Maniacs Maniacs 12″
These cats can’t decide if they’re ’60s pop stars or country boppers. They do both genres (two tunes of each), though neither break any new ground. OK.
MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL
These cats can’t decide if they’re ’60s pop stars or country boppers. They do both genres (two tunes of each), though neither break any new ground. OK.
Both sides of his German band’s latest are excellent pop punk. Well produced, catchy tunes and lots of guitar and vocal choruses. Classic punk.
These 12 songs from this veteran German band pound out the melodies and harmonies, combining them with a nice raw edge. The vocals carry politically concerned lyrics smoothly and stand aside while several Oi rooted chants step in. Catch and rockin’.
Fuckin A (pardon my German), these guys shred! All four songs are rip-snortin’ and nasty-ass. A cut above.
A new German release with a different band on each side. The MANIACS have a thrash attack that mixes British and American elements; TIN CAN ARMY has a somewhat raunchier and more intense thrash sound with diverting lead parts inserted at just the proper moments. Both groups utilize political perspectives, and have a couple of slower sing-along numbers. Good.
OK-sounding mid-tempo skunk from Germany, with an occasional speedy song. The MANIACS’ strong suit is a constant buzzsaw guitar that breaks loose with some exciting licks on a few numbers (like “Nazischweine”).
The MANIACS play a combination of Finnish-influenced thrash and English-style punk. Some of the songs are somewhat garagy, while others have a steady ’77-style beat. Gruff vocals and a heavy bass make the MANIACS quite likeable, especially “Weltkrieg” and “We Want You.” Very catchy stuff.
