but the band certainly is well-suited to cover the song (“For Your Love”). The other two cuts are both impressive retro-rockers. Nicely produced, achieving a nice balance of sounding garage-y, while also sounding produced but not over-produced. Long live garage rock’n’roll.

De Klok Stop the Clock LP

Experimental post-punk that (if you believe the self-mythologizing Bandcamp bio) was recorded in one day by musicians/academics from the US, France, and Belgium. Consisting of loping bass lines, skittery, jazzy drums, gurgling synths, and baritone vocals that sound like chopped-and-screwed TOM WAITS, the tracks meander with improvisational energy and occasionally touch on beauty amidst the weirdness. “Gently Roll the Tides” opens with plaintive synth chords that crash into one another until it sounds like a moaning animal and becomes oddly moving. “Sweet Summer Sound” churns with a propulsive warped blues sound, as does the sinister, driving bass on “Doctor.” On “Freerange Mycology,” the bass turns funky and has a tangled showdown with a noisy synth. It also features lyrics like “Toenail infection / Spreading to my knees / Creeping up to my eyes / Now I can see.” Far out, man. Your enjoyment of this record is equal to how much freeform studio fuckery you can handle. The musicianship is definitely there, and there is a cohesive feeling to the jams, but some tracks test the patience. Take “Beer Buy Up All Bacteria”—the extended vocal riffing on the title could have been much shorter, and we all would have been okay. Recommended to deep freaks only.

Disappearances Harrowgate LP

Chaotic, self-proclaimed “end of the world hardcore,” and it sure sounds like it. DISAPPEARANCES go deep into the heart of the issues encompassing mental health in modern society, pulling at the strings of the malaise felt with the world drifting further from balance. With members of +HIRS+ and KILL THE MAN WHO QUESTIONS, to name a few, this is a well-constructed homage to the strain of powerviolence that deals with the deeper subjects in one’s mind. Resembles a modern version of the ’90s emoviolence sound, drawing towards ORCHID or REVERSAL OF MAN, which is deeply rooted in powerviolence.

Disasseln Wohin Soll’s Denn Heute Gehen? LP

This album is as dark and hopeless as the miserable times we are inevitably crawling towards. DISASSELN does not strike me as the sort of band you would listen to on your way to the beach on a sunny day, which is fine by me, as spending an afternoon in the sand in uncomfortable trunks surrounded by rude, loud holidaymakers sounds like a Dantean circle of hell. This band hails from Bavaria, Germany, a region that cannot be said to be renowned for its punk bands (although I heard times were changing), and plays modern stenchcore with an indulgence in rotten death metal. This first album Wohin Soll’s Denn Heute Gehen? (where, indeed) is classically executed with that mid-paced D-beat that makes you want to ride the wasteland. I enjoyed it more on a second listen because of its super gruff vocals—mostly in German—reminiscent of a disgruntled, zombified bear, and the overall vibe and groove of a work that I would gladly qualify as “rotten crust metal” (it’s already copyrighted, so don’t bother). I wish they had written some slower, more epic old school crust numbers as well, and the LP sounds a tad redundant at times, but this has largely to do with my moderate love for death metal, and the band does lie more on the stenchcore side of things (probably because they can’t play well enough to play proper metal). I can imagine this lot sharing the stage with TERMINAL FILTH, DOWNWINDER, or the mighty CANCER SPREADING. A solid album for stench lovers.

Electrika Maquina Destruye Sueños EP

Wildly but deliberately chaotic Mexico City punk from the Japanese crasher school. Guitars are beyond distorted, they are straight-up tortured, while vocals sound more like the ones doing the torturing. The mid-paced parts of Maquina Destroy Sueños are where they shine, which makes the spastic “Falsedad” and the unhinged awkward speed of “Marcela” stand out, while the noise(s) that fill every crevice ensure that there will be no dull listening moments. ELECTRIKA is desperate and chaotic, and determined to remain noticed. It’s working. Do people still wear shoelace headbands? No? Might be time to start.

Famille D’Accueil Famille D’Accueil LP

I love the contrast of the nature/animal album cover with the actual vibe of their music; it’s so different that it’s immediately punk in its misdirection. Heavy-ass bass and guitar layered with intense angry vocals. “Grabuge” definitely gave me SLAYER vibes, as well as the kind of call-and-response guitar and bass in the verse of “Castration”. They kept a good variety with some of the other tracks leaning towards more classic punk. I overall really liked the start to all their songs; they really just set them all up great with just one chord or a distinct bass line or something. These guys bring so much power and energy. They’re badass.

Reviewer Emma Miller
Label DIY Koło / Fight For Your Mind / Stonehenge / Up the Punx
Issue MRR #502 • March 2025

Gu Destinati Alla Matanza 12″

Mentioning Italian hardcore over dinner will always get my attention away from the food, as I have been a sucker for the genre since I grabbed a homemade tape of WRETCHED’s discography sometime in the early ’00s (how I remember this precise moment but not what I did yesterday always amazes me). The Italian language is undeniably a great language for furious hardcore punk, as it allows the singer to engage in that kind of fast-paced, rapid-fire lyrical flow while still keeping the anger level high and in-your-face. I was expecting GU to belong to that old school hardcore department, but they do not really, although at times I can find some delicious traces of classic Italian hardcore in their music. I would argue that GU is a hardcore band with lyrics in Italian (they are from Amsterdam, actually), rather than an Italian hardcore band (speaking in terms of genre, not nationality). Know what I mean? It is all a bit modern-sounding to me, I am afraid, with some metallic breakdowns and an overall clean production. I like some of the faster, more direct songs, but other numbers confuse me a little and I end up not understanding what they aim at achieving. It is well-executed enough, sincere, and has versatility, just not my thing—but I was able to listen to the whole of Destinati Alla Mattanza thanks to the strong female vocals, angry but clear with a snottiness to them.

Jacket Burner Tonite EP

There are a lot of punks here in New Mexico, but for whatever reason, there are a rare few who produce fast and fuzzed garage punk in this tradition. I was thrilled to hear there was a new Goodbye Boozy release from a solo project just outside my backyard in the remote and strange little town of Truth or Consequences. And does it ever deliver! JACKET BURNER is beautifully constructed, hook-laden and no-nonsense garage punk with the riffs and attitude to send it home. A track like “Cold Leather” shines a light on the strength of this project: it’s sing-along but spiky, and while it has a homemade sound, the production is really smartly done. Every instrument holds its own space, including the payphone-receiver vocals which still manage to come through loud and clear. The whole EP strikes a balance between intelligence and ignorance and lands right in the sweet spot. Smart music that makes you feel dumb, which only a rare few purveyors can do. When you find someone cranking out that kind of wattage, you stay plugged into it if you know what’s good for you.

The Kewpie Dolls Bad Boy Mine EP

This thing is for sure kind of kitschy. No chance anyone could deny that. And I could see someone just not liking it. That’s the risk you run with kitsch. But I do like it. The KEWPIE DOLLS are an all “girl” band that deliver super lo-fi, but solid, garage rock with elements of doo-wop, surf, and jangly ’60s flair. Four cuts, and all four just hum right along. Look for them at a garage festival where most of the other bands will have a very similar sound. If that sounded mean, it really wasn’t supposed to. The cover of “Justine” is nicely done.

Lohn Der Angst Untergang vom Untergang cassette

Berlin duo that produces a menacing racket with bass-heavy arpeggiated synth lines, drums, and yelled vocals. While not as terrifying as say, SUICIDE, LOHN DER ANGST creates a mechanized post-punk that is minimal in composition but very effective. Tracks like “Reaktion” and “Das Kalte Molekül” have a propulsive groove that becomes almost catchy through repetition. Recommended!

Ritchie Magnum & the Demolitions Ritchie Magnum & the Demolitions cassette

Five songs of fuzzed-out, instrumental surf rock. Toe-tapping, catchy tunes all heavy on the distorted electric guitar. With no information in the tape and no online presence, I’ve got to work to try to give some information here. RITCHIE MAGNUM is from Tacoma, Washington and was the singer/lead guitarist in stoner heavy metal band COSMIC TRASH, ditching the bongs and the microphones for some twang and tremolo, and if you ask me it’s the right move. There’s nothing overly remarkable here and RITCHIE surely isn’t reinventing the wheel with surf music, but maybe that’s a good thing. “Ponderosa” gives us a pretty clear off-take on “Rumble,” while the guitar lick in “Gimme Yer Bag” is sure to swim around in your brain long after the tape stops. Not sure how to tell you to get your hands on one of these, as the band and label have no internet presence that I could find.

Negative Degree Last Breath EP

Good catchy North American hardcore sound. This would fit in anywhere from 1982–2025. Nice breakdowns, strong vocals, pinpoint drumming, and the guitars lead the way. You know you want this, I’ve liked it more each time I listened to it. Good stuff. Don’t let this slip under the radar. There is an extra track on the digital version.

Open Wounds Look in the Mirror EP

Last seen in 2019, OPEN WOUNDS pick up where they left off with an upbeat, melodic take on hardcore punk. Look in the Mirror gives us six concise cuts of peppy, well-produced punk with nods to the classics of ‘80s USHC, particularly the youth crew variety like 7 SECONDS. The label’s description refers to OPEN WOUNDS as an “angry but friendly beast,” which feels right. There’s an undeniable posi vibe that undergirds the songs, manifesting in lyrics about self-improvement and stuff like that. This is absolutely of a piece with their previous releases, so if you like those, it’s safe to say you’ll like this, too.

Power Pants PP7 cassette

I love this. With my whole heart, I love this. For me, it is checking all of the right boxes: sounds like it’s recorded in a bucket at the bottom of a well under 3/16” of water, they got a keyboard down there, the SPITS and LUMPY & THE DUMPERS botched a cloned baby experiment, could be on Total Punk or Goner Records, bouncy like some and creepy like others, and on and on. I would wish this tape would be my valentine for Valentine’s Day. I bet we’d chug Yoo-hoo and talk shit all evening. I’ve heard people call this style egg-punk or DEVO-core because of the satirical lyrics, quirky structure, and lo-fi sound with high-tech equipment. Call it whatever you want, as long as you allow it to find a way into your ear holes. This isn’t something that is going to change your life, but it is something that you would probably play once a year to reset your own botched clone baby brain.

Retsu Retsu LP

Debut LP from this band featuring members of DOOM and the MASOCHISTS. This is some outstanding English hardcore punk with some crust thrown in. I love the vocals that remind me a little bit of RUDIMENTARY PENI, punchy and sung over tough-as-nails guitar riffs. When I was in England last year, I was supposed to go see this band but something happened and I wasn’t able to see them. It’s nice to finally get some recorded output from this band. I’m a big fan.

Rogo In Un Mondo Senza Violenza LP

Roman hardcore/D-beat with a thread of black metal woven through the LP’s fabric—ROGO (not to be confused by the Lombardian band with the same name) delivers consistent WOLFPACK-inspired nihilism. This is the first offering from the band, which features a member (or two??) from SECT MARK, who I fondly remember from their 2021 promo. ROGO plays in a meat grinder for sure, it’s a cruel sound that creates a downpour wall-of-sound rage. “Sanzatteto,” “Creature Scomode,” and “El Dia De Mi Suerta” are proper illustrations of what the LP threatens.

Scary Hours Can’t Contend cassette

Brutal crowd-killer metalcore that brings to mind all the classics that helped mold the genre such as DEADGUY, DAMNATION A.D., and the KILLER. There’s also an atmospheric black metal meets slam-core edge that I think really helps this stand out among their contemporaries. The drums on this record are mind-melting—completely out of the pocket while remaining extremely tight. I had to check to make sure this wasn’t a drum machine. I’m actually still not sure. No one lists their personnel on their Bandcamp pages anymore. Is it cringe to do so in 2025? Finally here, I’ve gotta give props to the vocalist who utilizes a hardy, pure shouting style as opposed to the grunting and growls you typically hear in this genre. Gives it more of a raw and natural feel. If you’re nostalgic for early ’00s hardcore, then you’ll love this.

Shove Agency LP

Excellent punk from Down Under—SHOVE is a part of the stellar wave of bands from Australia crushing it right now. On Agency, they lay down thirteen tracks filled with nasty bass lines and powerhouse drumming, all led by lead singer Bella’s excellent vocals. In many ways, they remind me of my fellow Chicagoans STRESS POSITIONS. A favorite album from last year that I can only hope to hear live in the Midwest someday.

Śmierć Opór LP

Swedish D-beat punk band ŚMIERĆ has been playing together for nearly a decade now. Drawing inspiration from 1980s Polish punk, ŚMIERĆ espouses an alchemical outlook on the D-beat formula and infuses it with sounds from further afield. The result is a sonic adventure that ranges from anthemic punk to melancholic dirge with plenty of Mötor-charged moments in between. The Opór LP is nine songs in length and the band’s fourth available recording. In comparison to previous releases, Opór finds ŚMIERĆ pushing their sound to its furthest edges, with faster rhythms, colder tones, and extended instrumental sections. To me, I hear a lot of influence from ZBOMBARDOWANA LALECZKA, IŁ-62, and other Polish bands that embraced punk but experimented with other genres. I’m also reminded of contemporary Polish band LIFE SCARS when the more hardcore punk rock hits. The song “Das Unheimliche” is perhaps my favorite song on Opór with its eerie intro, infusion of world music, driving punk rock, and a haunting bridge.

Speed Riders Super Cheers LP

This self-described “grunge wave” band from Minneapolis has the goods when it comes to heavy psychedelia that has a bar rock center and doesn’t noodle about unnecessarily. It’s increasingly hard to find a band that jams that doesn’t bore you to tears, but here’s a great example. The music here is heavy, catchy, and even dreamy at times. While they reference grunge in their sound (and to be clear, we’re talking GREEN RIVER/MUDHONEY grunge), there is plenty more to it. It is an expansive sound dipping its beak in rock’n’roll of many eras, reminding me somewhat of the grandeur and referential sound of bands like SPIRITUALIZED and the VERVE, all with a punk rock heartbeat in its chest. What’s so exciting about this record is how many places the band can go from here. It sets the stage for a band who has a lot of ideas, great record collections, and can play their asses off. On the massive album closer “Run (Run, Run, Run),” they give a glimpse at how deep the rabbit hole might go, with its dense psych riffage and a compelling and classic vocal performance. It just keeps going, the kind of “keeps going” that makes you sad when it stops and never has you checking your watch. It’s also the perfect teaser that leaves the listener sat down with all the possibilities ahead.

Sprgrs EP1 cassette

There is no doubt that Barcelona trailblazers PRISON AFFAIR changed the trajectory of egg-punk with their unique take on the sound, becoming everyone’s favorite band at some point. But they’re by no means all that the rich Spanish scene has to offer. Granada/Jaén band SPRGRS manages to scratch that same itch and put themselves on the map with their 2023 debut EP1. It’s wobbly, it’s quirky, and it’s delightfully lo-fi. Seasick guitar melodies drenched in vibrato are perfectly accompanied by tasteful bass lines. While they take turns under the spotlight, they are always in lockstep thanks to the simple yet punchy electronic drums keeping the groove going at all times. Vocals are relatively deadpan throughout the EP and provide a nice juxtaposition to the dancy and quirky nature of their music. The EP’s runtime is around nine minutes, so you really can’t go wrong with it. And if you’re already a fan of the genre, chances are you’ll love it.

Tiikeri Tee Se Itse EP

A really solid power pop/punk release from Finland. With lyrics sung in what I am assuming is Finnish, I’m going off the energetic delivery and tight riffs that land this in a Venn diagram where Lookout! bands would overlap with ’77 punk—I’m thinking of a spot where SCREECHING WEASEL and the BUZZCOCKS would merge. The four short tracks are pretty infectious, and I found this on repeat for quite a few spins.

Vostok Import Three Letters CD

DIY punk out of Germany with a lighthearted edge—at least it feels that way to me. Most of these songs are in Russian or German, so I have no idea what they’re singing about. Judging by the energy and song titles, I’m gonna have to go with my gut and assume there’s a lot of tongue-in-cheek wackiness going on here. Impressive production, and everything comes off super tight. Nothing really groundbreaking here, though. Reminiscent of the late ’90s Fat Wreck sound with more pinch-harmonics. Not an album I’d find myself spinning often, but the kind of band I’d love to see live every time they came around.

Watchlist Watchlist cassette

A truly excellent debut from WATCHLIST here; totally unhinged raging punk that grabs you by the short-and-curlies and does not let up until it finishes. Vocals that exuded the kind of sneer and bile I love, and a drummer that is, quite frankly, absolutely leathering the shite out of that kit. Guitar tone is scuzzy and has the urge and menace that feels like a double shot of espresso to the gums. Get it now.

Wave of Fear Led to the Slaughter cassette

A strong debut from this Ghent, Belgium-based outfit. Straightforward, crusty raw punk with a cold and clinical delivery. With no reason to overcomplicate things, WAVE OF FEAR doesn’t bother with too many chords or tempo changes. No wanky guitar solos, no hint of a world filled with anything other than suffering, pain, and despair. Six songs, each one less than two minutes, as it should be. My only gripe is that the bass player (if there is one) seems to be getting the Jason Newsted …And Justice for All treatment. Otherwise, a solid introduction to a band to keep an eye on.

V/A Let Them Eat Coneys: 6 New Blasts of Noise From the Detroit Punk Scene EP

Showcasing songs from six different Detroit-based bands, Let Them Eat Coneys provides a glimpse at the current punk underground of the Motor City. This brief compilation was released on the 442 Music label, home base to DETROIT 442, whose diverse punk stylings are led by a gentleman named Lacy who comes across like the bastard child of Mick Collins and Snuky Tate. Kicking off the festivities, their entry here is a politically-charged bit of plodding hardcore that fits well with the rest of the unfriendly tunes that follow. Featuring a range of heavy and hard-edged bangers, this EP is a mixed bag of misanthropy, like a Whitman’s Sampler where all the candy has gone rotten.

2Amature / The Snorts DCxPC Live Presents, Vol. 32 split LP

The DCxPC concept is simple: two friends who want to capture what is happening in their tiny spots on the planet, this case Central Florida and Upstate New York, and give back to the fans and bands that trickle through their area. They do limited pressings of live bands, which ensures that everyone who was at the show has the option to take home more than just a memory; they get to have a physical piece of something that they’d helped create. From the DCxPC records I have heard, the quality has always been clear while still maintaining the feeling of being inches from the band. With this volume, the SNORTS kick off Side A and musically fall in line with SIDEKICKS, CARPENTER, or JIMMY EAT WORLD—I think all five songs on here are about being broken up with and being bummed out. They probably have songs about other things too, but these are all about that. At least one of these people needs a hug, and it is a bummer that the band isn’t there to do that for him. On the flip, 2AMATURE blasts out six songs of snotty hardcore not unlike the VINDICTIVES, musically chaotic and landing somewhere unpredictably between LOVE SONGS and BLACK FLAG. This is another delightfully, unsurprising DCxPC Records release. Everyone who was at these shows should grab a copy of this ASAP.

Advoids Appearances EP

ADVOIDS have a throwback sound that reminds me a little of WASTED YOUTH with MINUTEMEN playing rhythm. The bass is driving this EP of boiling and tinny layers, the proof conveyed in the track “Total Confessions.” Hard to track down any identification on these cats…solid offering nonetheless.